I think you're missing the trees for the forest, in the same way the OP describes. If you don't take interest in, and pay attention to the significant details,

I think you're missing the trees for the forest, in the same way the OP describes. If you don't take interest in, and pay attention to the significant details, there's no way you can understand whether "... the money is being spent to drive the mission of the non-profit successfully...". I have served on a non-profit board and observed this problem.