Citation URL: http://www.urban.org/PatrickRooney

Lessons for Boards from the Nonprofit Overhead Cost Project summarizes research findings for board members of nonprofit organizations. Widespread problems with financial reporting and controls suggest that board members should look closely at both as part of fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities, lest weak organizational infrastructure limit mission effectiveness. The overhead cost project is a collaboration with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Special Issues in Nonprofit Financial Reporting: A Guide for Financial Professionals documents significant problems in the reporting of expenses by functional classification in both audited financial statements and Forms 990. The guide encourages greater focus on this area by public accountants. The guide documents special problems raised by accounting for capital and in-kind gifts and offers solutions that are in conformance with generally accepted accounting principles. The information in this guide is based on research findings from the Nonprofit Overhead Cost Project, a major national study conducted in collaboration with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Donating to Charity, based on findings from the nonprofit overhead cost project, encourages individuals to consider their own values and check into the operations of various charities before making charitable contributions. Unlike many guides that emphasize quick-fix financial ratios when determining the donation-worthiness of charities, Donating to Charity indicates that these ratios are frequently problematic and are therefore not useful in making giving decisions. The overhead cost project is a collaboration with the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Return to list of authors