Nonprofit Operating Reserve Toolkit

Tip Sheet

Building Financial Sustainability for Your Nonprofit Organization

The operating reserve fund is more than the emergency fund for your nonprofit organization. In good times, it helps you make more strategic decisions and take advantage of favorable opportunities. In lean times, it gives your leadership a chance to think without having to take drastic steps, such as suspending programs when your communities need them most.

In this toolkit, we’ve gathered our top resources for operating reserve funds, including:

  • Blog posts on making the case for and developing your operating reserve fund as well as what to do to build or replenish your operating reserves.

  • Information from operating reserve champions about how to calculate your operating reserves and what you need to include in your policy.

  • A checklist to help you establish your own operating reserve fund.

Download this toolkit today and help your nonprofit organization build financial sustainability.