Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1957
Abstract
The study was undertaken to determine whether a uniform system of financial recording and reporting could be designed for all philanthropic institutions. Religious, social and governmental institutions were not considered as falling within its scope. Hospitals and educational institutions were also excluded because of prior studies and reports thereon. The available published literature on the subject is quite sparse. Aside from the texts mentioned in preceding paragraphs, there were comparatively few articles appearing in technical journals, all of which were carefully examined. Executives of many philanthropic organizations were interviewed. Through their courtesy, financial reports of various types of philanthropic institutions were made available for examination. Reports of internal and independent public accountants were studied; in this connection, reports for at least two successive years were sought, for purposes of comparison. In all, over one thousand reports of approximately four to five hundred individual agencies were reviewed. From these, one hundred or more, selected as representing typical institutions of differing types and varying size, were selected for detailed study. A questionnaire regarding specific practices of recording and reporting was sent to twenty-five national philanthropic institutions; twenty-four replied. The answers in some cases were accompanied by charts of accounts, accounting manuals, and other helpful materials, all of which were carefully analyzed. As each step of the study progressed, the findings were discussed with individuals directly involved in the financial division of some philanthropic institution. The tentative conclusions were discussed at several meetings with groups of financial personnel representing national and local philanthropic agencies. Of course the responsibility for the statements and opinions contained in this report is entirely that of the author.
Relational Format
article
Recommended Citation
Englander, Louis and New York Community Trust, "Accounting principles and procedures of philanthropic institutions" (1957). Individual and Corporate Publications. 14.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/acct_corp/14