Protect Assets and Mission with Internal Controls

Each month, the Wyoming Nonprofit Network highlights a specific topic impacting the nonprofit sector in its What We Are Learning email series. In October 2025, WNN is examining internal controls and the necessity of these controls for effective oversight. 

Start Thinking About Internal Controls 

Internal controls for a nonprofit organization refer to the policies and procedures that safeguard its assets, ensure accurate financial records, promote efficient operations, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Examples include segregating financial duties, requiring dual signatures on checks, and maintaining documented policies for financial processes.

Consider the pre-learning questions below related to internal controls:   

1.  Does the organization have financial policies and procedures that have been formally documented and approved by the board of directors? 

2.  As the organization experiences changes in staff, structure, and technology, does it reevaluate internal risks? If new risks are identified, who is involved in developing updated internal controls?

3.  Does the organization have a whistleblower policy and supportive procedure to ensure safe reporting?

Online Learning Opportunity

Safeguarding Your Assets: Understanding Internal Controls for Nonprofit Organizations

Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

For nonprofit organizations, public trust is essential —and that starts with internal controls.

In partnership with the Wyoming Nonprofit Network, the Wyoming Society of Certified Public Accountants, and ClingerHagerman, this one-hour free webinar will discuss internal controls, which refer to the systems and processes an organization implements to ensure resources are protected and risks, such as mistakes and fraud, are minimized.

Participants will learn why internal controls are critical for an organization, gain a clear understanding of what internal controls are, and be provided with practical examples of how to implement internal controls— including for those organizations that rely heavily on volunteers. Whether your nonprofit is just getting started or seeking to strengthen its existing systems, this learning opportunity will equip you with the knowledge of internal controls needed to promote financial integrity, protect your mission, and build trust with stakeholders.

Who can benefit from this webinar? 

This webinar is valuable for staff and board members of nonprofit organizations of all sizes, including those entirely operated by volunteers.

Click here to download the event flyer.

This opportunity is presented in partnership with: 

Resources

• Implementing internal controls starts with assessing risk. Review “Risk Assessment Guide: A Checklist for Nonprofit Boards” for actionable steps any organization can take to identify risk areas and develop risk mitigation strategies.

• All organizations need internal controls, including small organizations and those without paid staff. Read Blue Avocado’s “Five Internal Controls for the Very Small Nonprofit” for insight into implementing internal controls regardless of the size of the organization.

• According to Blackbaud, “the three primary areas of the nonprofit organization that internal controls influence are operations, reporting, and compliance. When bad things happen at good organizations in any of these areas, the trust of your donors and the people you serve breaks down.” Learn more in “How Nonprofits Can Build Trust with Strong Internal Controls.”

What You Want to Learn Matters

Email Director of Learning and Development Tess Mittelstadt at tmittelstadt@wynonprofit.org with your feedback on the What We Are Learning email and suggestions on future topics.

The Wyoming Nonprofit Network amplifies, cultivates, and advocates for Wyoming's nonprofits.

Wyoming Nonprofit Network
822 West 23rd St., Unit A, Cheyenne, WY 82001
307-772-9050
wynonprofit.org