4Thought Blog

4thought graphic - blog 2020

Nonprofits & Debt: What to Weigh Before Borrowing Money

Posted by Concannon Miller on Thu, Nov 1, 2018

Find me on:

Woman meeting financial adviser in officeDebt is an integral part of the strategic plans of many organizations, yet it has traditionally carried a stigma in the nonprofit industry. That view is changing, as more organizations borrow money for major capital purchases, new program funding — even to manage current cash flow.

But if you're hoping to borrow funds, know that not all nonprofits qualify. And even if you're able to find a lender, it takes prudent financial management and reliable donor support to pay back a loan.

Exhaust Other Options First

You may think your organization has a good rationale for borrowing, but that doesn't mean lenders — or even your supporters — will agree. One of the primary criteria watchdog groups such as Charity Navigator and Charity Watch use to evaluate nonprofit organizations is the percentage of available funds spent on programs. If a large portion of your budget is tied up in debt repayment, that's likely to be affect how the public, including prospective donors, perceives your organization.

What's more, lender covenants may prevent you from borrowing for other purposes and thus limit strategic flexibility until your existing debt is paid off. And as many nonprofits have learned in recent years, debt makes periods of economic uncertainty that much more challenging. So in general, it's best to exhaust other funding sources, such as public and private grants and major donations, before applying for a loan.

READ MORE: Nonprofits: How to Use Financial Statements to Impress Funders

Are You Prepared?

Even if you determine your nonprofit can handle the risks of borrowing, you likely won't qualify for a loan unless you have all your ducks in a row. Before approaching a lender, make sure you have:

  • A realistic repayment plan that doesn't strain your operating budget;
  • Current financial statements, recent tax returns and up-to-date cash-flow projections;
  • Collateral to secure the loan, such as your not-for-profit's accounts receivable, unencumbered real estate or equipment;
  • A proven history of prudent financial management; and
  • The support of your board of directors.


The odds of qualifying for a loan are better if you've already established relationships with lenders — preferably those with experience lending to nonprofit organizations. You may even want to establish a small line of credit with a local bank at a time you don't actually need the money. That way, the bank will know you when you apply for a larger loan.

Be sure to ask for assistance from board members who may work in banking or who can introduce you to lenders they know.

Justify Your Loan

Lenders want to know, in detail, why your nonprofit is seeking funds and what you hope to achieve with them.

One of the most common reasons organizations seek loans is to make major purchases. For example, a private secondary school may want to replace its aging gym with a new athletic facility.

Or a senior community center may need a specially equipped van to transport disabled clients. Generally, such purchases are partially funded by grants or donations — and evidence of such support is likely to help your application.

Many nonprofit organizations also borrow to stabilize cash flow — typically with a line of credit. You may, for example, need funds to bridge billing and collections gaps or to remain liquid while waiting for a major grant check to arrive. Such credit is usually acceptable as long as you don't routinely borrow the maximum amount or continually operate your organization with a deficit.

It may be harder to justify a loan to fund new programs or initiatives — unless you can prove that they are essential to your mission and that they are likely to produce income down the line. And while you may be able to borrow to address an emergency situation, don't get into the habit of calling a loan officer every time the unexpected happens. That's what emergency savings and contingency plans are for.

READ MORE: Nonprofits: Six Benefits to Scrupulous Financial Records

Where Nonprofit Organizations Go When they Need a Loan

When you hear the word "loan," you probably think "bank." While plenty of banks are willing to make term loans or lines of credit available to nonprofits, your organization may not want, or be able, to pay the interest rates attached to them. Fortunately, you have other options, including:

Community foundations: Short-term loans may be available from local nonprofit foundations or funds, such as the Fund for the City of New York or the Chicago Community Trust, or from national groups such as the Nonprofits Assistance Fund. Generally, these organizations charge low interest rates — and, in some cases, no interest at all.

Board members: Contrary to what you might have heard, there are no legal obstacles to borrowing from a board member. However, such loans merit caution. To avoid IRS scrutiny, the board member/ lender must charge interest at or below market rate, the entire board (absent the lender) must vote to approve the loan, and you must report the loan on your Form 990. Finally, to protect all parties, you need to put the loan terms in writing.

Government bonds: Generally taken out to fund large capital investments related to real estate and facilities, a municipal or other government entity bond might be an option. Because these bonds' income isn't subject to federal income tax, your nonprofit can borrow at a lower-than-market interest rate. However, fees associated with structuring and issuing the bond could offset interest-rate advantages.

Reasonable Certainty

As many consumers have learned the hard way, it's easy to dig a hole for yourself with debt. But a loan might be right for you if you know with reasonable certainty how your organization will repay it and you've determined with your board and financial advisors that the possible negative consequences of debt financing are remote. Contact us for advice before taking on any significant debt.

Sign up for more Timely Tips for Businesses

© 2018

Topics: Nonprofit Organizations

Concannon Miller’s unique, holistic and intimate approach to financial health sets us apart from smaller CPA firms with more limited resources as well as mega firms where mid-sized clients struggle for attention. Contact us here to talk about improving your business.

This communication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered at the time it was published. However, the general information herein is not intended to be nor should it be treated as tax, legal, or accounting advice. Additional issues could exist that would affect the tax treatment of a specific transaction and, therefore, taxpayers should seek advice from an independent tax advisor based on their particular circumstances before acting on any information presented. This information is not intended to be nor can it be used by any taxpayer for the purposes of avoiding tax penalties.

Subscribe for more Timely Tips for Businesses

Recent Posts