Not-For-Profit Organizations Paper

Words: 727
Pages: 3

In America today, there are hundreds of not-for-profit organizations (NFOs) established at the local, regional, and national level, and their influence is increasing. The not-for-profit organizations in America are based on some of the foundational values that brought this country into existence. “Today’s modern organizations can trace their own origin to the philanthropists who feel a sense of moral or spiritual obligation to a cause (Robbins, 2006, p. 13). A NFO is primarily created for the common good of the public. NFOs are also created for a specific religious, charitable or educational purpose. This paper will summarize the accounting practices for a NFO by detailing start-up, the generally accepted accounting principles, and preparations …show more content…
It can take time and can be complicated due to the many steps that need to be taken to properly have the NFO operate properly. Ordinary people start NFOs daily. The major process is preparing a mission statement detailing what the organization is for such as a food pantry for the needy. Sell your mission statement to the public. Have in place a Board of Directors that share the vision and are willing to promote the organization. A good lawyer and accountant is necessary because the tax laws for a not for profit can get confusing and shady. Accountants will be able to keep up with the special filing deadlines for tax exemptions and the attorney can keep up with all of the important laws. File for tax exemption will assist in preventing unnecessary taxes. Also, within the startup process; are having the donated funding and the ability to draw in people to continue the donation process in order to keep the organization alive and able to assist those that need the …show more content…
A not-for-profit organization is established for the common good of the public. NFOs are usually formed for some specific purposes such as religious, charitable or educational. A for-profit organization is typically established to conduct any number of lawful business activities. The main reason to create a for-profit organization is to make a profit. NFOs are able to file for a tax exemption through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) while a for-profit organization cannot. For-profit businesses may raise money by offering investors a percentage of ownership in the company. In the case of a for-profit corporation, investors can provide property, services and cash in exchange for shares of the company's stock. Rarely will for-profit organizations raise capital as a result of grants or other solicitations. Not-for-profit organizations find ways to raise their capital by soliciting donations from the public and companies. Grants from governmental or private sources may be used to fund the operation of the NFO. A not-for-profit organization may have the ability to get the public to donate funding compared to a for-profit organization because of the perception that the NFO provides in showing that the funds are used to help