Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: Interpreting Financials, Cash Flow Strategy & Scenario Planning

Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM *Refreshments served from 12:30 PM-1:00 PM*
Location: America’s Second Harvest,1380 Chatham Parkway, Savannah, GA 31405
Facilitator: Luella M. Sanders, AVP, VyStar Credit Union

Audience:

• Executive Directors / CEOs
• Board Members (especially Treasurers or Finance Committee members)
• Program Directors with budget responsibility
• Emerging nonprofit leaders without formal finance training

Registration:
Pre-registration required due to space limitations.
United Way Learning Circle Workshop Registration Form

Description:
In today’s unpredictable funding environment, nonprofit leaders must make informed financial decisions with limited resources and increasing demand for services. This hands-on workshop equips executive directors and board members, especially those without formal finance backgrounds—with practical tools to strengthen financial stewardship. Participants will review the three primary financial statements—income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement—and learn how to interpret them in real-world contexts. The session will also cover cash flow forecasting, helping leaders understand the timing of revenue and expenses and anticipating shortfalls before they become crises. Through guided exercises, participants will explore scenario planning techniques to navigate uncertainty, assess financial risks, and make strategic budgeting decisions with confidence. Emphasis is placed on practical monitoring tools that support transparency and accountability. By the end, participants will leave with customizable templates, stronger financial insight, and the confidence to lead with clarity, resilience, and foresight.

Learning Objectives:
Gain a clear understanding of the three primary financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement) and how to use them in decision-making

Key Outputs:

Participants will:

• Build practical skills in cash flow forecasting and managing revenue timing gaps
• Apply scenario planning techniques to prepare for financial uncertainty and shifting funding streams
• Strengthen board-level financial oversight and decision-making confidence, especially for non-financial leaders

About Facilitator(s):
Luella Sanders is an accomplished leader with more than 30 years of experience in accounting, finance, and community engagement. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Regional Community Engagement at VyStar Credit Union, where she oversees strategic philanthropic initiatives supporting Military, Youth, and Community programs, with a strong emphasis on advancing organizations that serve the ALICE population.

A dedicated advocate for education and nonprofit leadership, Luella has been an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College since 2007, shaping the next generation of business and community professionals. She also lends her expertise to numerous boards, including Over the Moon Diaper Bank, DEEP Center, the South Bryan Advisory Council for the Bryan County School System, and the United Way of South Bryan County Advisory Board.

Luella’s regional leadership extends to her roles as the 2026 American Heart Association Go Red for Women Program Chair and the 2026 Leadership Southeast Georgia Team Chatham Program Chair. She is also a proud 2025 graduate of Leadership Southeast Georgia.

Driven by service and a passion for strengthening communities, Luella Sanders is widely recognized as an influential educator, advocate, and regional leader across Southeast Georgia.