Restricted money is given for a stated use. It may support meals, access places, transport, or a particular program. Record the exact restriction and whether the expense qualifies.
Do not use restricted funds for another bill simply because the bank balance is low. Seek appropriate approval or advice before changing the use.
Track award amount, payment date, eligible period, required evidence, reporting deadline, and any repayment conditions. A reimbursement grant may require you to pay costs before receiving the money.
Make donor promises modest and measurable. “Support ten funded places under our access process” is clearer than a promise to change every child's life. Do not guarantee participant outcomes you cannot control.
Protect privacy in reports. Use aggregate information where possible and obtain appropriate permission for individual stories or images. Avoid exposing a family's hardship to make fundraising more moving.
Be honest about unspent funds or a cancelled session. Follow the agreement and applicable law rather than quietly carrying the money into a different project.
Your task: Create a restricted-fund ledger and review it before each major payment and report.