Carnegie Investment Counsel Blog

The Four Missions: How Financial Advisors for Nonprofits Can Help

Posted by Carnegie Investment Counsel on Sep 2, 2021 1:30:00 PM

Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of donors for their sustainability, allowing them to solve real-world problems for those who need help. They often receive financial support from the government, private entities and philanthropic organizations, but the majority of giving comes from individual donors. Donating to these organizations allows people to pay their wealth forward. To make them even more successful in serving one of the four basic missions, financial advisors for nonprofits, like Carnegie Investment Counsel, can help.

A podcast episode of Business Made Simple (titled “Vik Harrison -- What You Really Need to Grow Your Nonprofit”) breaks down the four different categories of nonprofits, based on their mission. Hosts Koula Callahan and Dr. J.J. Peterson discusses how nonprofit organizations should approach their development the same way for-profit companies do via marketing and messaging. Vik Harrison, founder of Charity Water, advises how nonprofits can shift their thinking this way. Both Peterson and Callahan are part of StoryBrand, a marketing consultant company that helps brands and businesses clarify and transform their messaging. 

In the Business Made Simple episode, Peterson and Callahan use the following quote as a frame of reference for describing the four different nonprofits: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Here’s how each of those organizations differs from one another.

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Topics: nonprofit financial advisors, Nonprofits

How to Improve Your Nonprofit's Spending Policy Statement

Posted by Meg Halloran on Jun 29, 2021 1:30:00 PM

A spending policy statement (SPS) is crucial for nonprofits to ensure their funds are being spent in a way that benefits their mission, pleases their donors and adheres to legal policies. I see this firsthand as I serve as an investment committee member for my church. We meet quarterly to make investment decisions for the endowment and scholarship funds. As a Senior Portfolio Manager at Carnegie Investment Counsel’s Cleveland location, I am happy to share more information on improving a nonprofit spending policy.

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Topics: nonprofit financial advisors, ESG, Nonprofits

How Hiring a Financial Advisor for Your Nonprofit Can Help You Make a Greater Impact

Posted by Bob Carroll on May 27, 2021 1:30:00 PM

Note: This article was originally published on May 27, 2021 and updated on June 17, 2026 to reflect current information.

Your nonprofit exists to serve a mission. Strong financial management is one of the things that can help to make that mission sustainable. Not just this year, but for the long term.

For many nonprofit organizations, partnering with a qualified financial advisor can provide meaningful support across investment management, fiduciary governance, and donor development. Here's a look at some of the key benefits.

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Topics: Financial Planning, Investment Management, nonprofit financial advisors

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