Sarbat da Bhala. The welfare of all.

Every year, one California nonprofit gets six months of free bookkeeping from us. We named the practice after this principle. This page explains how it works.

The principle

Sarbat da bhala is the closing line of the Sikh Ardas prayer. May everyone prosper. No conditions attached, no exceptions carved out for religion or caste or where someone was born. It’s a wish for everybody.

But a wish, by itself, is cheap. The belief we grew up with says the wish only counts when you act on it, and act without expecting anything back.

So we do.

What the recipient gets

Six months of full monthly bookkeeping, provided in-kind: QuickBooks Online set up or cleaned up with nonprofit fund classes, monthly reconciliation, donor and grant tracking, board-ready statements every month, and a written compliance calendar covering the IRS, the FTB, the Attorney General’s Registry, and the Secretary of State.

What’s outside the gift, we say plainly: tax return preparation, catch-up work older than three months before the start date, and anything beyond a CRTP’s legal scope. Clear boundaries are part of giving well.

Who can apply

A California 501(c)(3), or an organization actively curing delinquency or reinstating its status. Annual budget under $100,000. No paid finance staff. Board awareness and consent. Willingness to share a permission-based impact story at mid-year and year-end.

Priority goes to:

  • Newly formed nonprofits
  • All-volunteer organizations
  • Organizations affected by recent federal funding disruptions

How it works

Apply October 1 through November 15. One recipient announced in early December. Service runs January through June.

Oct 1 – Nov 15

Applications open.

Early December

One recipient announced.

Jan – June

Service runs, six months.

First cycle: apply in fall 2026 for service starting January 2027.

And if you apply and aren’t chosen, you won’t leave empty-handed. Every applicant gets the California Nonprofit Compliance Checklist and a free 30-minute conversation. Every application gets answered.

Apply for this year’s cycle

A few questions, reviewed personally. One recipient is chosen per year, and every applicant hears back.

Thank you. Your application is in.

Every application is reviewed personally and every applicant hears back, whether or not you’re this year’s recipient.

This page will grow.

Recipients, their stories, and what six months of steady books made possible.

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