Financial management of not-for-profits is similar to financial management in the commercial sector in many respects; however, certain key differences shift the focus of a not-for-profit financial manager. A for-profit enterprise focuses on profitability and maximizing shareholder value. A not-for-profit lacks the financial flexibility of a commercial enterprise because it depends on resource providers that are not engaging in an exchange transaction. The resources provided directed towards providing goods or services to a client other than the actual resource provider. Thus, the not-for-profit must demonstrate its stewardship of donated resources — money donated for a purpose must be used for that purpose. That purpose is either specified by the donor or implied in the not-for-profit's stated mission. The management and reporting activities of a not-for-profit must emphasize stewardship for these donated resources. The staff must be able to demonstrate that the dollars were used as directed by the donor. The shift to an emphasis in external financial reports on donor restriction has made use of fund accounting systems even critical (Thomas, 2002).
Discussion
Types of Funding
Sources of funding for non- Profit Organization are divided into three groups:
1.Referred
2.Public
3.Own funds
Referred
Public
Own
Charitable funds
Direct financing
Income from operations
Sponsorship funds
Indirect financing
Revenues from Business
Grants
-
Dues
Reserve contributions
-
-
Borrowings (loans, Muniz)
- -
-
Charity and sponsorship
Charity is voluntary activities of citizens and legal persons by the generous transfer of property, including cash, unselfish performance of works, rendering services, rendering other support. Sponsorship is an economic transaction in which the exchange of money, goods, services, work on advertising opportunities, conduct PR-activities, sales promotion and others. In contrast to the charity, which represents a form of voluntary selfless support nonprofit activities with by individuals and legal entities, sponsorship is characterized solely by commercial interests.
Donation
Donation recognizes the donation of goods or the precise to nonprofit purposes (i.e. you cannot donate work or services). Donations may be made by citizens; medical, educational, charitable, scientific and educational institutions, institutions of social protection, foundations, museums and other cultural institutions, public and religious organizations. For these persons, donations are not taxed on profits (Warren, 2007).
Patronage
Patronage - is providing long-term economical and organizational support nonprofit activities in return for certain rights to participate in management. Cartridge may be entitled to participate in strategy development, current planning nonprofit activities, etc.
Dues
Dues are a regular dismissal of a nonprofit organization with the purpose of obtaining a certain package of goods and services.
Grant
Grant is funds earmarked funding (cash or other property), allocated on a competitive basis and provided free of charge and irrevocably with the subsequent report on their intended use.
Financial activities
Fund accounting is also used by state and local governments. In fund accounting, the reporting system is organized and accounted for through separate ...