In a market where traditional investment options continue to fall short, Acumen works with nonprofit and mission-driven institutions to reclaim performance without increasing risk.
In the nonprofit world, strategic financial planning drives your mission. Balancing limited resources, growing demands, and workforce challenges requires thoughtful solutions. At Acumen Financial Advantage, we specialize in unlocking investment opportunities to attract top talent, maximize resources, and create meaningful impact in the communities you serve.
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From enhancing executive retention to maximizing your ROI and charitable endowments, everything we do is designed to empower you to more efficiently live your organization’s mission and achieve your goals.
Securing and retaining top executives is essential for nonprofits to advance their mission. At Acumen, we specialize in structuring and managing SERPs and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Arrangements to support leadership retention. With unmatched expertise in institutional life insurance, compliance, and financial optimization, we create tailored benefits that attract top talent and align the needs of executives and boards, fostering long-term success for your organization.
Optimizing your investments and excess cash is key to driving stronger financial outcomes for nonprofits. Acumen’s Institutional Investment Team provides tailored solutions, including public and private investments, Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI), and institutionally priced annuities. We offer complimentary portfolio audits, collaborate with brokers, and leverage institutional insurance as an alternative to fixed income, helping strengthen your financial position while advancing your mission.
Employee Benefits Prefunding (EBP) is a strategy used by organizations, including tax-exempt entities like non-profits, to set aside or invest funds in advance to cover future employee benefit obligations. This proactive financial planning approach is designed to ensure that funds are available when benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or other post-employment benefits come due.
By implementing an EBP strategy, tax-exempt organizations can better balance their financial commitments, maintain operational stability, and support their mission sustainably over the long term.
Variable investments encompass a broad spectrum of financial instruments whose returns are subject to change, influenced by factors like market dynamics, economic conditions, and management decisions. Variable investments include publicly traded assets like stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs, whose values fluctuate based on market conditions. In the private market, variable investments comprise alternative assets such as private equity and venture capital, offering potentially high returns but with greater risk and longer investment horizons.
Index Life(IUL)Structured products, including Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance policies, are financial instruments designed to provide investors with customized risk-return profiles. IUL policies offer a combination of life insurance coverage and a cash value component linked to the performance of a stock market index, such as the S&P 500. Policyholders can potentially benefit from market gains while being protected from market losses, making IULs attractive for those seeking both insurance protection and investment growth.
Fixed investments refer to financial assets with predetermined, stable returns over a specified period. These investments typically offer a fixed interest rate or dividend payment, providing investors with predictable income streams. Examples of fixed investments include bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), savings accounts, institutionally priced Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI), fixed annuities, and funding agreements. They are often favored by conservative investors seeking steady income and capital preservation, although they may offer lower returns compared to variable investments.
How can you extend your nonprofit's reach while maintaining fiscal responsibility? Acumen empowers mission-driven organizations with strategic endowment and investment solutions. Our complimentary consultations provide guidance on optimizing funds, impact investments, and grant strategies while enhancing donor stewardship, helping you align financial goals with your mission and drive measurable change with long-term stability.
Credit Unions navigate the delicate balance of driving financial success while creating meaningful, positive change for their employees, members, and communities. At the heart of their people-helping-people mission lies a compelling question: "How do we do well while doing good?"
In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, Credit Unions face mounting pressure to adapt. Declining interest income and fee revenues demand constant re-evaluation of income strategies. Simultaneously, the competitive edge of big banks and fintech innovators challenges Credit Unions to meet and exceed the elevated expectations of today’s consumers.
We understand the critical tension between safeguarding the bottom line and championing transformative community impact. Too often, it feels like excelling in one area comes at the expense of the other.
But there is good news: this balance is achievable. Proven, innovative strategies now empower Credit Unions to not only remain competitive but to excel financially while amplifying their positive community influence. We’re eager to partner with you and demonstrate how.
A Charitable Donation Account (CDA) allows your Credit Union to invest in a variety of expanded investment options that traditionally would be deemed impermissible by the NCUA. With these new investment options being made available to your Credit Union, you can conservatively expect to increase your Return on Investment from 4% to a 10% ROI. We partner with leading Investment Managers to maximize the financial return of your CDA investment.
