Treasury Management for Nonprofits

Managing a nonprofit’s finances isn’t always easy. Between unpredictable funding cycles, tight budgets, and increasing demands for transparency, nonprofit leaders have a lot to juggle. And while the mission is always the priority, making sure your organization runs smoothly behind the scenes is just as important.

That’s where treasury management comes in.

Treasury management refers to the strategies and tools used to manage cash flow, payments, receivables, and financial risk. It’s often associated with large corporations—but many of the same services can be incredibly useful for nonprofits of all sizes. With the right approach, treasury management can help your organization improve efficiency, reduce risk, and plan for long-term sustainability.

To help us learn more about how treasury management can help nonprofit organizations, we sat down with Amplify’s Vice President of Commercial Banking, Julie Macaluso. 

What is treasury management?

Treasury management involves managing how money comes in, how it goes out, and how it’s handled in between. That includes everything from processing payments and forecasting cash flow to protecting against fraud and making sure reserves are in place.

“Put simply, treasury management is a collection of additional add-on services and convenient money movement tools that make your day-to-day life easier and safer for your business or organization,” explains Macaluso. 

For many nonprofits, these responsibilities fall on a small finance team—or even a single staff member. But treasury management doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, many banks and credit unions offer treasury services designed specifically for nonprofits, making it easy to put the right tools and processes in place. With the right banking partner, even small organizations can streamline their finances, gain clearer insights, and plan confidently for the future.

How can treasury management services help nonprofit organizations?

Nonprofits face unique financial challenges that require careful planning and flexible tools. So which services should nonprofits consider?

“There are many options available,” says Macaluso. “From merchant services to remote deposit capture to positive pay, there are numerous services designed to help organizations manage their money.” 

We’ve broken down how treasury management services can provide solutions to common challenges that nonprofits face.

1. Streamlined Donation Processing

If it’s difficult for supporters to give—or if it takes too long for funds to reach your account—it can slow down your ability to make an impact. 

“Treasury services can help streamline the process of receiving donations, making it easier for people to donate and faster for nonprofits to access the funds,” says Macaluso.

Tools like merchant services allow you to accept card-initiated donations through your website or a QR code, giving donors convenient ways to contribute online or in person. This not only improves the donor experience but also strengthens your cash flow and reduces administrative delays.

2. Simplified Daily Operations

With small teams and limited resources, many nonprofits still rely on spreadsheets and paper checks. Treasury services can automate routine tasks and reduce manual labor. 

For example, direct deposit makes payroll faster and more secure, while mobile deposit allows staff to deposit donations without visiting a branch. These tools help streamline operations and save time across the board.

3. Strong Fraud Protection and Internal Controls

Unfortunately, nonprofits can be targets for fraud—especially if financial processes lack internal oversight. Treasury management tools offer several ways to reduce risk and protect your accounts.

One key feature is dual control, which adds a layer of accountability by requiring two individuals to complete high-risk transactions. “Implementing dual control for money movement is an essential tool for internal controls,” says Macaluso. “This means one person submits a transfer, and a secondary person reviews and approves it before it’s sent. It helps organizations stay on top of where their money is—and where it’s going—in real time.”

Treasury platforms also allow for customized user access, so multiple staff members can use online banking with different levels of permissions. Combined with fraud detection services like positive pay, these features give nonprofits more control, more visibility, and more peace of mind.

4. Better Financial Visibility

It can be hard to make informed decisions without real-time access to financial data. Treasury platforms often include dashboards and reporting tools that make it easier to monitor account activity, track trends, and support budget planning.

5. Smarter Reserve and Investment Planning

Many nonprofits operate with tight margins, leaving little room for unexpected expenses. Treasury advisors can help you develop a reserve fund strategy and explore safe, short-term investment options that align with your goals.

Finding the Right Treasury Management Partner

The right banking partner can make treasury management feel approachable, not overwhelming. If you’re evaluating treasury services for the first time, it’s worth taking the time to ask questions and compare your options.

“Take the time to do your research,” advises Macaluso. “Gone are the days of needing to be near a physical branch. What’s more important is finding someone knowledgeable—someone you can form a long-term relationship with.”

Julie also encourages nonprofit leaders to speak directly with a representative to understand what services are available, how much they cost (some, like Amplify’s, may be free), and how they align with your organization’s needs.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” she adds. “The banking professional you’re working with doesn’t expect you to understand every service or how it might help your organization. A great financial partner will take the time to explain each option in detail and help you determine what’s a good fit right now.”

When evaluating a potential banking partner, consider asking:

• What treasury services do you offer for nonprofits?
• Are there fees, account minimums, or volume requirements?
• How customizable are user permissions and access levels
• Do your systems integrate with our accounting software?
• What kind of support or training is available?

A good partner should offer more than just products—they should offer guidance, flexibility, and a relationship you can count on as your organization grows.

Helping Your Nonprofit Grow

Strong financial operations are the backbone of a sustainable nonprofit. With the right treasury management services—and a banking partner who understands your mission—you can simplify your day-to-day tasks, protect your funds, and plan for long-term success. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to refine your financial systems, investing in treasury support is a step toward greater impact.