Nonprofit Investment Policies in Uncertain Times

Original Broadcast Date: April 30, 2026

Summary: Market volatility can make investment decisions feel urgent. However, for nonprofits, the most important question is not simply what markets are doing. It is whether the organization has a clear, board-approved framework that connects its investment decisions to its mission, financial needs, risk tolerance and time horizon. In this webinar, Omar Visram and Akash Rattan explore how a disciplined investment policy helps boards and finance committees avoid reactive decisions, maintain consistency, and strengthen financial stewardship through uncertain periods.

Learning Objectives

After watching this webinar, you will be able to:

• Explain why an investment policy is an important governance document for organizations with invested funds, reserves or endowments.
• Identify the five core elements of a policy: investment objective, risk tolerance, asset allocation, time horizon and decision-making rules.
• Recognize the risks of making investment decisions without a clear policy framework, including emotional reactions, inconsistent approaches and board tension.
• Ask better questions about whether investment returns match the risk taken and the organization’s mission timeline.
• Outline a practical process for annual policy review, monitoring and board or finance committee oversight.

This session provides general education on nonprofit governance and financial management. Organizations should obtain professional advice appropriate to their own investment objectives and circumstances.