What makes the Charitable Donation Account possible is the NCUA regulation that requires the Credit Union to donate 51% of the investment returns to a 501(c) Charity of your choice as a way to create Community Impact.
The remaining 49% of the proceeds can be used to fund other Credit Union initiatives at your discretion. In this scenario, the income generated for the Credit Union is nearly double, increasing from $200,000 to $245,000 which is the definition of “Doing Well”.
However, what makes this strategy so powerful, is that you were also able to generate $255,000 for a Community Impact Fund that will be used specifically to meet the needs of your employees, members and community, which is the definition of “Doing Good”.
Using a Community Impact Fund (CIF), your Credit Union can further leverage the power of this strategy by directing the 51% of your investment return directly to the needs of your employees, members, and community in the form of an Impact Loan, which is a 0% Interest Loan that helps them save and get out of debt.
A Community Impact Fund solves the biggest problem in your community which is the number of households that are currently ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained but Employed).
The Impact Loan helps employees, members, and your community who are ALICE, meet their needs such as food and clothing, housing, transportation, and medical expenses. In the process of paying back an interest-free loan, they are then incentivized to start building emergency savings at your Credit Union.
Together the CDA and CIF can create a sustainable and scalable form of Community Impact that helps both your bottom line and solves the community’s biggest problems.
The end result of this strategy is that your Credit Union has the opportunity to grow both your Income and your Impact. No longer do you have to choose between “Success or Significance.” Now you have the opportunity to have both! Our goal is to help Credit Unions leverage their unique characteristics to not only compete with the big banks in Fintechs but to thrive. Together our vision of “Prospering Communities Worldwide” can be a reality and we look forward to working with your team!
We believe in the power of community development and financial inclusion. The Financial Assistance (FA) Grant program is designed to support Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in their mission to provide access to affordable financial services and promote economic growth in underserved communities.
Through the FA Grant, eligible CDFIs can receive up to $1 million in funding to strengthen their operations and expand their impact. This grant is a game-changer, enabling CDFIs to tackle the challenges they face head-on and create lasting change.
Our grant structure is designed to provide CDFIs with the flexibility they need to address their unique needs. Here's how the funding can be utilized:
“We have been partnered with Acumen since 2016 and have extremely pleased with the level of service and guidance we have received. Scott did a wonderful job educating us on some alternative ways to fund benefits and charitable contributions while navigating the NCUA regulations. We have appreciated the additional returns the products have provided to help strengthen our Credit Union and allow us to provide a better return for our members and community. “
"It has been a pleasure working with Acumen. The team made it easy to make progress and implement an executive retention program. Their attention to detail and ability to provide a variety of considerations and options made the experience extremely productive for the institution and executive team."
"I typically don’t do endorsements or testimonials because if I recommend a company and something goes wrong, I don’t want it coming back to me. That said, we at Evergreen are happy to reference Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Since 2020, the Acumen team has been helping us retain top leadership within our organization by offering competitive retirement options. We appreciate our partnership with Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Our experience was exceptional, characterized by consistent responsiveness and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcome for our team. Acumen's dedication and hard work were evident throughout our collaboration, ensuring a positive and successful partnership."
"They understand us by customizing our program to our risk tolerance, performance, and benefit objectives. Acumen is among the best in the industry and they are top notch in support of regulatory, training, and accounting while balancing needs for our credit union."
"I was not looking forward to the headache of having to set up a new retirement account regardless of the benefits. Acumen made this as painless and effortless as possible. I now have the additional peace of mind that my future financial health is in much better shape.
"The Acumen team has been great to work with. They set up Highmark's Charitable Donations Account and also rescued a split-dollar Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that was under performing. I highly recommend Acumen Financial Advantage."
"The process exceeded my expectations. The Acumen team carefully listened and worked closely with our Board advising them and customizing a plan to fit the needs of our system. They continue to be involved in administering the plan and ensuring its success."
"The Acumen team brought us cutting-edge innovative financial solutions to address our executive compensation needs. They were consummate professionals throughout the entire process and I would highly recommend you consider consulting with them."
