Glossary
Budget & Forecasting

Cash Flow Projection

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

A cash flow projection estimates future cash inflows and outflows to help nonprofits plan for financial sustainability.
A cash flow projection is a financial forecast that estimates the amount of cash expected to flow into and out of an organization over a specific period, such as a month, quarter, or year. For nonprofits, cash flow projections provide insights into when funds will be available to cover operational expenses, helping organizations avoid shortfalls and plan for major expenditures. This tool considers both incoming cash (like donations, grants, and program income) and outgoing cash (such as payroll, rent, and program costs), allowing for proactive financial planning and decision-making. Regularly updating cash flow projections enables nonprofits to anticipate potential funding gaps, adjust spending, and communicate financial needs to stakeholders with confidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Predicts cash availability for upcoming periods
  • Helps manage timing of income and expenses
  • Supports proactive planning for financial stability
  • Reduces risk of cash shortfalls

Why It Matters

It helps nonprofits anticipate cash shortages and make informed financial decisions.

Real World Example

A small nonprofit hosting an annual fundraising gala uses a cash flow projection to forecast when ticket sales and sponsorships will be received, alongside event-related expenses such as venue deposits and catering fees. By mapping out expected inflows and outflows, the organization identifies a period where cash reserves might run low before sponsorship payments are received. This allows them to adjust the event timeline or seek bridge funding to ensure they can meet all necessary payments without disruption to their programs.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos provides budgeting and forecasting tools that make it easy for nonprofits to create, update, and monitor cash flow projections. By integrating your transactions and budgets within Aplos, you can quickly generate accurate cash flow reports and use real-time insights to guide your organization’s financial planning.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cash flow projection?

A cash flow projection is a financial forecast that estimates future cash inflows and outflows for a specific period.

Why is cash flow projection important for nonprofits?

It helps nonprofits anticipate periods of cash shortage, plan expenditures, and ensure they can meet their obligations.

How often should a nonprofit update its cash flow projection?

Best practice is to review and update cash flow projections monthly or whenever there are significant changes in revenue or expenses.

Can I create a cash flow projection in Aplos?

Yes, Aplos provides tools to help nonprofits build, track, and update cash flow projections easily within their accounting system.