Driving impact in Puerto Rico’s nonprofit sector: Join us at the IV Summit
For more than 17 years, Asesores Financieros Comunitarios (AFC) has been at the forefront of strengthening Puerto Rico’s nonprofit sector. With a commitment to transparency, sound governance and sustainability, AFC empowers organizations to operate more effectively and increase their impact.
Since its founding, AFC has:
- Supported 955 nonprofit organizations
- Delivered more than 550 workshops to more than 10,395 participants (including 5,189 unique individuals)
- Engaged with 85 for-profit entities and six government agencies
- Provided direct technical assistance resulting in more than $4 million in financial benefits to nonprofits — through improved compliance, access to tax exemptions, more accurate budgeting and increased grant eligibility
AFC’s capacity-building training courses cover critical topics such as financial reporting (e.g., Forms 480, W-2, 990), budgeting, HR compliance, fundraising strategies, operational planning and sustainable program design. These training courses are designed to be actionable and accessible to organizations of all sizes and stages. In regions like Ponce, for example, AFC hosted “Directores 360: Ponce Edition” to educate board members on governance, legal and financial responsibilities and strategic evaluation.
The Technical Assistance Program is a cornerstone of AFC’s work. It includes support for IRS Form 990s, W-2s, 480s, state and federal tax exemptions, audits, financial statement reviews and grant compliance. AFC’s team provides individualized guidance in areas such as proposal budgeting, human resources, legal risk and internal controls — tailoring services to each organization’s unique needs.
AFC’s PreCheck diagnostic is a unique “fiscal health scan” that evaluates three key areas: administrative structure, regulatory compliance and financial risk. Each organization receives a certification with a star rating and customized recommendations. PreCheck enables nonprofits to identify gaps, take corrective actions and become more competitive for public and private funding.
Meanwhile, the Asesores Financieros Universitarios (AFU) program connects university students and volunteer mentors with nonprofit organizations in need of accounting and operational support. Over the years, AFU has impacted more than 40 nonprofits, helping them strengthen internal systems and apply sound financial practices — while also training future nonprofit professionals, as well as providing the equivalent of more than $600,000 in administrative expenses.
AFC’s holistic approach — PreCheck, Training and Technical Assistance — leads to measurable improvements in governance, financial oversight and strategic decision-making. Our work is driven by data and designed for impact.
To share and scale these results, AFC launched its Annual Nonprofit Summit in 2022. Each year, the Summit brings together nonprofit leaders, funders, public officials and private partners for strategic dialogue and practical learning. Past themes have included:
- Compliance and Crisis Readiness (2022)
- Fundraising and Sustainability (2023)
- Leadership and Governance (2024)
More than 90% of participants report implementing meaningful changes in their organizations because of the Summit experience.
Now, we invite you to be part of the IV Summit of Nonprofit Organizations, taking place on Aug. 14, 2025. This year’s focus will be innovation, ethical leadership and resilience. Join more than 300 participants for panels, tools and connections that will strengthen the nonprofit sector in Puerto Rico.
To learn more and register, visit afc.pr.
Together, let’s shape a stronger, more sustainable nonprofit sector for Puerto Rico.
Agnes B. Suárez-Méndez is a certified public accountant and consultant at her firm, Agnes B. Suárez Consulting LLC, specializing in risk management, financial lines insurance programs and process effectiveness. She was president and CEO of AIG Insurance Puerto Rico from 2018 to 2023, and previously held positions at HUB International and American International Insurance Co. She has also served as deputy mayor of San Juan and chaired the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico.
