Full Cost Framework - Nonprofit Finance Fund

Equitable Funding Starts with Understanding Full Cost

Full cost is a framework that aligns nonprofit leaders and funders around what it takes to run thriving and effective programs, address resource disparities, and create financially resilient organizations.

Intro to Full Cost

NFF’s introductory content creates a shared understanding of full cost concepts for nonprofit leaders and foundation program officers – including how to connect finances to mission success.

Implementation and Analysis

NFF staff guide nonprofit leaders through our full cost workbook and calculator to apply concepts to their unique circumstances for a clear picture of immediate and future needs.

Deep Funder Engagement

NFF’s additional training supports funders that are ready to become change-makers and put full cost concepts to work as they support grantee partners.

Sharing Knowledge

NFF collaborates with funders, nonprofits, and other stakeholders to create partnerships that advance full cost funding practices and build a more equitable social sector.

I'm using a full cost framework now with the board, so I explain our unfunded expenses and our capital budgets as we discuss how much we’re planning to spend this year. This has changed the language we’re speaking here, so that’s been terrific. Having that structure allows you to create a vision for the future.

Dean Nakanishi

CEO of Asian American Drug Abuse Program (AADAP)

We learned how to calculate and, more importantly, ask for funding that covers the actual cost for us to deliver great results. Being truly confident in the full costs allowed us to articulate that to funders, and strategically decline program partnerships that would drain our resources instead of uplifting our programs.

Lauren Shadford

Executive Director, Voices in Contemporary Art

The Six Full Cost Areas

See how to connect organizational finances to the six components of full cost: total expenses, including unfunded expenses; working capital; reserves; debt; fixed assets additions; and change capital.

Full Cost Communication Guide

Explore tips and scenarios based on common conversations with examples for how both nonprofits and funders can approach financial health from a more generative perspective.

Funder Best Practices

Read about the six principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy for insights on how to implement a full cost approach for better grantmaking.

Inquire About Full Cost

Get to know the full cost framework

NFF helps nonprofits, funders, networks, and communities implement full cost practices. Contact us to learn more.