Nonprofit Accounting Basics

Recent Articles

Operating Reserves: The Key to Building Financial Flexibility

The Nonprofit Operating Reserves Initiative Workgroup (NORI) first began meeting in 2007 to address the alarming

Compensation Philosophy

Salaries and compensation packages are determined as part of employment negotiations.

Expenses

In this section we will cover:

  • Payroll
  • Facilities
  • Travel
  • Meeting
  • Allocating Expenses

Policies

Creating a policy is like making a decision when you have time to be thoughtful, to do adequate research, and to consult colleagues and other professionals rather than making decisions in haste as

Gift Acceptance

A gift acceptance policy allows the board to define the parameters and guidelines for eliminating controversial or risky donations. Unwelcome donations might include gifts that:

Conflict of Interest

What is conflict of interest?

A conflict of interest arises when a board or a staff member is in a situation where his decision making may be impaired by personal, financial, or other busin

Tools & Tips

Strategic and Financial Planning

Without a solid strategic plan to guide future decisions, direct staff in the right direction, and help the board and staff assess accomplishments, the organization functions without a rud

Endowment

An endowment refers to a fund or funds that are generally kept permanently. Their interest income provides for the overall operations of the organization.

Protection

Satisfactory protection against liability (and loss) starts with rigorous risk management.