Following a successful pilot, the Ausherman Family Foundation (AFF) reopens its latest endeavor, Back-Office Grants, designed to empower nonprofits by enhancing their operational capacities. These grants herald a new era of organizational efficiency, promising streamlined processes, reduced costs, improved staff retention, and heightened compliance, thereby enabling nonprofits to focus more on their core mission activities. AFF will continue to prioritize bolstering bookkeeping services, covering bill processing, payment management, payroll processing, and general accounting support.

AFF has collaborated with LSWG on their Book$mart Program, which operates as a phased funding initiative. During the initial year, AFF covers 100% of expenses for LSWG’s Book$mart program. In the second year, funding decreases to 50% by AFF. Organizations have the option to continue participating in the Book$mart program beyond the second year, bearing full costs themselves. Upon grant completion, automation of functions will be maximized for a seamless transition. LSWG will document organizational processes and produce a Report of Recommendations, forming the basis of a new Accounting Manual aimed at enhancing accounting procedures.

Open now until June 30th, this initiative offers a lifeline for nonprofits seeking to optimize their operational infrastructure. Laurie Fisher, representing the Literacy Council, lauds the transformative impact of these grants, stating, “This capacity grant has been a tremendous benefit to our organization at a critical time when we were outgrowing our accounting systems. LSWG has been a terrific partner and is very supportive of small nonprofits! Thank you for the many years of capacity support provided by your foundation and amazing team!” Other recipients of the grant include AARCH, Centro Hispano de Frederick, and the Frederick Center.

Organizations with operating budgets of $500,000 or less are eligible. Applications will close on June 30, 2024, and only a limited number of awards will be granted.

Additional information about the grant can be found here: Back-Office Support Grant | Ausherman Family Foundation