[Alex]

If the grant agreement only restricts how the money is spent, I wouldn’t automatically treat that as a condition preventing recognition. I’d generally recognise the award when you’re entitled to it, while recording restrictions separately. If future-year funding depends on meeting specific requirements, though, that portion may need different treatment. The agreement’s wording really matters here.

[Alex]

I’d focus less on finding a generic bookkeeping firm and more on someone who understands nonprofit fund accounting and QuickBooks Online. Your chart of accounts, classes, and projects should be designed around how you report grants and programmes. I’d also ask your REDF cohort for referrals; they’re likely to have encountered the same problem.

[Alex]

That’s a great question. For in-kind donations you receive, record them at fair market value on the date they arrive. For goods, use retail or thrift shop values; for services like legal help, use FMV if you would have paid for them anyway. Just remember to record both revenue and an equal expense. When you donate items or services, record them as a contribution expense at fair value. Keeping separate accounts for goods and services helps, and it’s always wise to document how you valued each donation for your records.

[Alex]

We took a blended approach to address rising costs. We gave all staff a 5% cost-of-living increase to help with inflation. Then we added a separate 3% merit pool for performance-based adjustments. This helps us keep our team supported while still rewarding strong work. We review salaries quarterly to keep them competitive.

[Alex]

I’ve heard similar discussions, although I’d be cautious about treating them as confirmed without an official source. The Single Audit threshold and indirect cost rate can have significant implications for nonprofits. It would be useful to know where others are seeing the latest guidance.