How are association reserves defined?

Association reserves are defined as the difference between assets and liabilities. This definition reflects the financial health of an organization, indicating what the association has available after meeting its obligations. Reserves are a crucial component for associations since they represent saved funds that can be used for future projects, investments, or unexpected expenses.

When an association calculates its reserves by taking assets minus liabilities, it provides a clear picture of its net worth. This figure helps the association determine how much cushion it has financially to support its operations and strategic initiatives. Strong reserves can indicate a more stable and sustainable organization, capable of effectively handling economic fluctuations or resource demands.

Other options do not accurately capture the meaning of reserves in an association's financial context. Income minus expenses pertains to the organization's profitability but does not reflect the overall financial standing like the calculation of assets and liabilities. The total expenses divided by assets gives a ratio that does not show net worth. Lastly, member contributions minus withdrawals relates specifically to funds contributed by members, which is narrower in scope compared to the broader concept of reserves as assessed by the balance sheet.