Glossary
Fund Accounting

Statement of Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

A report showing a nonprofit's unrestricted assets, available for use without donor-imposed limitations.
A Statement of Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions is a financial statement used by nonprofit organizations to report the portion of net assets that are not subject to donor-imposed restrictions. It provides a snapshot of the organization’s unrestricted financial resources at a specific point in time, indicating the funds available for general operations and program activities. This statement distinguishes resources that can be used at the discretion of the nonprofit’s management from those restricted by donors for specific purposes or time periods. The clarity offered by this statement helps nonprofit boards, management, and stakeholders understand the organization’s immediate financial flexibility and sustainability.

Key Takeaways

  • Shows resources not limited by donor restrictions
  • Supports financial planning and sustainability
  • Required for nonprofit financial transparency
  • Separates unrestricted from restricted funds

Why It Matters

It shows the nonprofit's available resources for operations, aiding transparency and decision-making.

Real World Example

Imagine a nonprofit animal shelter that receives donations, some of which are specified by donors to be used for building a new kennel, while others are given without restrictions. The Statement of Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions will report the total value of assets that the shelter can use for any purpose, such as paying staff or buying supplies, separate from funds earmarked for the kennel. This helps the board and management understand how much funding is freely available for the shelter’s ongoing operations and to make informed decisions about budgeting and program expansion.

How Aplos Helps

In Aplos, users can generate a Statement of Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions as part of their fund accounting reports. This allows nonprofits to clearly see which resources are available for immediate use, supporting more accurate budgeting and compliance with accounting standards.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Statement of Net Assets Without Donor Restrictions?

It is a financial statement that shows the value of a nonprofit's assets not subject to donor-imposed restrictions, available for general use.

Why is this statement important for nonprofits?

It helps organizations and stakeholders understand how much funding is available for daily operations and strategic initiatives.

How does Aplos help with this statement?

Aplos fund accounting software allows nonprofits to easily track and report on unrestricted and restricted net assets, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Is this statement required for nonprofit reporting?

Yes, it is commonly required for compliance with nonprofit accounting standards and best practices.