At Canopy, we often talk about impact—families welcomed, neighbors supported, communities strengthened. Behind that work is something less visible, but just as important: how we fund it.
Nonprofit finances can be confusing, especially when much of the funding comes with specific rules about how it can be used. We wanted to pull back the curtain and share how it works in practice—why flexibility matters, and how individual donors make a real difference.
We sat down with Canopy’s Finance Director and Board Treasurer to talk about what it takes to fund this work responsibly and sustainably and ensure a strong future for our organization.
Getting to Know Rivka and Hannah
Can you briefly share your background and your role at Canopy?
Rivka Zemke: I serve as Treasurer for Canopy, and in my professional role, I am a Senior Director of Finance at Tyson Foods, where I support the Prepared Foods sales team.
Hannah Crockett: I’m Canopy’s Director of Finance and Grants. I have a Master’s in Accounting from the University of Arkansas and previously worked in audit at a public accounting firm where I specialized in nonprofit audits. I have been at Canopy for 3.5 years.
What drew you to nonprofit finance or board service?
Zemke: Board service gives me the opportunity to align my financial expertise with my values, contributing to mission-driven organizations that strengthen our community.
Crockett: I wanted my work to build toward something bigger than myself — nonprofit work let me put my skills behind a mission I actually believe in, and that’s made all the difference.
What surprised you most when you first started working in nonprofit finance compared to your previous experience?
Zemke: One of my first surprises as a board member was the sheer complexity of how Canopy is funded. Balancing government sources, foundation grants, and individual contributions — each with their own rules around spending and reporting — requires a level of financial discipline that rivals any corporate environment.
Crockett: I’m amazed by how my colleagues will go out of their way to advocate for and assist their clients. Even if it means working late at night or into the weekend.
Understanding the Basics of Canopy’s Financials
Where does Canopy’s funding come from?
Crockett: Currently, 50% of Canopy’s funding comes from grants from the federal government that is designated by Congress to be used for refugee resettlement and integration. The rest of Canopy’s funding comes from grants from foundations, and from donations from individuals, faith communities, civic groups and businesses.
What does “restricted” and “unrestricted” funding mean?
Crockett: Most of Canopy’s funding is restricted, which means it can only be used for a previously approved purpose within a certain time period. Unrestricted funds are dollars we can use for the greatest need today, as well as ensure we have funding for the future.
What are some common restrictions that come with grants or government funding?
Crockett: Federal funding comes from the American people. Being good stewards of tax payer resources is very important to us. We track how every dollar of federal funds and grants is spent. Some funding is only allowed to be spent on certain expenses for certain people during a certain time period. For example, in the Program of Initial Resettlement, the federal funds allocated to a newly arriving refugee must be spent on their basic needs in the first 90 days. If someone needs help with rent, food, or paying for medicine on day 91, we have to find another way to pay for their basic needs.
What challenges do restrictions create when needs change?
Crockett: In reality, restricted funding can mean that the funding available does not always match the needs. Another example of funding is a federal program that funds job placement activities for newly arrived refugees in their first 8 months. Earlier this year, we had slots to serve more people with job placement, but the clients coming to our office for help with job navigation had been here for longer than 8 months. At the same time, refugee families faced a sudden loss of SNAP due to federal policy changes. We had funding for job search, but we didn’t have funding that would cover food assistance and we couldn’t enroll the people in need of a job in that program.
How does Canopy ensure funds are used responsibly and transparently?
Crockett: We carefully track spending according to the terms and restrictions of each grant. In addition, Canopy undergoes a Single Audit each year. A Single Audit is a test of compliance and internal controls conducted by a certified public accounting firm. Single Audit results are posted and available to the public through the Federal Audit Clearinghouse (FAC). Every audit we’ve undergone has resulted in a clean opinion — a track record we’re proud of.
Why Flexible Funding Matters
Can you share an example of something made possible by unrestricted funding?
Crockett: Our federal grants are reimbursable, which means we do the work and spend our own money before the government will pay us back. Last year, many nonprofits experienced a federal government funding freeze, which impacted Canopy as well. As the months went on, we had over $600,000 overdue for contracted work we completed. Some of the funds were specifically to help newly arrived families pay rent. Thanks to the community who steps forward with unrestricted donations, we made sure all families we serve had their rent covered during a very stressful time.
How do individual donors help keep the organization stable?
Crockett: Individual donors are critical to the work we do. Their support helps us weather the volatility of our funding landscape.
Zemke: Unlike restricted grants, individual donations give Canopy the flexibility to move where the need is greatest — from filling funding gaps for existing clients to laying the groundwork for new initiatives as the geopolitical landscape evolves.
Connecting to the Mission
How do financial decisions impact the people Canopy serves?
Zemke: Ultimately, sound financial stewardship is about more than numbers — it’s about making sure Canopy remains a steady, trusted resource for our newest neighbors for years to come, helping them not just settle, but truly belong and thrive in our community.
Crockett: Financial decisions made when preparing the annual budget ensure that there are enough funds to buy refugee youth backpacks and school supplies during back to school, case managers can assist with emergency housing support, and clients who have lost SNAP can afford groceries until they find stable income. Just to name a few.
What would you say to someone considering a donation?
Zemke: When you give to Canopy, you’re helping us show up for our newest neighbors when it matters most. Your donation — at any level — goes toward the real, everyday needs that make a new life possible: a rent payment, a medical bill, a meal on the table.
Crockett: When you give to Canopy you are helping families build new lives, an impact that will be passed down from generation to generation.
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