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Meet Peter Farstad, Founder of Nonprofit Financial Acumen

I founded Nonprofit Financial Acumen to support leaders in gaining fluency and confidence in their understanding of finance to more effectively fulfill their mission.

Peter Farstad is a seasoned nonprofit finance expert with over three decades of experience. Through his roles as the CFO, CAO, and interim CEO of LifeSource, the organization serving the mission of organ and tissue donation in the Upper Midwest, Peter has a proven track record of successfully managing complex financial operations.

His deep understanding of nonprofit finance extends beyond his executive experience. Peter has served on numerous nonprofit boards and finance committees, sharing his expertise with organizations of all sizes.

Highly regarded for his insightful teaching, Peter’s 14-year tenure as a master’s level instructor in nonprofit financial management at a Twin Cities University earned him glowing reviews as he shaped the next generation of nonprofit leaders.

He believes in a practical and hands-on approach, drawing on his extensive experience to provide actionable insights and strategies. Peter’s unique ability to break down complex financial concepts empowers leaders to gain the skill to make informed decisions for their organizations.

Key Strengths:

  • Deep understanding of nonprofit financial challenges and opportunities.
  • Unparalleled commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations in achieving their goals.
  • A trusted partner who ignites a passion for finance through engaging and accessible instruction.

Peter is dedicated to helping nonprofit leaders navigate the complexities of finance and make informed decisions. His expertise and passion make him a valuable resource for organizations seeking to strengthen their financial foundations.

Curriculum Vitae:

  • MBA, University of Saint Thomas, Minneapolis, MN.
  • BS Management, Canisius University, Buffalo, NY.
  • Outstanding Faculty Award, Hamline University School of Business, 2019.
  • Distinguished Alumni Award, Canisus University, 2011.
  • CFO of the Year, Minneapolis – St. Paul Business Journal, 2007.
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Peter Farstad is a consummate teacher, coach and visionary. He teaches in every interaction, sharing stories and perspectives that give people a glimpse of the best version of themselves.

Katie McKeeOperations Administrator, Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic
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Peter is a methodical, organized, and patient professor. He is terrific at scaffolding information, meaning he provided us with support as we learned and used new concepts and skills. By the end of our course, all students were capable of independently producing a complete financial assessment of a real nonprofit organization.

Lauren LoefflerManager, Human Resources, Learning and Development for SPS Commerce
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Peter served as a coach for Gift of Life Institute’s leadership program from 2017 through 2021. During that time, I observed his easy communication style, sense of humor, and his support of emerging leaders in their growth and increased knowledge. Peter has also presented a lecture on the structure and funding of organizations in our healthcare community. This lecture was well-received and has been the gold standard for our program.

Theresa A. DalyVice President, Gift of Life Institute
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Peter is an inspiring teacher and leader. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about all things financial, but he also shares his expertise in a style that is engaging and accessible. Peter was one of my favorite professors in graduate school. I also appreciated his wonderful sense of humor, his excellent taste in clothes, and his very personable and genuine nature.

Darcy BerusSenior Advancement Officer, Foundation Relations, Minneapolis Institute of Art
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