Glossary
Budget & Forecasting

Fiscal Year

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

A fiscal year is a 12-month accounting period used for budgeting and financial reporting, which may differ from the calendar year.
A fiscal year is a 12-month period that organizations use for financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, which may or may not align with the calendar year. Nonprofits often select a fiscal year based on their funding cycles, activities, or compliance requirements. The fiscal year determines the time frame for annual budgets, grant cycles, and financial statements. For example, a fiscal year could run from July 1 to June 30, instead of January 1 to December 31. Choosing the right fiscal year helps nonprofits match their financial reporting with operational realities and stakeholder needs.

Key Takeaways

  • A fiscal year is a custom 12-month financial period.
  • It may differ from the standard calendar year.
  • Nonprofits often align their fiscal year with funding or activity cycles.
  • Choosing the right fiscal year supports accurate reporting and budgeting.

Why It Matters

The fiscal year shapes budgeting, reporting, and compliance for nonprofits.

Real World Example

A youth enrichment nonprofit operates summer camps, with most activities and funding centered around school breaks. Instead of using the calendar year (January to December), the organization chooses a fiscal year from July 1 to June 30 to align with its program cycle. This allows the nonprofit to better track expenses and revenues related to each camp season. Financial reports, budgets, and grant applications are all prepared based on this fiscal year, improving accuracy and supporting strategic planning.

How Aplos Helps

In Aplos, you can set your organization's fiscal year to match your operating cycle, which ensures accurate budget tracking and compliance. Aplos automatically applies your fiscal year to reports, helping you compare periods and manage finances efficiently.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fiscal year for a nonprofit?

A fiscal year is a 12-month period organizations use for budgeting, reporting, and financial planning, which may differ from the calendar year.

Can a nonprofit choose any fiscal year?

Yes, nonprofits can typically choose the fiscal year that best matches their funding and activity cycles, unless restricted by specific regulations or grants.

How does Aplos help with fiscal year management?

Aplos allows you to set and customize your fiscal year, ensuring your budgets and reports align accurately with your organization's operating cycle.

Why might a nonprofit select a non-calendar fiscal year?

Nonprofits often align their fiscal year with program or grant cycles, making financial tracking and reporting more relevant to their operations.

Does changing the fiscal year affect reporting?

Yes, changing your fiscal year impacts how budgets, financial statements, and comparisons are prepared within your accounting software.