Forthcoming Discussions Financial Management in Tough Times The recession is forcing many charities and foundations to make crucial financial decisions, often in pressured circumstances. In many cases, nonprofit leaders and board members do not know what questions to ask and do not have a clear understanding of what their choices will mean to their organizations' long-term financial health. To help nonprofit leaders understand their options, The Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Nonprofit Finance Fund are offering a series of free, live online discussions that will give nonprofit and foundation leaders the opportunity to get advice from financial experts. Clara Miller, chief executive of the Nonprofit Finance Fund, along with other experts, will offer concrete and practical tips and ideas on some of the most pressing financial issues charities face today. The series will take place every other Thursday at 12 noon, U.S. Eastern time, beginning May 14. Thursday, June 25 Making capital campaigns work in the recession: The recession is particularly tough for nonprofit organizations that are conducting capital campaigns. Many donors are holding off on making big gifts. At the same time, access to credit is tight. This session will offer guidance to nonprofit groups that are managing capital campaigns in this challenging climate. Experts will be available to discuss strategies that can support campaign efforts and to offer advice to participants who are managing campaigns. Read the transcript Thursday, May 14 Financing options: What nonprofit leaders need to know about loans and tax-exempt bonds, as well as tools foundations can offer, such as program-related investments and recoverable grants. As the recession deepens, some charity and foundation leaders are looking at financial tools that are not now in wide use. Such moves might make sense for some grant makers and for some nonprofit groups, but leaders should understand the risks and benefits of loans, tax-exempt bonds, and other tools. This discussion will include answers to specific questions about how different financing options work, the benefits of each, and helpful hints about managing potential challenges. Read the transcript Thursday, May 28 New ways for arts organizations to finance their operations: Arts organizations face special challenges in weathering the recession. Many groups will see a significant decline in ticket buyers as patrons cut spending, while others have seen charitable contributions stall. This discussion will give arts leaders and those who support them an opportunity to talk about new, promising approaches to overcoming financial pressures, increasing revenue, managing costs, and connecting with audiences in new ways. Read the transcript Thursday, June 11 The changing role of foundations: With endowments shrinking and demand for help on the rise, foundations must now handle circumstances that were difficult to imagine during more stable times. How can foundations manage themselves through this crisis while also keeping an eye on their long-term health? What lessons can be learned from this recession? What are some creative ways to support nonprofit groups that need immediate help? Our experts will examine these questions in a format that will be instructive to foundations and the nonprofit groups they support. Read the transcript