Under FASB standards, when would a conditional pledge be recognized?

Under FASB standards, when would a conditional pledge be recognized?

• A. Immediately upon the pledge.
• B. When cash is received.
• C. When the donor confirms it.
• D. Not recognized until pledge conditions are substantially met.

Answer: (D)

Conditional pledges are not recorded as revenue until the donor-imposed conditions are substantially met. This reflects the uncertainty tied to such promises: until the condition is satisfied, the organization hasn’t earned the revenue, so recognizing it early would overstate resources. If cash is received before the condition is met, it’s typically recorded as a liability or as temporarily restricted funds, not as revenue. Once the condition is substantially met, revenue is recognized and the liability is removed or reclassified.

Conditional pledges are not recorded as revenue until the donor-imposed conditions are substantially met. This reflects the uncertainty tied to such promises: until the condition is satisfied, the organization hasn’t earned the revenue, so recognizing it early would overstate resources. If cash is received before the condition is met, it’s typically recorded as a liability or as temporarily restricted funds, not as revenue. Once the condition is substantially met, revenue is recognized and the liability is removed or reclassified.