Learn how to make smarter strategic decisions on program performance with the proper allocation of costs.
Classifying expenses is a time-consuming but necessary process for nonprofit organizations. It is critical for nonprofits to properly measure the resources needed to effectively run their programs and ensure they secure the funding necessary to maintain their sustainability. Having a direct and indirect cost allocation plan is important to determine the cost of operating programs accurately. Cost allocation is the process of assigning costs to a specific functional area in a nonprofit.
We will discuss how to identify direct costs and indirect costs, how to establish cost pools, and what bases and methods are allowable to allocate the pooled costs. We will provide real-world examples of how to set up your accounting system to support your allocation plan, provide sample cost allocation reports, report cost allocations for grant reporting, and prepare for audits and your 990. We will also discuss using accepted cost allocation methodologies and how it can help you present your fundraising costs more accurately and what costs qualify for this allocation. We will review a list of nonprofit accounting software applications that provide the ability to perform cost allocations. We will also cover the complicated government regulations for compliance with indirect cost allocation rates.
Learning Objectives
- You will be able to describe the importance of allocating expenses for your nonprofit.
- You will be able to discuss the difference between direct and indirect costs.
- You will be able to identify the proper bases for allocating costs.
- You will be able to explain how to to maximize your funding resources by proper allocation of costs.
Agenda
Why Nonprofits Must Allocate Costs
- What Are Functional Expenses
- Identifying Direct Costs
- Identifying Indirect Costs
Different Basis (Methods) of Allocations
- Understanding Cost Allocations
- Identifying Pooled Costs
- Establishing Bases for Allocations
Indirect Cost Rates
- What Is an Indirect Cost Rate
- How to Calculate the Rate
- Types of Indirect Cost Rates
Developing a Cost Allocation Plan
- Does My Organization Need a Cost Allocation Plan
- List of Accounting Software Products That Can Perform Cost Allocations
- Identify Allowable and Unallowable Costs
Speakers
Joseph Scarano,
Araize- CEO of Araize, Inc., a software company whose sole focus is to provide cost-effective, comprehensive software management solutions to nonprofit organizations
- Has 10 years of experience as a CPA in a public accounting firm specializing in auditing and consulting nonprofits
- With 36 years of experience providing software solutions to nonprofits, Joe is dedicated to helping nonprofits be more accountable and more sustainable so they can better fulfill their mission
- Has presented at the North Carolina Association of CPAs’ annual conference on various topics related to nonprofit software, accounting, and systems
- B.S. degree in accounting, Fairfield University
Who Should Attend
This live webinar is designed for accountants, executive directors, officers, board members, controllers, CFOs, tax managers, and tax preparers.
