lahjoitusvaranto

Lahjoitusvaranto, or donation reserve, is a concept within Finnish accounting and legal frameworks, primarily concerning non-profit organizations and foundations. It represents a portion of the organization's net assets that has been designated or set aside by the donors for specific long-term purposes or as a permanent endowment. This reserve is distinct from operational funds or unrestricted net assets.

The creation and management of a lahjoitusvaranto are typically governed by the donor's intentions, the organization's statutes, and relevant Finnish legislation. Donors may specify that their contributions are to be used only for a particular project, to generate income for ongoing operations, or to be preserved in perpetuity. When such conditions are attached, the funds become part of the donation reserve.

Accounting for a lahjoitusvaranto involves clearly distinguishing these restricted funds from other net assets in the organization's financial statements. This ensures transparency and accountability to donors and stakeholders. Expenditures from the donation reserve must adhere strictly to the donor's stipulations or the organization's approved policies for its use. The purpose is to safeguard the donor's intent and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization's mission. For foundations, a donation reserve can be crucial for fulfilling their charitable objectives over extended periods.