Follow Chad Linkedin
Email Chad Email
Financial
Mar 26, 2018

Reporting Contributions from Fundraising and Special Events

Sponsored Content provided by Chad Wouters - Partner, Earney & Company, LLP

This Insights article was contributed by Sandy Crumrine, CPA.

Most non-profits host fundraising and special events in order to raise monies for their organization. Simple contributions, such as cash, are easy to track.
 
The main focus of this article is to explain breaking out what is considered revenue from events and what should be considered contributions to your organization. Believe it or not, differentiating these two from the beginning will cause less stress when preparing your Form 990.
 
First, we look at why this is important when reporting on the Form 990. In order for non-profits to be a public organization they must receive one third of their support from public contributions, membership fees, etc. Most non-profits can meet this requirement without a problem. Then there are others who have trouble and recording contributions from these events correctly can help.
 
To help differentiate revenue from contributions, the non-profit has to determine the fair value of ticket sales or donated goods from events. The non-profit has a responsibility to disclose the fair value of tickets or raffle items, for example, to the donor. This information helps the donor determine his donation to the non-profit, which also would be considered the contribution value to the organization.
 
If the donor received a ticket for a special event, such as a gala, their deduction will only include the difference between what they paid and the value of what they received in exchange. For example, normally a meal will be served at such events. The difference between what the meal price would have been and the price of the ticket is the charitable donation for the donor. The non-profit organization reports this to the donor, usually on the ticket for the event or in a follow-up thank you card.
 
Non-profits hold many different events, so determining the value of some donations would require more research and questions, but the process is necessary. Anything over the fair market value of what you’ve received for the item should be considered a donation to your organization.
 
Reporting this information on your Form 990 can be simple if you have separated it correctly. The revenue and contributions will be entered in separately. The contribution portion will help boost your percentage for the public charity test and help you maintain your status as a public organization.

Chad Wouters, CPA joined Earney & Company in December 2006 and became the tax partner in November 2013. With an emphasis on strategy and planning, Chad works with his clients all year to ensure the most efficient tax strategies are put into place.  Earney & Company, L.L.P.  is a CPA firm that handles tax compliance, consulting and planning as well as audit and other assurance services.  For more information please visit www.earneynet.com or call (910) 256-9995.  Chad can also be reached at [email protected].

Ecolarge
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Burrus rob headshot 300x300

Spreading Wings for Flight: 2nd Annual Trade Show Highlights the Ingenuity of UNCW Business Students

Robert Burrus - Cameron School of Business - UNC-Wilmington
Jessiepowellheadshot webversion

5 Reasons to Build Custom Franchise Software

Jessie Powell - Wide Open Tech
Tommytaylor ceo unitedway

How Philanthropy Fits Into Your Financial Plan

Tommy Taylor - United Way

Trending News

Conservation Group Signs $8M Deal To Buy The Point On Topsail Island

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

National Organization Bestows Top Award On Cape Fear Professional Women In Building

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

Engineering Firm Hires Four Employees

Staff Reports - Mar 26, 2024

N.C. Ports Officials React To Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 26, 2024

NCino's Fourth-quarter Earnings Signal Rebound From Liquidity Crisis

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 27, 2024

In The Current Issue

Expanding Tastes On Castle Street

As John Willse and Beth Guertin, owners of Wilmington Wine bottle shop and now the recently opened Creative Tastings restaurant on Castle St...


Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....


Topsail-area Realtors Share Updates

Pender County Realtors recently shared updates about the coastal market at an event hosted by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Associa...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments