Caring Concerns is a nonprofit organization that brings books, gifts and other items to needy families. The organization has grown rapidly, but so has the number of needy families. As the organization seeks gifts from large donors and foundations, scrutiny of the financial information increases. Attached you will find the data for the Statement of Functional Expenses in the Form 990. Executive Director Laurie Lavender, Ph.D. is especially concerned about the Percent of Costs attributable to Management and Fundraising. Currently, costs are allocated using the direct method directly to the three functional areas. Dr Lavender asks you to look at those costs and see if there is a better way to allocate costs. She wants to see more of the costs attributed to Program Services vs. Management and Fundraising. She has hired your team to investigate the possibilities of changing the cost allocation from the current methods to some other alternative. Dr. Lavender receives a 50% bonus if she is able to secure new grants. The grants require a significant improvement in the percentage of expenses allocated to Programs and Services. Dr. Lavender believes you should change the method of allocating the following: - All Salaries including: officers, directors, trustees \& key employees and others - Management Fees - Management Conferences Your team assignment is to answer the following questions in a well-prepared report to Dr. Lavender explaining your recommendations. 1) Why does the cost allocation system matter for Caring Concerns? 2) Based upon your team research, what is an appropriate benchmark for Program Services as a Percentage of Total Services? 3) What will happen to cost allocation by function (Program 8 Services/Management & General/Fundraising) if you change the cost allocation methods to the proposed changes? 4) What are the new totals by function for: a. Salaries/Retirement Benefits/Other benefits/Payroll taxes "Pensions \& 403 B =7.5% of salaries and officer Compensation "Other employee benefits = 5% of salaries and officer Compensation "Payroll Taxes = avg of 8% of salaries and officer Compensation Note that Benefits and Taxes are allocated as follows Use the form below for \#5 \& \#6 Can you display these graphically