Budget Building From the Ground Up

Building a budget isn’t just about numbers; it’s about preparing your organization for the future. A flexible, inclusive budgeting process can be the difference between reacting to change and planning for it. Strategic budgeting helps nonprofits align resources with priorities, center equity in financial decisions, and chart a course through uncertainty.

Join us for this interactive workshop, where NEW’s Financial Services team will walk you through the fundamentals of nonprofit budgeting. You’ll learn how to use historical data, projections, and levels of optimism to craft a realistic and strategic budget. We’ll share inclusive practices, planning timelines, and a template you can adapt for your own organization. While we’ll reference QuickBooks, this session will primarily use Excel so you can work in real-time.

• Learn how to begin a budgeting process rooted in strategy and inclusion
• Understand how to use past data and future projections to build your budget
• Receive a customizable budgeting template you can take with you
• Work directly with your organization’s financials in real time

This session is for nonprofit staff, board members, or volunteers who are new to budgeting or seeking a more strategic approach. Bring a laptop and three years of your organization's Profit & Loss statements. We’ll guide you step by step as you start building a budget that works for your mission.

Friday, March 20, 2026 | 10:00am–12:00pm | In-person at the NEW Center

Thursday, June 25, 2026 | 9:00am–12:00pm | In-person at the NEW Center

Also check out other Workshops in Ann Arbor.