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  • 1.  Best way to handle a large gift with no date

    Posted 04-07-2025 01:09 PM

    We have a large commitment that is guaranteed by an individual however the payment start date is unknown - it is dependent on a sale of an asset.  Which could be 5 years from now - or 8 years from now - no way to know.  It will then also pay out after 15 years.  Do we book as a pledge with a date way out there and adjust as we know more or is there a better way to handle this.  We need the gift to count this year.  Accounting will book as a receivable and put the present value in for the amount and reduce once payments start. 

    Thanks for any input



    ------------------------------
    Paula Eyerman
    Ohio Wesleyan University
    pdeyerma@owu.edu
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Best way to handle a large gift with no date

    Posted 04-07-2025 01:50 PM
    I do not know why you "need" to book this in the current year. I would not. I would only record the gift when all the facts are known. As it is, it would be a conditional pledge that accounting cannot book anyway.

    John

    John H. Taylor, Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier Street
    Durham, NC     27705

    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987






  • 3.  RE: Best way to handle a large gift with no date

    Posted 04-07-2025 01:55 PM
    So accounting has seen the documentation and the individual guarantees personal payment of XX $ and accounting has stated it is an intent and how they will book it.  Our leadership feels the need to book this for the year


    Upcoming days off:
    April 3rd and April 4th
    May 29th to June 16th

    Paula Eyerman
    Sr. Assoc. Director, Advancement
    University Advancement
    Ohio Wesleyan University
    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Mowry Alumni Center
    pdeyerma@owu.edu
    740-368-3318 (office)
    1-614-329-3424 (mobile)
    Ohio Wesleyan University

    Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 22 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature program, The OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.








  • 4.  RE: Best way to handle a large gift with no date

    Posted 04-07-2025 02:05 PM
    I do not understand how account can book anything without a payment schedule. Most organizations calculate a reserve based on default rates partly dictated by the number of payment years. And more recently I am seeing an increase in institutions where accounting discounts the value of the payment period exceeds 5 years.

    If accounting feels desperate to book this then I suggest they calculate a realistic value and you use the same amount!

    John H. Taylor
    919.816.5903 (Cell/Text)

    Big Ideas - Small Keyboard





  • 5.  RE: Best way to handle a large gift with no date

    Posted 04-07-2025 02:12 PM
    And sorry for the typos in that last note. I need to chat with Siri about her listening skills ��.

    John

    John H. Taylor
    919.816.5903 (Cell/Text)

    Big Ideas - Small Keyboard





  • 6.  RE: Best way to handle a large gift with no date

    Posted 04-07-2025 02:26 PM
    hehe - thanks for your input John


    Upcoming days off:
    April 3rd and April 4th
    May 29th to June 16th

    Paula Eyerman
    Sr. Assoc. Director, Advancement
    University Advancement
    Ohio Wesleyan University
    Pronouns: she/her/hers

    Mowry Alumni Center
    pdeyerma@owu.edu
    740-368-3318 (office)
    1-614-329-3424 (mobile)
    Ohio Wesleyan University

    Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 22 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature program, The OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.