November 24, 2025
Nonprofit organizations operate in a unique space where they engage in both charitable activities and revenue-generating transactions. One concept that often causes confusion is the exchange transaction situation where both the nonprofit and the other party receive something of roughly equal value. Understanding how these transactions work is essential for accurate financial reporting, compliance, and maintaining transparency with stakeholders.
In simple terms, an exchange transaction happens when a nonprofit “gives” something and “gets” something in return of equal or similar value. Examples include selling program materials, renting out space, providing training for a fee, or charging tuition for educational programs. In these scenarios, the nonprofit is acting more like a business than a donor-funded organization, and the revenue generated is considered an exchange rather than a contribution or donation. Many transactions are straightforward, but some include both exchange and contribution elements, which require careful consideration.
It’s important to distinguish exchange transactions from contributions, because the accounting rules are different. Contributions are voluntary and come without receiving equivalent value in return like donations or grants. Exchange transactions involve mutual benefit. Under accounting standards (FASB ASC 958-605-55-6), nonprofits must evaluate whether a transaction is a true exchange. If the individual or organization receives direct, measurable value back such as goods or services, then it's an exchange transaction, not a contribution. Getting this classification right matters because it determines how and when revenue is recognized. This becomes even more important when a single payment includes both a donation and an exchange component. Let’s look at an example.
Consider a nonprofit hosting a fundraising gala. Tickets cost $300 each.
Each attendee receives:
Because the attendee receives goods/services worth $120, only that portion is treated as an exchange transaction. The rest is a charitable gift.
Here’s how the five-step model applies:
This split ensures accurate reporting and prevents overstating exchange revenue or understating contributions.
Properly accounting for exchange transactions is more than just a technical requirement, it protects the nonprofit's credibility and supports informed decision-making. Misclassifying exchange revenue as contributions (or vice versa) can distort financial statements, lead to compliance issues, and mislead donors or regulators. By understanding the nature of exchange transactions and applying the correct accounting treatment, nonprofits can present a clearer financial picture and maintain the trust of funders, partners, and the communities they serve.
For additional guidance, please contact us. Larson and Company has developed a suite of services specifically to serve the needs of nonprofit organizations.