“We have been partnered with Acumen since 2016 and have extremely pleased with the level of service and guidance we have received. Scott did a wonderful job educating us on some alternative ways to fund benefits and charitable contributions while navigating the NCUA regulations. We have appreciated the additional returns the products have provided to help strengthen our Credit Union and allow us to provide a better return for our members and community. “
"It has been a pleasure working with Acumen. The team made it easy to make progress and implement an executive retention program. Their attention to detail and ability to provide a variety of considerations and options made the experience extremely productive for the institution and executive team."
"I typically don’t do endorsements or testimonials because if I recommend a company and something goes wrong, I don’t want it coming back to me. That said, we at Evergreen are happy to reference Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Since 2020, the Acumen team has been helping us retain top leadership within our organization by offering competitive retirement options. We appreciate our partnership with Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Our experience was exceptional, characterized by consistent responsiveness and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcome for our team. Acumen's dedication and hard work were evident throughout our collaboration, ensuring a positive and successful partnership."
"They understand us by customizing our program to our risk tolerance, performance, and benefit objectives. Acumen is among the best in the industry and they are top notch in support of regulatory, training, and accounting while balancing needs for our credit union."
"I was not looking forward to the headache of having to set up a new retirement account regardless of the benefits. Acumen made this as painless and effortless as possible. I now have the additional peace of mind that my future financial health is in much better shape.
"The Acumen team has been great to work with. They set up Highmark's Charitable Donations Account and also rescued a split-dollar Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that was under performing. I highly recommend Acumen Financial Advantage."
"The process exceeded my expectations. The Acumen team carefully listened and worked closely with our Board advising them and customizing a plan to fit the needs of our system. They continue to be involved in administering the plan and ensuring its success."
"The Acumen team brought us cutting-edge innovative financial solutions to address our executive compensation needs. They were consummate professionals throughout the entire process and I would highly recommend you consider consulting with them."
“We have been partnered with Acumen since 2016 and have extremely pleased with the level of service and guidance we have received. Scott did a wonderful job educating us on some alternative ways to fund benefits and charitable contributions while navigating the NCUA regulations. We have appreciated the additional returns the products have provided to help strengthen our Credit Union and allow us to provide a better return for our members and community. “
"It has been a pleasure working with Acumen. The team made it easy to make progress and implement an executive retention program. Their attention to detail and ability to provide a variety of considerations and options made the experience extremely productive for the institution and executive team."
"I typically don’t do endorsements or testimonials because if I recommend a company and something goes wrong, I don’t want it coming back to me. That said, we at Evergreen are happy to reference Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Since 2020, the Acumen team has been helping us retain top leadership within our organization by offering competitive retirement options. We appreciate our partnership with Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Our experience was exceptional, characterized by consistent responsiveness and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcome for our team. Acumen's dedication and hard work were evident throughout our collaboration, ensuring a positive and successful partnership."
"They understand us by customizing our program to our risk tolerance, performance, and benefit objectives. Acumen is among the best in the industry and they are top notch in support of regulatory, training, and accounting while balancing needs for our credit union."
"I was not looking forward to the headache of having to set up a new retirement account regardless of the benefits. Acumen made this as painless and effortless as possible. I now have the additional peace of mind that my future financial health is in much better shape.
"The Acumen team has been great to work with. They set up Highmark's Charitable Donations Account and also rescued a split-dollar Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that was under performing. I highly recommend Acumen Financial Advantage."
"The process exceeded my expectations. The Acumen team carefully listened and worked closely with our Board advising them and customizing a plan to fit the needs of our system. They continue to be involved in administering the plan and ensuring its success."
"The Acumen team brought us cutting-edge innovative financial solutions to address our executive compensation needs. They were consummate professionals throughout the entire process and I would highly recommend you consider consulting with them."
“We have been partnered with Acumen since 2016 and have extremely pleased with the level of service and guidance we have received. Scott did a wonderful job educating us on some alternative ways to fund benefits and charitable contributions while navigating the NCUA regulations. We have appreciated the additional returns the products have provided to help strengthen our Credit Union and allow us to provide a better return for our members and community. “
"It has been a pleasure working with Acumen. The team made it easy to make progress and implement an executive retention program. Their attention to detail and ability to provide a variety of considerations and options made the experience extremely productive for the institution and executive team."
