Non-For-Profit : Final Project Milestone Three: Financial Management and Ethics

Overview: Because the money needed to operate a not-for-profit organization comes largely from private donations and public grants, spending the money wisely is a top priority. In addition, where there is money, there is the temptation to misuse it. Strong financial management and a commitment to ethics go hand-in-hand for a well-managed not-for-profit organization. 

Complete the SWOT Analysis Worksheet to assist you in evaluating the financial management practices and ethical considerations of your chosen not-for-profit organization. You will use this information to prepare your analysis. You will not submit the worksheet as part of the milestone assignment. 

Prompt: Analyze the financial management and ethical practices of the not-for-profit organization (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) on which you will perform your strategic analysis. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed: 

 I.  Introduction: Write an introduction to your paper that includes a hook and a controlling idea (thesis). The introduction should generate interest and let the reader know what to expect in the paper. 

 II.  Analysis:
a. Finances:

 i.  Discuss the organization’s current budgetary resources, structure, and responsibilities. 

 ii.  Discuss the organization’s current fundraising campaigns, grant possibilities, and planned giving opportunities and their impact on the overall budget. 

 iii.  Determine potential challenges to the financial operation of the organization based on your analysis of its overall financial management.

B. Ethics: 

 iv.  Discuss the organization’s handling of budget and fundraising transparency, specifically in regards to its adherence to established codes, principles, and ethics of the industry. 

 v.  Discuss ethical considerations the organization faces related to conflict of interest, privacy, and compensation. 

 vi.  Evaluate how the ethical operation of this organization has impacted its public image. 

 III.  Conclusion: Write a conclusion to your paper that summarizes the organization’s leadership strategies and communication practices. Tie the conclusion back to your controlling idea (thesis). 

Guidelines for Submission: Submit a 3- to 4-page Microsoft Word document (not including the title page or references). It should be double spaced with 12-point  Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and APA formatting. 

OL 665 SWOT Analysis Worksheet

Instructions: Complete this SWOT analysis and use the information to support your analysis in Milestone Three: Financial Management and Ethics. You will not submit this worksheet as part of the milestone.

Strengths (What are the financial strengths of the not-for-profit organization that you selected for your course project? Consider financial management practices, transparency, and ethical handling of finances.)	Weaknesses (What are the financial weaknesses of the not-for-profit organization that you selected for your course project? Consider financial management practices, transparency, and ethical handling of finances.)
· List at least 4 strengths here. Use complete sentences.	· List at least 4 weaknesses here. Use complete sentences.
Opportunities (What opportunities for improvement in financial management exist for the not-for-profit organization that you selected for your course project? Consider the implementation of policies and procedures that would eliminate weaknesses and mitigate threats.)	Threats (Do current financial management practices pose threats to the organization? Consider threats to public relations, perceptions of ethical practices, impacts on sustainability, and so on.)
· List at least 4 opportunities here. Use complete sentences.	· List at least 4 threats here. Use complete sentences.