More than ever before, nonprofit organizations must demonstrate accountability in all aspects of their financial and program management. Restrictions around the use of government grants continue to rise, and private foundations and corporations are asking organizations for specific measurable outcomes resulting from grant awards. Tightening federal regulations, plus talk of adding a performance measure requirement to the IRS Form 990, are increasing the pressure.
Too often, talented staff must spend more time consolidating spreadsheets to satisfy these increased tracking and reporting demands than actually focusing on improving programs or spreading the word about their organization’s mission. This can be a serious disadvantage in the current fundraising climate, in which most nonprofits face pressure to do more with less. Fortunately, today’s fund accounting technology enables nonprofits to budget, track, report, and forecast on outcome measures.