Definition Not-for-profit organizations are also known as non-profit organizations set up to further cultural, educational, religious, professional, or public service objectives. Its aim is not to earn profit Accounting done by non-profit organizations is fund based. Type of accounting Non-pRead more
Definition
Not-for-profit organizations are also known as non-profit organizations set up to further cultural, educational, religious, professional, or public service objectives. Its aim is not to earn profit
Accounting done by non-profit organizations is fund based.
Type of accounting
Non-profit organizations do Fund Based Accounting.
Donations received or funds set aside for specific purposes are credited to a separate fund account and are shown on the liabilities side of the balance sheet.
The income from or donations for these funds are credited to the respective fund account. On the other hand, expenses or payments out of these funds are debited.
Accounting when done on this basis is known as Fund Based Accounting.
Let me explain to you with an example :
The sports fund has a balance of Rs 100000 which is invested as a fixed deposit in a bank earning 8% interest. A further donation of Rs 10000 is received towards it. Expenses incurred towards prizes are Rs 7000; Rs 3000 towards trophies and Rs 4000 distribution of cash prizes. The accounts are shown as follows :

Categories of funds
In the case of non-profit organizations, funds may be classified under the following heads :
Unrestricted fund :
The unrestricted fund does not carry any restriction with respect to its use. In other words, management can use the amounts in the funds as it deems appropriate, but to carry out the purpose for which the organization exists.
This is known as the general fund or the capital fund to which the surplus for the year is added and in case of deficit, deducted.
Restricted fund :
A restricted fund is a fund, the use of which is restricted either by the management or by the donor for a specific purpose.
Examples of such funds are endowment funds, annuity funds, loan funds, prize funds, sports funds, etc.
- Government grant: grant received from the government for a specific purpose is restricted to be used for the purpose it is granted. It is accounted for in the books following fund-based accounting.
- For example, a grant received from the government for ‘the polio eradication program is credited to the polio eradication fund, and income earned relating to the fund is credited to the fund while expenses are debited.
- Endowment fund: it’s a fund usually a non-profit organization, arising from a bequest or gift, the income of which is devoted to a specific purpose.
- Annuity fund: an annuity fund is established when a non-profit organization receives assets from a donor with a condition to pay
- Loan fund: loan fund is set up to grant loans for specific purposes say loans to pursue higher studies.
- A fixed assets fund is a fund earmarked for investment in fixed assets or already invested in fixed assets.
- Prize funds: it is a fund set up to use for distribution as prizes say for achievements or contributions to the welfare of society.




The reserves created for specific purposes in business are called specific reserves. According to the Companies Act, 2013, these reserves cannot be used for any other purposes. However, if the Article of Association of a company allows, these reserves can be used for other purposes as well. Amount tRead more
The reserves created for specific purposes in business are called specific reserves. According to the Companies Act, 2013, these reserves cannot be used for any other purposes. However, if the Article of Association of a company allows, these reserves can be used for other purposes as well.
Amount to any specific reserve is generally transferred from the Profit and Loss Appropriation Account.
Various specific reserves are:
Debentures are debt instruments of a company and they have to be redeemed, that is, paid back after the expiry of the specified period. According to Accounting Standards, companies are required to set aside a specific amount in Debenture Redemption Reserve, when they are due for redemption.
When shares or debentures are issued at a price higher than its book value/face value, the difference between the market value and book value is called Securities Premium. The amount of Securities Premium is transferred to Securities Premium Account. This amount is utilized to issue fully paid bonus shares, write off preliminary expenses, write off commission discounts, etc., to provide a premium on redemption of debentures.
The investments made by a company are subject to fluctuations in its market value. Company Law and Accounting Standards require companies to provide for such fluctuations by creating a reserve called Investment Fluctuation Reserve.
Companies are required to pay a dividend to their shareholders. It is often difficult for a company to maintain a consistent rate of dividend as the dividend paid is equivalent to the profit made by a company during the financial year which is not consistent. So, Dividend Equalisation Reserve is created to maintain a consistent rate of dividend on shares over time, in the event of both high and low profits.
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