What is the main purpose of a permanent fund?

The main purpose of a permanent fund is to report legally restricted resources only for earnings. This type of fund is established primarily to provide income generated from its principal over time, rather than using the principal itself. In government accounting, permanent funds typically have restrictions that prevent the use of the fund’s principal amount for any immediate spending. Instead, only the income or earnings generated from the investments of the principal can be allocated for government programs or services.

This functionality distinguishes permanent funds from other types of funds that may allow more flexible access to both principal and earnings. By focusing on legally restricting resources to their earnings, permanent funds ensure long-term financial sustainability of governmental services while balancing the need to maintain the principal for future generations.