Knowing the Numbers: Nonprofit Financial Best Practices

Raj is the driving force behind FOREsight’s current and future initiatives and is responsible for the growth and sustainability of the company. Due to his impact on non-profits, social enterprises and small businesses, Raj has presented at conferences and workshops across the country and has been featured in numerous publications. In February 2013, he graduated from the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses initiative, designed to help small businesses grow and create more jobs. He was named Small Business Person of the Year for the NY district by the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2011, a 2013 Top Entrepreneur by Crain’s New York Business and the National Black MBA Association and he was also recognized as one of 50 Outstanding Asian Americans in Business by the Asian American Business Development Center. He also serves on the Board of an arts nonprofit

Shakespeare was my passion at University of California, Los Angeles. Before I set out to become a literature professor, my mentors encouraged me to join the workforce to gain experience. That is when I landed at Charles Schwab, where I found a new passion for educating people about investments, the stock market and financial planning. I followed that career trajectory for 25+ years, working for mPower Advisors (early robo advisory firm for 401k participants), Barclays Global Investors and iShares / BlackRock. My passion now continues through founding Fairlight where I help nonprofits, foundations and endowments invest to achieve their mission.

Rachel Waterman has over 25 years of community development and grant writing experience, is Grant Professional Certified (GPC), a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Grant Professionals Association (GPA) Approved Trainer, and an expert in grant management. She holds a Master’s degree in community and economic development with a concentration in applied social research from Illinois State University and a Bachelor’s degree in international studies from Barry University. Her career has encompassed a broad spectrum of professional experiences, including serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, nonprofit executive director, community organizer, city master planner, researcher, and Mayor of the city of Lake Worth Beach, Florida.

Rachel is CEO and Founder of GDS Grants. She is responsible for client strategy, new program & budget development, data tracking systems, outcome measures and data analysis. Rachel also oversees the GDS Professional Development Program and personally coaches GDS interns, fellows and mentees.