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NON-PROFIT

ACCOUNTING FOR NON-PROFITS

  • Making A Positive Impact
  • Financial Management
  • Fund Accounting

PLAYING A VITAL ROLE

IN SERVING COMMUNITIES

Non-profit organizations play a vital role in serving communities and
addressing social, environmental, and cultural needs.

Unlike for-profit businesses, non-profits operate with a mission-driven focus rather than a profit motive.

To effectively manage their finances and fulfill their missions, non-profits utilize a specialized accounting approach known as fund accounting.

KEY AREAS OF FUND ACCOUNTING:

  • Administration: Administrative expenses encompass the costs associated with general management and oversight of the organization. This includes salaries for administrative staff, office rent, utilities, and professional services. Allocating unrestricted funds to cover administrative expenses ensures the efficient operation of the organization and supports activities such as governance, compliance, and strategic planning.
  • Fundraising: Fundraising activities are essential for generating revenue to support the organization’s mission and programs. Fundraising expenses include costs related to donor outreach, marketing materials, events, and staff salaries. Tracking fundraising expenses separately from administrative costs provides transparency on how resources are allocated to generate revenue and maintain donor relationships.
  • Programs: Program expenses encompass the costs associated with delivering core services, initiatives, and activities aligned with the organization’s mission. This includes salaries for program staff, supplies, equipment, and direct program-related overhead. Non-profits allocate funds to specific programs based on donor restrictions, grant requirements, or strategic priorities. Monitoring and reporting on program expenses are critical for
    demonstrating impact and accountability to stakeholders.

FUND ACCOUNTING OVERVIEW:

TO TRACK AND MANAGE FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Fund accounting is a method used by non-profit organizations to track and manage financial resources designated for specific purposes or programs.

It involves segregating funds into distinct categories to ensure proper
stewardship and accountability.

This allows non-profits to demonstrate transparency in how funds are raised, allocated, and utilized to achieve their charitable objectives.

BENEFITS OF FUND ACCOUNTING

  • Provides transparency: Fund accounting allows non-profits to demonstrate how funds are raised and utilized to achieve their charitable objectives, enhancing transparency and accountability.
  • Ensures compliance: By tracking funds separately and adhering to regulatory requirements, non-profits can maintain compliance with accounting standards and reporting obligations.
  • Facilitates donor stewardship: Effective fund accounting practices enable non-profits to provide donors with clear and detailed information on how their contributions are making a difference, fostering trust and donor stewardship.

MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT

IN THE COMMUNITY

Fund accounting is a fundamental aspect of financial management for
non-profit organizations, enabling them to effectively steward resources, maintain transparency, and fulfill their missions.

By implementing sound fund accounting practices, non-profits can demonstrate their commitment to accountability, compliance, and making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

TO LEARN MORE

About fund accounting and how it can benefit your non-profit organization.