Managing Restricted and Unrestricted Funds

About Course

Understanding restricted funds for nonprofits is essential for anyone working in nonprofit finance, administration, or program management. This course teaches you how to properly manage both restricted funds for nonprofits and unrestricted donations, ensuring your organization maintains donor trust while staying compliant with financial regulations.

Many nonprofit staff members struggle with fund management simply because no one taught them the fundamentals. Whether you’re tracking grant money that must be used for specific programs or managing general donations that support your entire mission, knowing the difference between fund types protects your organization from costly mistakes. Mismanaging restricted funds for nonprofits can damage donor relationships, create legal problems, and threaten your tax-exempt status.

This course breaks down complex accounting concepts into practical, actionable steps. You’ll learn how to identify different types of restrictions, set up simple tracking systems that work, and create the internal controls your organization needs. We cover everything from basic fund accounting principles to GAAP compliance requirements, all explained in plain language without financial jargon.

You’ll discover how to prepare financial statements that clearly show stakeholders how funds are being used, implement policies that prevent common mistakes, and train your team to handle restricted funds for nonprofits correctly. The course includes real-world examples and practical assignments that help you apply concepts directly to your organization.

By the end, you’ll be able to explain fund restrictions to board members and staff, create documentation that keeps your organization protected, and communicate effectively with donors about how their contributions make an impact. You’ll also learn how to handle situations when restrictions can’t be met and how to maintain proper records that satisfy auditors and regulators.

Whether you’re new to nonprofit work or have years of experience, this course gives you the confidence and skills to manage restricted funds for nonprofits effectively while focusing on your mission.

What You Will Learn

This course equips you with practical skills for managing restricted funds for nonprofits in your daily work. You’ll gain the ability to distinguish between different fund types, set up accounting systems that track donations properly, and create financial reports that satisfy donors, board members, and auditors. You’ll also learn how to write policies that prevent compliance issues, train your team on fund management procedures, and build internal controls that catch problems before they become expensive mistakes. Through real-world examples and hands-on exercises, you’ll develop a complete understanding of how to handle restricted funds for nonprofits while maintaining the flexibility to respond to your organization’s changing needs.

Show More

Course Content

Restricted Funds for Nonprofits

  • 1. Restricted Funds for Nonprofits Course Introduction
  • 2. Fund Types and Management Basics
  • 3. Accounting and Reporting Requirements
  • 4. Best Practices and Implementation
  • 5. Restricted Funds for Nonprofits Course Conclusion

Restricted Funds for Nonprofits Quiz

Restricted Funds for Nonprofits Materials