A delayed transfer can interrupt payroll, partner payments, or services. Establish whether the bank is still processing the payment, requesting information, rejecting a transfer, or closing an account. Keep a record and seek advice when legal or compliance questions arise.

Understand the bank’s request

Record transaction references, dates, amounts, affected accounts, and any written explanation. Verify requests through an established bank contact before providing documents. Ask what information is needed, how to submit it securely, who is handling the matter, and when you should expect an update. Confirm important points in writing.

Gather relevant organizational and transaction records, such as the organization’s registration, purpose, program description, partner information, and supporting agreements. Share only what is appropriate for the request through a verified channel. Avoid sending sensitive beneficiary records merely because a broad request is unclear; ask for clarification and obtain advice where needed.

Escalate through a documented process

Maintain a contact log and ask about the bank’s formal escalation or complaint process when the issue remains unresolved. Inform authorized finance and program leaders of the operational effects. Counsel may be needed if the issue involves sanctions, a legal restriction, account closure, or another significant compliance concern.

Do not attempt to evade a restriction, disguise a transaction’s purpose, or move activity into informal channels to bypass scrutiny. Before changing payment arrangements, confirm that the alternative is lawful, authorized, secure, and consistent with donor and contractual obligations.

Use financial-access resources

The Charity & Security Network civil society resilience resources are the starting point in the chart. Its website also highlights guidance on navigating de-risking and financial-access challenges. These materials can help frame questions for the bank and your advisers.

The network’s Banking Nonprofit Organizations guidance overview provides context for the information banks and nonprofits may need to understand each other’s practices. Guidance does not determine why a particular transaction was delayed or guarantee that a bank will release it.

Plan for continuity and clear updates

Assess the effect on cash flow and essential commitments, and agree on who can approve contingency arrangements. Tell affected partners what is confirmed and when you will update them again, without promising a release date the bank has not confirmed. After resolution, review documentation practices and banking relationships with appropriate advisers. This guide does not replace legal, banking, or financial advice.

Explore the Nonprofit & Foundation Resilience guide for related resources. For strategic or crisis communications support, contact Caitlin at CBKStrategies.

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