Advisory Services

We understand that every organization has a unique set of opportunities and challenges. We offer individualized assistance to help you reach your financial and programmatic goals.

Individualized Assistance

In order to assist organizations in considering their long-term viability and sustainability, FCI engages in one-on-one financial assessment in the following areas:

• Complete in-depth financial analysis based on historical performance, including ratio analysis and cash flow review.
• Evaluate the organization’s financial condition based on historic trends and in comparison to current budget.
• Develop a financial forecast that includes a probability analysis of future performance.
• Review programs, capacity and mission, along with organizational strengths and non-strengths.

Whether you are in need of a few quick tips or require in-depth consultation for a long-term plan, we are available to walk you through the steps toward financial stability and sustainability

Assessment Tool

FCI’s Capacity Building Assessment Tool was designed to help nonprofit organizations assess their organizational capacity.  Working with management and the board of directors, the tool explores the key elements of your organization’s structure – from mission and vision to board governance to leadership and, of course, overall financial health.  The objectives include:

• Identify those particular areas of capacity that are strongest and those that have opportunity for improvement;
• Measure changes in an organization's capacity over time; and
• Draw out different views within an organization regarding its capacity.

FCI provides facilitated conversations to review the results of the assessment and to assist your organization in completing an action plan that prioritizes specific opportunities for growth.  

Assistance Accessing New Market Tax Credits (NMTC)

The New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) program is intended to encourage new investments in businesses, economic development and community facilities located in eligible low-income census tracts.  The NMTC program, administered by the CDFI Fund of the US Treasury Department, uses tax credits to facilitate the transfer of real estate wealth into distressed and under-developed communities. NMTC are available for projects costing $5+ million and involving  acquisition, renovations, leasehold improvements, or new construction of community spaces, including health clinics, dental clinics, community centers, business incubators, charter schools, arts & cultural spaces, and more.

While this program is very beneficial, it can also be complicated. We have expertise with NMTC and can work you from the beginning to end of what is a challenging process. Examples of NMTC projects we supported include:

• Goodman Community Center (GCC), Madison, WI: FCI helped GCC access $6 million in NMTC for the purchase and renovation of their community center, complete with gym, daycare, food pantry and job training site for teens.
• Access Community Health Centers, Madison, WI: FCI assisted in accessing NMTC and financing renovations related to the purchase of a building and its subsequent transformation into a federally qualified health clinic site for medical, dental and pharmacy services.
• Madison Children’s Museum (MCM), Madison, WI: FCI helped MCM coordinate a $7+ million NMTC transaction with multiple parties.