Glossary
Fund Accounting

Temporarily Restricted Net Assets

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

Temporarily Restricted Net Assets are nonprofit funds that must be used for a specific purpose or after a certain time, as determined by the donor.
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets are funds received by a nonprofit organization that are subject to donor-imposed restrictions, which will expire either with the passage of time or when certain actions have been fulfilled. These assets cannot be used for general operations until the restrictions are met. Once the purpose or time restriction is satisfied, the assets are reclassified as unrestricted. This concept is crucial for proper fund accounting, ensuring that organizations honor donor intentions and comply with accounting standards. Examples include grants designated for a specific project or funds restricted for use in a particular year.

Key Takeaways

  • Represent funds with donor-imposed, temporary restrictions
  • Restrictions may be purpose-based or time-based
  • Reclassified as unrestricted once met
  • Essential for accurate nonprofit financial reporting

Why It Matters

They ensure nonprofits honor donor intentions and comply with fund accounting standards.

Real World Example

A community nonprofit receives a $25,000 donation from a local foundation, specifically to fund a youth literacy program within the upcoming year. This donation is recorded as a temporarily restricted net asset because it must be used for a defined purpose (the literacy program) and within a set timeframe. As the nonprofit spends the funds on program supplies, staff, and events, the restriction is gradually released, and those amounts are reclassified as unrestricted net assets. Accurate tracking and reporting of these assets ensure compliance with accounting standards and transparency to the donor.

How Aplos Helps

Within Aplos, you can easily track temporarily restricted net assets by creating specific funds and assigning incoming donations to them. The software helps automate the process of releasing restrictions when requirements are met, providing transparency and accurate reporting for both your team and your donors.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are examples of temporarily restricted net assets?

Examples include grants for a specific project, funds restricted for use in a future year, or donations earmarked for a particular program.

How are temporarily restricted net assets tracked in Aplos?

Aplos allows you to assign donations to specific funds, track when restrictions are met, and automatically update your reports when assets are released.

What happens when the restriction on the asset is fulfilled?

Once the restriction is met, the net asset is reclassified as unrestricted, allowing it to be used for general purposes.