A key component of financial sustainability is the commitment of board and staff to financial management that includes timely review of financial reports and advance planning. One way that board and staff plan for income and expenses in the future is by creating a budget. Approval of the annual budget is one of the fundamental building blocks of sound financial management.
For nonprofits with employees, creating the annual budget is usually staff’s responsibility, but board members often review the proposed budget and the full board typically adopts the budget at a full board meeting. The approved budget then serves as a guide for financial activity in the months ahead. Budgets should not be written in stone, because the financial position of the nonprofit may change during the year.
A budget is a guide that can help a nonprofit plan for the future as well as assess its current financial health. It is good practice to periodically review the budget as well as compare it to the actual cash flow and expenses, to determine whether they are playing out as expected during the course of the year. It may be necessary to amend the budget during the year.
Budgets may be requested by parties involved in financial transactions with the nonprofits, such as banks, or by donors/grantmakers considering a gift to the nonprofit.
Board members and staff who are new to the charitable nonprofit context may wonder, "Does a nonprofit’s budget have to break even?" "Can there be a profit?"
Disclaimer: Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is neither intended to be nor should be construed as legal, accounting, tax, investment, or financial advice. Please consult a professional (attorney, accountant, tax advisor) for the latest and most accurate information. The National Council of Nonprofits makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained herein.
