Board Designated Restriction
A board designated restriction, also known as a board designated fund or board designated reserve, refers to a specific allocation or restriction of funds by a nonprofit organization’s board of directors. These funds are taken from the organization’s unrestricted net assets and are set aside for a particular purpose or project. The key characteristic of board designated restrictions is that they are imposed by the organization’s board, not by an external donor or grantor.
Board designated restrictions are used to provide financial stability, support long-term strategic goals, or fund specific projects. They may be used for purposes such as:
- Capital projects: The board may allocate funds for the construction or renovation of facilities, purchase of equipment, or other significant capital investments.
- Operating reserves: Funds can be set aside to cover unexpected expenses, revenue shortfalls, or economic downturns, ensuring the organization’s financial stability and sustainability.
- Special projects or programs: The board may designate funds for new initiatives, program expansions, or other strategic endeavors that align with the organization’s mission and goals.
- Endowments: A portion of the unrestricted net assets can be allocated to establish an endowment, generating long-term investment income to support the organization’s operations or specific programs.
Board designated restrictions offer flexibility for nonprofit organizations because they can be modified or lifted by the board itself. This contrasts with donor-restricted funds, which must be used in accordance with the donor’s specific instructions and cannot be easily repurposed. However, it’s essential for the board to be transparent and accountable in its decision-making process, carefully documenting the rationale and purpose for any board designated restrictions. Regular review and monitoring of these restrictions are necessary to ensure that they continue to serve the organization’s best interests and align with its strategic objectives.
Example of a Board Designated Restriction
Let’s consider a hypothetical example of a board designated restriction in a nonprofit organization, the “Community Art Center” (CAC).
CAC is a nonprofit organization focused on promoting art education and cultural events in the local community. The organization receives donations and grants from various sources, including individual donors, corporations, and foundations. These funds are classified as unrestricted or donor-restricted based on the donors’ specifications.
At the beginning of the year, CAC’s board of directors decides to set aside a portion of the organization’s unrestricted net assets for a specific purpose. The board designates $100,000 to establish a “Youth Art Scholarship Fund,” which will provide financial assistance to young, underprivileged students who want to attend art classes at the center.
This board designated restriction serves several purposes:
- Strategic alignment: The Youth Art Scholarship Fund aligns with CAC’s mission to promote art education and make it accessible to a broader audience within the community.
- Financial planning: By setting aside funds specifically for the scholarship program, the board ensures that CAC has a dedicated source of funding to support the initiative, reducing the financial uncertainty associated with relying solely on future donations or grants.
- Transparency and accountability: The board’s decision to allocate funds to the Youth Art Scholarship Fund is documented in the meeting minutes and communicated to the organization’s stakeholders, demonstrating the board’s commitment to transparency and responsible financial management.
The board designated restriction for the Youth Art Scholarship Fund can be modified or lifted by the board if necessary. For example, if CAC receives a significant donation specifically designated for the scholarship program, the board may decide to reallocate the previously designated funds to another purpose or project that supports the organization’s mission and strategic goals. However, it is essential for the board to carefully document any changes to board designated restrictions and provide a clear rationale for its decisions.
