
With accurate tracking of financial information, you can see how money is used at your organization over time. It can help you determine the amount of cash you have at any given point and help you make current and nonprofit cash flow statement future financial decisions. Investing activities in a nonprofit include the acquisition and disposal of long-term assets and investments not included in cash equivalents. These might consist of purchasing or selling fixed assets like property, buildings, or equipment, which are used in delivering nonprofit services. It also includes investments in marketable securities beyond cash management purposes. A high percentage of total expenses directed toward programs indicates a nonprofit is mission-focused and efficiently uses its resources to achieve its goals.
Get accurate nonprofit financial statements with BPM
The next crucial step is to identify the starting point for the cash flow statement, which, in the indirect method, is the net income or change in net assets as reported on the income statement. One key aspect of the additional disclosures is the disclosure of significant accounting policies. These policies outline the principles and methods used by the organization to prepare its financial statements.
Software and Tools to Assist in Preparation
- This analysis not only aids in making informed decisions aligned with strategic goals but also provides a robust management framework for organizational resources.
- They help assess the financial health of the organization and ensure proper management of resources.
- In both cases, stakeholders, including managers, donors, investors, and regulators, rely on detailed cash flow information to make informed decisions about the organization’s performance and potential.
- Monitoring cash flows from investing activities helps ensure that a nonprofit is not over-investing its liquid assets in ways that could jeopardize its operational liquidity.
- Keep your financial documentation organized so that you can easily look back at your nonprofit statements of cash flows over time to draw long-term conclusions.
- It’s important for non-profit organizations to regularly evaluate the effectiveness of their fundraising activities.
Financing activities in a nonprofit’s Statement of Cash Flows involve the flows of cash that are related to the funding of the organization beyond its operational revenue. This section highlights how the nonprofit manages its capital structure, including how it secures and repays funds, and how it handles contributions that may have financial implications beyond the current period. Grants arrive in chunks, donations spike during certain seasons, but your rent and payroll happen every month. A clear cash flow statement helps you plan for these ups and downs before you run short. Operating activities include all the cash that comes in and goes out from your organization’s day-to-day activities.
Recommendations for Accounting Software That Can Facilitate the Direct Method

The net assets section of the Statement of Financial Position is an important part of nonprofit financial statements. It provides a clear picture of the organization’s financial health and sustainability. Understanding unrestricted net assets is crucial for nonprofits as it helps determine the availability of funds for various purposes. Unrestricted net assets are funds that can be used at the discretion of the organization’s management. They provide flexibility and support the organization’s ongoing operations and strategic initiatives.

Manage the amounts (deficits)

With tools like Sage Intacct, you can organize these categories effortlessly, ensuring your reports are clear and accurate every time. Your cash flow statement summarizes where you cash flow went and where it came from. Investing activities include all the cash that comes in and goes out from your organization’s investments. This can include things like cash from the sale of investments, cash from the purchase of investments, and cash from interest earned on investments. Heliconia Scholarship Foundation shares a financial report with its donors instead of an annual report.
Definition and Purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows
By analyzing the expense breakdown, stakeholders can gain insights how is sales tax calculated into how the organization allocates its resources and make informed decisions regarding funding and budgeting. In the Statement of Financial Position, the assets section is typically presented in order of liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents listed first. The liabilities section includes items such as accounts payable, loans, and deferred revenue. The net assets section includes items such as unrestricted net assets, temporarily restricted net assets, and permanently restricted net assets. These activities are crucial for understanding how a business is allocating its resources towards growth and how it manages its investment portfolio to balance returns and risks. This section reflects the nonprofit’s ability to secure funding for large projects and its effectiveness in managing long-term financial commitments, which are crucial for sustaining its operations and expanding its impact.
Cash Reserve Planning

Nonprofit financials are reports that detail the financial health and performance of a nonprofit organization. This summary should highlight key QuickBooks ProAdvisor points from the financial statements, like major changes in revenue or expenses, and any significant achievements or challenges. This report provides an overview of your nonprofit’s financial health at a particular moment. To convince these businesses that supporting your nonprofit is a smart move, you need to show them your financial statements. With clear cash flow forecasts, you can prepare for tough financial periods, manage costs efficiently, and optimize fundraising to maintain stable operations.
Without a clear Statement of Cash Flows, a nonprofit organization may not be maximizing its resources or identifying areas of opportunity or concern. Kepler College is a small non-profit corporation that provides online astrological education through free informative webinars, workshops and intensive courses. Our store sells our classes to students internationally using PayPal, Stripe and Square.
