On 1 February 2025, Advancing Civil Society - GLOCA organized a two-day workshop titled “Financial Management and Funding in Humanitarian Organizations,” delivered by Ahmad Issa and facilitated by Mohammad Taameh. The workshop brought together 97 participants and focused on strengthening practical knowledge of financial management, budgeting, reporting, compliance, and funding planning within humanitarian and nonprofit organizations.

Purpose of the Workshop
The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of financial accounting in humanitarian work, support their ability to prepare transparent and auditable financial reports, and build their capacity to manage budgets and expenses efficiently. It also introduced participants to key compliance and audit requirements, as well as strategies for managing financial resources in crisis and emergency contexts.

Main Themes

• Basic concepts of financial accounting in nonprofit and humanitarian organizations.

• Preparation of financial reports in line with transparency and accountability standards.

• Budget planning, expense tracking, and resource allocation.

• Compliance rules, financial policies, and audit readiness.

• Financial planning and resource management under limited funding and emergency conditions.

Key Outputs
The workshop resulted in practical financial planning exercises and the development of initial financial models for humanitarian projects. Participants prepared project files that included draft budgets, funding plans, spending timelines, financial monitoring mechanisms, and contingency plans for funding delays or gaps. A WhatsApp group was also created to maintain engagement, share resources, and continue technical discussions after the workshop.

Challenges and Response
Some participants came from non-financial backgrounds, while others faced internet connectivity issues or needed more time to practice financial tools. These challenges were addressed through simplified explanations, real-life examples, recorded sessions, shared training materials, and editable templates to support continued learning.

Key Learning and Impact
The workshop highlighted that sound financial planning is essential for the success and sustainability of humanitarian and development projects. Participants recognized the importance of linking organizational vision with available resources, using budgets as practical planning tools, and applying transparency and accountability principles in financial management. The interactive approach also helped participants understand that financial management is not only a technical function, but a core element of credibility and institutional effectiveness.

Success Story
One participant, Abdulrahman, joined the workshop with only a basic understanding of revenues and expenses. After applying the templates and tools introduced during the training, he reorganized the funding plan for a volunteer project within his team. Two weeks later, he presented a clear financial plan that helped the supporting entity approve the project for funding. He later became the financial focal point for his team and started working on a simple internal financial guide.

Recommendations
The workshop recommended implementing advanced financial trainings, extending the duration of future sessions, combining online and in-person learning when possible, preparing simplified financial guides, and encouraging participants to develop pilot projects under technical supervision.

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