Grant Agreement Basics: Know the Rules That Govern Your Funding
For many government entities, grants have become a core funding source rather than a temporary supplement. Federal and state programs now support essential services such as infrastructure improvements, public safety initiatives, technology investments, and community development projects. While securing a grant is an important milestone, the real work begins onc
Financial Sustainability: How Nonprofits Can Plan for the Long-Term
Financial sustainability is a growing concern for many nonprofit leaders. Between shifting donor expectations, rising operating costs, and increased competition for grants, organizations are working harder than ever to maintain steady footing. While short-term fundraising often gets the most attention, long-term stability depends on thoughtful planning, reliabl
Understanding the 2026 FinCEN Real Estate Reporting Rule and the Minnesota Disclosure Form
Beginning March 1, 2026, certain residential real estate transactions will carry a new federal reporting requirement. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Treasury, has finalized its Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, which targets specific non-financed transfers involving legal entities and trusts. For closing agents, se
Strengthening Enterprise Value Before You Need It: A Q&A with Davis Van Roekel
For many business owners, enterprise value represents their largest financial asset. Yet it is often not clearly measured or intentionally aligned with long-term succession goals. While owners concentrate on revenue and daily operations, the overall value of the business can strengthen with focus or gradually decline without it. To explore how business owners c
AML/CFT Compliance in 2026: Staying Ahead of Emerging Threats
As financial crimes grow more sophisticated, financial institutions are entering 2026 under heightened scrutiny around Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance. Examiners expect stronger oversight, reliable data, and a clearly defined risk-based approach to identifying unusual activity. For many financial institutions, th
Building the Public Sector Workforce of the Future
Public sector organizations are feeling the pressure of an evolving workplace. Retirements are accelerating, competition for skilled talent is rising, and community expectations are becoming more complex. These shifts mirror the broader changes happening across government. Agencies that invest in forward-looking workforce strategies are better positioned to mai
Strategic Fit in M&A: Beyond the Numbers
Mergers and acquisitions decisions often begin with financial optimism. Teams study valuations, projected synergies, and cash-flow models to understand whether a deal makes sense. Yet many transactions that look strong in early analysis become far more complex once integration starts. In most cases, the difference comes down to strategic fit. How well businesse
Creating a Strategic Roadmap for Value Enhancement in 2026
Rising costs, persistent labor constraints, and evolving customer expectations are forcing business owners to rethink how value is created and protected. Many organizations are busy and growing, yet still find that results lag behind effort. As 2026 gets underway, the challenge is not a lack of ideas, it is a lack of structure that connects […]
Reducing the Impact of Construction Delays on Cost and Schedule
Construction delays are rarely caused by one event. More often, it’s a combination of weather, labor availability, permitting slowdowns, or supply issues that push timelines out. When that happens, the budget often moves with it. Contractors and developers who prepare for these disruptions early tend to be in a stronger position to manage rising costs [&helli
Phishing and Cyber Attacks: Simple Checks That Can Prevent Major Losses
Phishing emails remain one of the most common entry points for cyber-attacks. What makes them effective today is not obvious errors, but familiarity. Messages often look routine, reference real vendors, or mirror internal communication styles. That realism can lower defenses and lead to quick action without verification. While technology helps filter threats, a