"I typically don’t do endorsements or testimonials because if I recommend a company and something goes wrong, I don’t want it coming back to me. That said, we at Evergreen are happy to reference Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Since 2020, the Acumen team has been helping us retain top leadership within our organization by offering competitive retirement options. We appreciate our partnership with Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Our experience was exceptional, characterized by consistent responsiveness and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcome for our team. Acumen's dedication and hard work were evident throughout our collaboration, ensuring a positive and successful partnership."
"They understand us by customizing our program to our risk tolerance, performance, and benefit objectives. Acumen is among the best in the industry and they are top notch in support of regulatory, training, and accounting while balancing needs for our credit union."
"I was not looking forward to the headache of having to set up a new retirement account regardless of the benefits. Acumen made this as painless and effortless as possible. I now have the additional peace of mind that my future financial health is in much better shape.
"The Acumen team has been great to work with. They set up Highmark's Charitable Donations Account and also rescued a split-dollar Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that was under performing. I highly recommend Acumen Financial Advantage."
"The process exceeded my expectations. The Acumen team carefully listened and worked closely with our Board advising them and customizing a plan to fit the needs of our system. They continue to be involved in administering the plan and ensuring its success."
"The Acumen team brought us cutting-edge innovative financial solutions to address our executive compensation needs. They were consummate professionals throughout the entire process and I would highly recommend you consider consulting with them."
“We have been partnered with Acumen since 2016 and have extremely pleased with the level of service and guidance we have received. Scott did a wonderful job educating us on some alternative ways to fund benefits and charitable contributions while navigating the NCUA regulations. We have appreciated the additional returns the products have provided to help strengthen our Credit Union and allow us to provide a better return for our members and community. “
"It has been a pleasure working with Acumen. The team made it easy to make progress and implement an executive retention program. Their attention to detail and ability to provide a variety of considerations and options made the experience extremely productive for the institution and executive team."
"I typically don’t do endorsements or testimonials because if I recommend a company and something goes wrong, I don’t want it coming back to me. That said, we at Evergreen are happy to reference Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Since 2020, the Acumen team has been helping us retain top leadership within our organization by offering competitive retirement options. We appreciate our partnership with Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Our experience was exceptional, characterized by consistent responsiveness and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcome for our team. Acumen's dedication and hard work were evident throughout our collaboration, ensuring a positive and successful partnership."
"They understand us by customizing our program to our risk tolerance, performance, and benefit objectives. Acumen is among the best in the industry and they are top notch in support of regulatory, training, and accounting while balancing needs for our credit union."
"I was not looking forward to the headache of having to set up a new retirement account regardless of the benefits. Acumen made this as painless and effortless as possible. I now have the additional peace of mind that my future financial health is in much better shape.
"The Acumen team has been great to work with. They set up Highmark's Charitable Donations Account and also rescued a split-dollar Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that was under performing. I highly recommend Acumen Financial Advantage."
"The process exceeded my expectations. The Acumen team carefully listened and worked closely with our Board advising them and customizing a plan to fit the needs of our system. They continue to be involved in administering the plan and ensuring its success."
"The Acumen team brought us cutting-edge innovative financial solutions to address our executive compensation needs. They were consummate professionals throughout the entire process and I would highly recommend you consider consulting with them."
“We have been partnered with Acumen since 2016 and have extremely pleased with the level of service and guidance we have received. Scott did a wonderful job educating us on some alternative ways to fund benefits and charitable contributions while navigating the NCUA regulations. We have appreciated the additional returns the products have provided to help strengthen our Credit Union and allow us to provide a better return for our members and community. “
"It has been a pleasure working with Acumen. The team made it easy to make progress and implement an executive retention program. Their attention to detail and ability to provide a variety of considerations and options made the experience extremely productive for the institution and executive team."
"I typically don’t do endorsements or testimonials because if I recommend a company and something goes wrong, I don’t want it coming back to me. That said, we at Evergreen are happy to reference Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Since 2020, the Acumen team has been helping us retain top leadership within our organization by offering competitive retirement options. We appreciate our partnership with Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Our experience was exceptional, characterized by consistent responsiveness and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcome for our team. Acumen's dedication and hard work were evident throughout our collaboration, ensuring a positive and successful partnership."
"They understand us by customizing our program to our risk tolerance, performance, and benefit objectives. Acumen is among the best in the industry and they are top notch in support of regulatory, training, and accounting while balancing needs for our credit union."
