Sound financial management is essential for the sustainability and effectiveness of any non-governmental organisation (NGO). The Financial Management Skills Training Course for NGO Projects offered at Oxford Training Centre provides participants with the knowledge, tools, and practical skills required to manage donor funds, ensure accountability, and maintain transparent financial systems in non-profit operations.
This course focuses on practical applications of financial management principles in the context of NGO projects, covering key areas such as budgeting, grant management, financial reporting, compliance, and monitoring. Participants will learn how to align their financial practices with both organisational objectives and donor requirements, ensuring funds are utilised effectively and in line with legal and contractual obligations.
By incorporating concepts and practices relevant to Accounting Finance and Budgeting Training courses, this programme connects technical financial skills with strategic project management for the non-profit sector. It addresses the unique challenges NGOs face in resource allocation, donor compliance, and financial sustainability, enabling participants to make informed decisions that enhance project outcomes.
Through interactive exercises, case studies, and real-world examples, participants will leave with a structured approach to managing NGO project finances — from initial budgeting to final audit — with an emphasis on accountability, transparency, and effective reporting to stakeholders.
Objectives
- Develop and manage project budgets that align with organisational and donor requirements.
- Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Apply donor compliance guidelines to ensure proper utilisation of grant funds.
- Implement effective financial controls to prevent misuse or misallocation of resources.
- Monitor financial performance against budgets and take corrective action when necessary.
- Manage grant administration processes from application to final reporting.
- Apply best practices in NGO financial management training for improved transparency and accountability.
- Analyse financial data to support decision-making and project sustainability.
- Ensure compliance with local laws and international financial reporting standards for non-profits.
- Integrate financial management processes into project monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Target Audience
- NGO project managers responsible for overseeing budgets and financial compliance.
- Finance officers and accountants working in non-profit organisations.
- Grant managers and donor relations officers.
- Monitoring and evaluation specialists with financial reporting responsibilities.
- Senior managers and directors seeking to strengthen organisational financial capacity.
- Programme coordinators who require an understanding of financial processes.
- Administrative staff supporting grant and project finance functions.
- Development professionals transitioning into non-profit financial management roles.
- Individuals involved in budgeting and financial reporting for NGOs at project or organisational level.
How Will Attendees Benefit?
- Gain practical skills to develop, manage, and monitor NGO project budgets effectively.
- Improve financial reporting accuracy to satisfy donor and organisational requirements.
- Strengthen accountability mechanisms through robust financial controls.
- Build capacity for grant management and donor compliance training within their organisations.
- Increase their ability to manage project funds in line with non-profit accounting standards.
- Enhance transparency in financial operations, improving donor trust and organisational credibility.
- Learn to integrate financial management into broader project monitoring and evaluation activities.
- Acquire strategies for achieving financial sustainability in NGO operations.
- Be better equipped to manage the entire project finance cycle from funding to final audit.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Financial Management in NGOs
- Understanding the role of financial management in NGO project success.
- Key differences between for-profit and non-profit financial systems.
- Overview of financial management for non-profit organizations principles.
Module 2: Budgeting for NGO Projects
- Developing comprehensive and realistic project budgets.
- Linking budgets to organisational and donor objectives.
- Managing budget revisions during the project lifecycle.
Module 3: Financial Reporting for NGOs
- Preparing accurate financial reports for donors and boards.
- Understanding donor-specific reporting formats and timelines.
- Linking financial reports to project performance indicators.
Module 4: Grant Management and Donor Compliance
- Key principles of NGO project finance training and grant administration.
- Donor compliance requirements and common pitfalls.
- Documenting and justifying project expenditures.
Module 5: Non-Profit Accounting and Finance Skills
- Applying non-profit accounting and finance skills in daily operations.
- Recording transactions in compliance with accounting standards.
- Managing restricted vs. unrestricted funds.
Module 6: Financial Planning and Control for NGOs
- Implementing financial controls to safeguard resources.
- Planning for short-term and long-term project funding.
- Identifying and managing financial risks in projects.
Module 7: Financial Sustainability Strategies
- Diversifying funding sources for long-term stability.
- Building reserves and contingency funds.
- Linking financial sustainability with strategic planning.
Module 8: Monitoring and Evaluation of NGO Finances
- Integrating financial monitoring into project evaluation.
- Identifying key performance indicators for financial health.
- Using financial data to improve programme outcomes.
Module 9: Practical Applications and Case Studies
- Real-world examples of budgeting, reporting, and compliance training for non-profit projects.
- Hands-on exercises in donor fund allocation and accountability.
- Developing an NGO finance improvement action plan.