Strategies for an Efficient Grants Management Workflow

Grants are the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations, yet the grants management process often introduces significant challenges for organizations. ANAFP identified the most effective approaches to strengthening the full grant lifecycle to help eliminate major pain points and to build a streamlined, transparent grants management framework.

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Understanding ASC 842 (Lease Accounting)

ASC 842 represented a significant shift in how nonprofit organizations must recognize and report leases. This accounting code changed the way nonprofits present leases, especially on the Statement of Financial Position whereby nonprofits must present a Right-of-Use (ROU) asset as well as a Lease Liability. Learn more about this ASC and download a sample lease schedule.

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Can Nonprofits Engage in Lobbying Activities

Often times, 501(c)3 charitable organizations, in the course of their normal activities, find themselves engaging in public policy debate and, more importantly, lobbying efforts. In the United States, federal law allows nonprofits to lobby within certain limits. Knowing what constitutes lobbying under the law, and what the limits are, is key for every nonprofit to lobby both legally and safely. 

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Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) and its Impact on Nonprofits

Recently, the activities of nonprofits are being more scrutinized, and many nonprofits are now finding themselves out of compliance with FARA registration along with new state-level reporting requirements. What is FARA and what impact does it have on nonprofit organizations -- especially those that have international ties? 

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Policy Changes Affecting Federal Grant Recipients

The second Trump administration has introduced sweeping policy changes that directly affect federal grant recipients, including nonprofits and research institutions. The Executive Order creates new layers of review, grants agencies broader discretion to restrict or terminate funding, and places a stronger emphasis on aligning grants with presidential policy priorities.

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Best Practices in Nonprofit Budgeting

Because nonprofit organizations typically operate with limited funds, have restrictions on how funds can be spent, and must publicly report their expenses, budgets play an important role in every nonprofit. Given this, it is important in the nonprofit world for organizations to develop and follow financial budgets. Learn 12 best practices that nonprofits should consider before starting the budget process.

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Benefits & Risks of Fiscal Sponsorships

Fiscal sponsorships have emerged as a strategic tool for emerging projects and initiatives. These arrangements allow entities to pursue charitable activities under the umbrella of an existing 501c3 organization. While they offer a practical solution to new or short-term projects, a fiscal sponsorship is not without risks.

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How AI is Transforming Nonprofit Accounting & Finance

AI is rapidly reshaping how nonprofits manage their accounting and finance functions. From enhanced financial accuracy to strengthening compliance, the AI-driven tools in this article are options for helping boost your nonprofit's accounting and financial efficiency.

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Accounting for Future Pledge Receivables

Many nonprofits receive multi-year grants and commitments. For those multi-year payments, the corresponding receivables must be converted to reflect the current market expectation on those future payments. Read more about how best to account for this as well as download sample journal entries that can be used as a reference. 

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KPIs for Affordable Housing Rental Units

Given the challenges of affordable housing including the shortages of units, high construction/land costs, zoning restrictions, and economic inequality for tenants, it's important to regularly measure the performance of affordable housing units against nine key performance indicators. 

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Cost Allocations & the Statement of Functional Expenses

The Statement of Functional Expenses is a key financial report for nonprofit organizations. To complete this statement accurately, nonprofits must understand which costs can be allocated and how to distribute them properly across functions.

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How the IRS Revokes a Nonprofit's Tax-Exempt Status

The IRS can revoke a nonprofit's tax exemption for a variety of reasons. Stay ahead of such action by learning more about the common reasons for revocation, how the process works, and how to regain tax-exempt status should your nonprofit find itself in this situation.

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How to Protect Your Nonprofit from Financial Fraud

Fraudulent transactions are on the rise. From unauthorized deductions from bank accounts to a lack of internal controls, nonprofits are at risk of falling prey to malicious acts. Follow these 8 steps to ensure your organization isn't a victim of fraud.

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Understanding the Difference Between Restricted & Unrestricted Revenue

One important aspect of nonprofit accounting is the classification of revenue as either restricted or unrestricted. Understanding the difference between these two types of revenue is critical for effective budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.

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How Nonprofit Accounting & Finance Staff Can Benefit From the CPA Shortage

The CPA shortage is reshaping the accounting and finance landscape. For nonprofit accounting and finance professionals, this is a rare window to step up, skill up, and stand out. 

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Conditional vs Unconditional Revenue in Nonprofit Accounting

Recognizing revenue accurately is essential to ensuring financial transparency and compliance with accounting standards. Discover how to properly recognize the difference between unconditional and conditional revenue in nonprofit accounting.  

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Understanding Nonprofit Financial Statements

Everyone working in nonprofit accounting and finance, including Board members, should have a strong grasp of reading and understanding nonprofit financial statements. Get a handle on how to interpret the unique way in which nonprofits present these financial reports by downloading ANAFP's guide to understanding nonprofit financial statements.

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Fund Accounting: What Is It?

The concept of fund accounting is one of the main differences between for-profit and nonprofit accounting. It's important for all nonprofit finance and accounting professionals to understand this key concept as they continue to advance their careers.

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Public Charities versus Public Foundations

Nonprofits in the United States organized under U.S. IRS Code Section 501(c)3 may be classified as either a public charity or a private foundation. Learn the key differences between between these two entities to ensure your organization is classified correctly.

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