Nonprofit Funding

Read more about the article A Brief History of FASB Standards for Nonprofits

A Brief History of FASB Standards for Nonprofits

In 1993, FASB introduced SFAS 116 and 117. These standards revolutionized nonprofit financial reporting. They established guidelines for contribution recognition and financial statement presentation. For over two decades, these standards served as the backbone of nonprofit accounting. SFAS 116 focused on accounting for contributions received and made. It provided clear guidance on how to recognize and measure contributions, including distinguishing between conditional and unconditional promises to give. This standard significantly improved the consistency and comparability of contribution reporting across nonprofit organizations. SFAS 117 addressed the presentation of financial statements. It introduced the concept of three classes of net assets: unrestricted, temporarily restricted, and permanently restricted. This classification system helped users of financial statements better understand the nature and extent of donor-imposed restrictions on a nonprofit's resources. However, the nonprofit sector has changed dramatically since 1993. New challenges and complexities emerged. The rise of social enterprises, increased scrutiny from donors and regulators, and the growing importance of impact measurement all contributed to a need for updated accounting standards. FASB recognized the need for updated standards to reflect these changes and better serve the evolving needs of nonprofit organizations and their stakeholders. Introducing ASU 2016-14: The New FASB Standards In August 2016, FASB released Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-14. This update aims to improve nonprofit financial reporting. It became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The new standards represent a significant shift in nonprofit financial reporting, addressing many of the challenges and limitations of the previous standards. Key Changes in ASU 2016-14 Net Asset Classification for Nonprofits ASU 2016-14 simplifies net asset classification. It reduces the categories from three to two: Net assets with donor restrictions Net assets without…

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Read more about the article Back-to-School Budgeting: Implementing and Managing Educational Programs

Back-to-School Budgeting: Implementing and Managing Educational Programs

Recruiting and managing volunteers effectively is essential for running successful educational programs. To attract volunteers, churches can utilize a variety of strategies, such as reaching out to current congregants, promoting opportunities through social media, and hosting informational sessions that highlight the impact of volunteer work.

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Read more about the article Mastering Nonprofit Budgeting and Cash Flow: Strategies for Financial Sustainability

Mastering Nonprofit Budgeting and Cash Flow: Strategies for Financial Sustainability

Effective financial management is crucial for the success and sustainability of nonprofit organizations. Unlike for-profit entities, nonprofits face unique financial challenges, including reliance on donations, grants, and other variable funding sources. This makes budgeting and cash flow management essential to maintaining operational stability and achieving long-term goals. Key concepts such as budgeting, cash flow management, and financial sustainability are not just financial jargon; they are the backbone of a nonprofit's ability to fulfill its mission and serve its community.

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Read more about the article Overcoming the Limitations: Challenges of Using Off-the-Shelf Accounting Software for Nonprofits

Overcoming the Limitations: Challenges of Using Off-the-Shelf Accounting Software for Nonprofits

While off-the-shelf accounting software may seem like a cost-effective solution, it often falls short in meeting the specific requirements of nonprofit organizations, leading to various challenges. These generic systems typically lack the specialized features necessary for detailed fund tracking, grant management, and reporting that nonprofits require. As a result, organizations may face difficulties in maintaining financial transparency, reporting accurately to stakeholders, and ultimately, in achieving their mission effectively.

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Read more about the article Do you know the nonprofit filing requirements this tax season? 

Do you know the nonprofit filing requirements this tax season? 

Tax season is here. Is your nonprofit ready? Let’s go over the basics of nonprofit filing so you can confidently file returns in 2023!

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Read more about the article Giving Tuesday Is November 29. Here’s How Your Church Can Prepare

Giving Tuesday Is November 29. Here’s How Your Church Can Prepare

With Giving Tuesday just around the corner, there are several ways your church can prepare for full participation but be aware of donor impact on your overall accounting procedures. In the digital age, tracking donors and donations has become more complex, depending on the way your church accounting is set up.

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Read more about the article What Can Nonprofits Learn From Patagonia’s $3 Billion Gift?

What Can Nonprofits Learn From Patagonia’s $3 Billion Gift?

Patagonia’s recent gift to a nonprofit organization committed to fighting climate change has many other nonprofit’s questioning how and why this particular nonprofit was the chosen one. Read on to discover a few important takeaways from Patagonia’s $3 billion gift as we approach a new year of business:

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Read more about the article Here Are The Biggest Myths About Outsourced Bookkeeping To Watch Out For

Here Are The Biggest Myths About Outsourced Bookkeeping To Watch Out For

Budgeting and forecasting require time. Finding someone within your organization with the ability to look at data and strategically plan for your ministry’s future profit and loss can be difficult. If you don’t have the time, resources, or understanding to tackle this job on your own, an outsourced bookkeeper can be an easy solution. Let’s debunk a few myths before you decide:

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Read more about the article Forecasting For Fall: A Roadmap For Your Church’s Financial Planning This Fall

Forecasting For Fall: A Roadmap For Your Church’s Financial Planning This Fall

In recent years, we’ve found that church roadmaps are getting tougher to build and forecasts are becoming harder to predict. All businesses have been impacted by the pandemic, for example, but most of those businesses are not directly reliant on outside or loyal donations to continue thriving. Read on to discover the 4 steps to building your church’s financial plan, which include eliminating virtual bookkeeping myths and empowering you to prioritize your mission.

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