News & Resources

Not-for-profit organizations that accept contributions of nonfinancial assets, such as land, services and supplies, need to know about Financial Accounting Standards Board rules approved last year. Read more

It is a good idea to regularly review the accounting function of a not-for-profit organization for inefficiencies and oversight gaps. Read more

Financial audits are among the most effective tools for revealing risks in not-for-profit organizations. Independent audits help assure donors and other stakeholders about the stability of an organization so long as the audit results are responded to appropriately. Read more

Does your private foundation have a detailed conflict-of-interest policy? If not, or if the policy is not followed closely, you could face IRS attention that results in penalties and even the revocation of your tax-exempt status. Learn how to prevent accusations of self-dealing. Read more

As unemployment and financial insecurity become widespread during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, many not-for-profit donors find themselves unable to provide monetary support to their favorite charities. Read more

How is the massive $2 trillion recovery package poised to help your not-for-profit organization? It depends on your group's size, financial condition and other factors. But most nonprofits affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak are eligible for some relief under the CARES Act. Read more

Outside financial audits may seem like an extravagance to not-for-profits working to contain costs and focus on their mission. However, undergoing regular audits allows an organization to identify risks early and act quickly to prevent problems. Read more

A hypothetical not-for-profit staffer named Britney had maxed out her personal credit cards. So when her car needed repairs, she reached for her employer's card. She reasoned that she would come up with the money to pay the bill before her boss ever saw a statement. Read more

At the end of 2019, Congress repealed a provision of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that triggered the unrelated business income tax (UBIT) of 21% on nonprofit employers that provide employees with transportation fringe benefits. Read more

Accounting for contributions and grants can be complicated for not-for-profits, especially when they come with donor-imposed conditions. However, 2018 guidance from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) provided some much-needed clarification. Read more

In July, the FASB voted to propose a sweeping set of split deferrals for certain entities. The proposal would delay new accounting rules for 1) leases, 2) credit losses on loans, 3) long-term insurance contracts, and 4) hedge accounting. Read more

The IRS's staffing shortages have been well publicized and audits of individuals have decreased in the past several years. But it is a mistake to assume that the agency has stopped scrutinizing not-for-profits and conducting audits when it deems necessary. Read more

Not-for-profit board members have a fiduciary duty to the organization. Some states have laws governing the activities of nonprofit boards and other fiduciaries. But not all board members are aware of their responsibilities. Read more

What would happen if one of your managers was suddenly forced to take long-term disability leave? Or an accounting staffer quit without notice? It is possible that your not-for-profit's work could come to a standstill, unless you have cross-trained your employees. Read more

The ability of your not-for-profit to pursue its mission depends greatly on its financial health and integrity. If your nonprofit is growing and your executives are struggling to juggle financial responsibilities, it may be time to hire a chief financial officer (CFO). Read more

It is a well-known truism in the corporate world: Organizations that do not evolve run the risk of becoming obsolete. Just like their for-profit counterparts, not-for-profit organization also must anticipate and react to market demands. Read more

GAAP require not-for-profits to regularly evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about their ability to continue as a going concern. This means that the organization won't soon liquidate its assets and cease operations. What does your management team do if it determines substantial dou Read more

In many cases, your nonprofit is allowed to allocate costs between fundraising and other functions as long as you meet three joint activities criteria. What are they? Read more

Most nonprofits experience the occasional financial misstep or budget shortfall. But if your board members observe multiple or chronic issues like these, they have a responsibility to step in and do everything in their power to address them. Read more

An operating reserve is an unrestricted and relatively liquid portion of a not-for-profit's net assets. Securing this reserve for use in emergencies or simply when your budget falls short is critical to your organization's security and long-term survival. Read more