Not-for-profit accounting in a changing world of standard setting: What professors and students need to know

• Reviews the history of nonprofit standard setting in the US.
• Discusses the influence of standards for private and small entities on nonprofits.
• Explores potential exceptions and modifications to US GAAP for nonprofits.
• Examines current and future directions of FASB’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee.

Generally, accounting standard setting in the 21st Century promises to be an interesting and increasingly diverse endeavor. This paper discusses the formation of the FASB’s Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee in 2010 and its work to date. I identify the various changes that will likely impact accounting and auditing for not-for-profit entities. Specifically, prospects for changes to current not-for-profit standards are discussed with emphasis on how future changes might follow the patterns outlined for private companies or small and medium-sized entities. New possibilities and implications for educators and curriculum design are introduced.