Glossary
Expenses & Payables

Class Tracking

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

Class tracking allows nonprofits to categorize and monitor financial transactions by functional area, such as programs, administration, or fundraising.
Class tracking is an accounting method that enables nonprofits to categorize and monitor financial transactions according to functional areas, such as programs, administrative functions, or fundraising activities. By assigning classes to expenses and income, organizations gain detailed insight into how funds are allocated and utilized across specific areas of operation. This process helps ensure accountability, transparency, and compliance with donor restrictions or grant requirements. Class tracking is especially valuable for nonprofits that need to report on the effectiveness of different programs and meet the requirements of funders, auditors, and regulatory agencies. It also supports informed decision-making by providing granular financial data for each functional area.

Key Takeaways

  • Enables detailed tracking of expenses by program or function
  • Improves reporting for grants and donors
  • Supports compliance with nonprofit accounting standards
  • Facilitates informed decision-making

Why It Matters

Class tracking provides transparency and accountability for how funds are spent within a nonprofit organization.

Real World Example

A community center operates several programs, including after-school care, adult education, and a food pantry. By using class tracking, the center assigns each transaction—such as salaries, supplies, or utilities—to the relevant program. When a grant requires proof that its funds are spent only on after-school care, the center generates a report filtered by the 'After-School Care' class. This not only ensures accurate reporting to the grantor but also helps the organization assess which programs are running efficiently and where additional resources may be needed.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos offers robust class tracking features, making it easy for nonprofits to assign, monitor, and report on expenses and income by program or function. Within Aplos, users can tag transactions with specific classes, enabling precise reporting and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is class tracking in nonprofit accounting?

Class tracking is a method that allows nonprofits to categorize financial transactions by functional area, such as programs, administration, or fundraising.

Why should nonprofits use class tracking?

Class tracking provides detailed insight into how funds are used, improves reporting for grants and donors, and ensures compliance with accounting standards.

How does Aplos support class tracking?

Aplos allows users to tag transactions with classes, simplifying the process of monitoring and reporting expenses by function or program.