Good overview. Did the financials come from 990s available (free) at Guidestar?
The specific number to look for and track in current assets is the total for investments. That's the HSP endowment which has had its ups and downs, and is always central to year-to-year operations (just as the Woerner & Greyser study pointed out).
Yes, I reviewed HSP's 990s on Guidestar; it's a great resource. I agree that looking at investment is important, but so is looking at cash reserves and how they are handled (i.e., assuring that an organization doesn't run deficits over multiple years). And I also find the substantial increase in CEO pay troubling in a time when the organization as a whole is so understaffed that basic needs aren't being met.
Thanks for the link.
Agreed. All assets should be considered, but liquid (or near liquid) assets contribute most to vitality.
The issue of executive compensation in nonprofits is interesting and sometimes troubling. (Glad you pointed that out.) Could it be that boards are more comfortable when they are overpaying the person they spend the most time with? Can someone explain that dynamic?