In not-for-profit organizations, how is surplus revenue typically utilized?

In not-for-profit organizations, surplus revenue is typically reinvested back into the organization. This practice is crucial because it allows the organization to further its mission and enhance its services without distributing profits to shareholders, as would be the case in a for-profit entity. By reinvesting, not-for-profits can fund new programs, improve existing projects, provide training or resources, and address community needs more effectively.

In contrast, distributing surplus among stakeholders or as bonuses to employees goes against the foundational principles of a not-for-profit, which is to serve a public or community interest rather than generating profit for individuals. Saving for future expansion projects may happen, but the key focus remains on immediate reinvestment to enhance the organization's capability to fulfill its mission. Thus, reinvestment is the most common and appropriate use of surplus revenue in not-for-profits.