"I was not looking forward to the headache of having to set up a new retirement account regardless of the benefits. Acumen made this as painless and effortless as possible. I now have the additional peace of mind that my future financial health is in much better shape.
"The Acumen team has been great to work with. They set up Highmark's Charitable Donations Account and also rescued a split-dollar Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that was under performing. I highly recommend Acumen Financial Advantage."
"The process exceeded my expectations. The Acumen team carefully listened and worked closely with our Board advising them and customizing a plan to fit the needs of our system. They continue to be involved in administering the plan and ensuring its success."
"The Acumen team brought us cutting-edge innovative financial solutions to address our executive compensation needs. They were consummate professionals throughout the entire process and I would highly recommend you consider consulting with them."
“We have been partnered with Acumen since 2016 and have extremely pleased with the level of service and guidance we have received. Scott did a wonderful job educating us on some alternative ways to fund benefits and charitable contributions while navigating the NCUA regulations. We have appreciated the additional returns the products have provided to help strengthen our Credit Union and allow us to provide a better return for our members and community. “
"It has been a pleasure working with Acumen. The team made it easy to make progress and implement an executive retention program. Their attention to detail and ability to provide a variety of considerations and options made the experience extremely productive for the institution and executive team."
"I typically don’t do endorsements or testimonials because if I recommend a company and something goes wrong, I don’t want it coming back to me. That said, we at Evergreen are happy to reference Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Since 2020, the Acumen team has been helping us retain top leadership within our organization by offering competitive retirement options. We appreciate our partnership with Acumen Financial Advantage. "
"Our experience was exceptional, characterized by consistent responsiveness and a strong commitment to achieving the best outcome for our team. Acumen's dedication and hard work were evident throughout our collaboration, ensuring a positive and successful partnership."
"They understand us by customizing our program to our risk tolerance, performance, and benefit objectives. Acumen is among the best in the industry and they are top notch in support of regulatory, training, and accounting while balancing needs for our credit union."
"I was not looking forward to the headache of having to set up a new retirement account regardless of the benefits. Acumen made this as painless and effortless as possible. I now have the additional peace of mind that my future financial health is in much better shape.
"The Acumen team has been great to work with. They set up Highmark's Charitable Donations Account and also rescued a split-dollar Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan that was under performing. I highly recommend Acumen Financial Advantage."
"The process exceeded my expectations. The Acumen team carefully listened and worked closely with our Board advising them and customizing a plan to fit the needs of our system. They continue to be involved in administering the plan and ensuring its success."
"The Acumen team brought us cutting-edge innovative financial solutions to address our executive compensation needs. They were consummate professionals throughout the entire process and I would highly recommend you consider consulting with them."
Achieving outsized results requires a more intimate, white-glove approach to service, limiting the number of clients we take on at a single time.
Contact us for a brief discovery consultation so our advisory team can best prioritize your needs.
Here are some common questions we receive about our services and solutions.
A SERP is a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan created to boost the retirement benefits of its participants. Unlike 401(k) and 457(b) plans, which are subject to strict contribution limits, SERPs (such as 457(f) or Split Dollar plans) offer flexibility with no restrictions on the amount that can be allocated to participants.
SERPs provide an effective way to reward your top employees and retain them with competitive, regulation-compliant compensation plans that offer unlimited potential for tax-deferred savings.
We focus on tailored strategies that align with your unique mission. Our approach combines industry expertise with innovative solutions to maximize impact. We believe in measurable results that drive your organization forward.
We proudly serve a variety of mission-driven organizations, including credit unions, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and nonprofits. Our expertise is designed to meet the specific needs of these sectors. We understand their challenges and are committed to delivering impactful solutions.
Our solutions include executive retention strategies, increasing yield on investments, and maximizing charitable impact. Each solution is customized to ensure it meets your organization's goals. We aim to enhance your operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Success is measured through the tangible outcomes we achieve for our clients. We set clear benchmarks and track progress meticulously. Our goal is to ensure that every initiative leads to significant, measurable impact.
Absolutely! We believe in creating bespoke solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our team collaborates closely with you to understand your objectives and challenges. This ensures that our strategies are perfectly aligned with your mission.
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