Questions a nonprofit treasurer should ask before approving a fund release

Board approval of a release should be more than a signature line. A short set of questions keeps purpose language alive when program urgency is high.

Five questions that earn their keep

1. Which sentence in the gift or grant file authorizes this use?
2. Does any remaining balance after this release still meet the donor’s purpose?
3. Who in finance checked the supporting invoices?
4. Will this release appear clearly in the next restricted-fund schedule?
5. Is there a related funder report due that should mention this spending?

If answers are vague, pause the release. Delaying a payment is usually less costly than explaining an unsupportable charge later.

Treasurers who want a fuller committee brief can request our board finance briefing pack.