Nonprofit Accounting Basics

25 Nonprofit Financial Reports to Know

The Volunteer Treasurer’s Guide to Nonprofit Financial Reports

What, Why and When to Use 25 Different Nonprofit Reports Managing finances for a volunteer-run nonprofit can feel overwhelming at times—especially when you open your accounting software to find a long list of unfamiliar reports. What’s the difference between a Balance Sheet and an Income Statement? When should you use a Reconciliation Report? Do you…

Nonprofit Reimbursement

Nonprofit Reimbursement Approvals: Ditch the Old School Paper Chase

Simplifying Reimbursements for Nonprofits Processing reimbursements can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating part of your role as a nonprofit treasurer. Depending on your organization’s bylaws, your nonprofit reimbursement policy may require you to obtain approvals and signatures before reimbursing an expense. This can lead to delays in group members being reimbursed, potentially causing financial…

Nonprofit Accounting Software

Do I Need Nonprofit-Specific Accounting Software?

For many volunteer treasurers, the choice of accounting software is often inherited rather than chosen. In other words, they use whatever is passed down to them. Unfortunately, this often comes with little to no training, and sometimes, the treasurer has no accounting experience at all. One of the unique challenges of nonprofit organizations-especially those run…

Nonprofit Compliance Mistakes

5 Nonprofit Compliance Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them

Running a nonprofit is no small feat. Between fundraising efforts, volunteers, accounting and meetings, it’s easy to let nonprofit compliance take a back seat. However, neglecting your compliance responsibilities can lead to fines, penalties, the loss of your tax exempt status and damage to your reputation. If that’s not bad enough, if noncompliance is not…

nonprofit risk assessment

Financial Risk Assessment Checklist for Nonprofits

Serving on the board of a nonprofit organization can be a labor of love. Whether you’re the President or Treasurer, you’re driven by a mission to make a meaningful impact. However, as they say, “with great purpose comes great responsibility.” This is especially true when it comes to managing and protecting your nonprofit’s finances. A…

Restaurants that do Fundraisers

50+ Restaurants that do Fundraisers without a Middleman in 2025

Looking to host a fundraiser for your local nonprofit, school, sports team or community group? Why not try a restaurant fundraiser? It’s truly a win-win-win: you raise money for your group, you support a local restaurant, and everyone gets to eat. And who doesn’t love to eat? Of course, many groups use a middleman for…

IRS Form 8868 Extension

990-EZ Extension: What is IRS Form 8868?

If you’re a small, tax-exempt organization with gross receipts averaging between $50,000 and $200,000, you are likely eligible to file IRS Form 990-EZ. This form is due on the 15th day of the 5th month after your financial year ends. So a group with a January 1 start date needs to file by May 15th.…

In Kind Donations

All About In-Kind Donations (with Sample Thank You Letter)

What Are In-Kind Donations? In-Kind Donations are non-cash donations that come in the form of goods or services. Unlike cash donations where funds are transferred to your group, these items must be recorded based on fair market value. Some examples of In-Kind Donations include goods (i.e. a computer), property rentals (i.e. a meeting hall), professional…

Nonprofit Fiscal Financial Year Alignment

Nonprofit Best Practices: Fiscal Year Alignment

Many nonprofits find themselves in a situation where their budget period, bylaws and financial software don’t align with their official year as stated with the IRS an their Secretary of State. While it’s possible to manage this with extra effort (and risk), there’s a much simpler solution: fiscal year alignment. Benefits of Fiscal Year Alignment…

IRS Form 990-N

What is a Form 990-N?

IRS Form 990-N, often referred to as the “e-Postcard”, is a document that most small, tax-exempt organizations whose annual gross receipts total less than $50,000 must file.