Discover expert insights on ASC 842 compliance for nonprofits, healthcare, and higher education. Learn best practices and lessons from Temple Management Consulting's experience.
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…
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.
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.
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.
Build your nonprofit’s financial literacy and get back on track. Here are 10 tips from top virtual accounting pros.
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!
A roadmap for accountants aiming to optimize their efficiency and effectiveness in 2024 amidst evolving industry demands, technological advancements, and changing work paradigms.
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.
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:
