Business donations can help a PTA offer programs and events and takes some of the financial burden off of your members by avoiding the need for fundraisers. But reaching out to businesses doesn’t come naturally to most people, and it can feel a little awkward when you first start. Here are eight tips to get … Continue reading 8 Keys to Getting Business Donations
Is Your PTA Ready with a Budget for This Year?
The budget and finance committee develops a budget to meet the needs of the PTA’s programs and activities. After the PTA has adopted the budget, the budget and finance chairman (usually the treasurer) is responsible for assuring that PTA money is disbursed in accordance with the budget, presenting necessary amendments to the budget at executive … Continue reading Is Your PTA Ready with a Budget for This Year?
How to Handle Bad Checks
It happens to almost every PTA every year. A check for membership, spirit wear, or a fundraiser gets returned. Depending on what the check was for, the PTA can be left responsible for full payment on merchandise already received. Here’s how to handle bad checks. Your PTA’s check handling policies should go in your PTA’s … Continue reading How to Handle Bad Checks
Plan Now for PTA Success in the Fall
With the school year coming to a close and summer activities to look forward to, many PTA leaders may be looking to put their feet up for the next few months. But summer provides an excellent time for PTA leaders to make their lives easier once school starts back up. By doing some planning for … Continue reading Plan Now for PTA Success in the Fall
6 Things to Wrap Up Your PTA Year
May is a busy month for PTAs with Teacher Appreciation Week, end of the school year activities, and electing new officers. As a PTA leader, you’re probably a bit worn out from everything your PTA has done this past year. But making sure your PTA is successful next year begins with wrapping up this year. … Continue reading 6 Things to Wrap Up Your PTA Year
IRS Releases Updated Form 990-EZ
As 501(c)3 organizations, PTAs are required to file some type of Form 990 with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) every year. That form is due on the 15th day of the fifth month after the end of their fiscal year. For PTAs whose fiscal year ends June 30th, the filing deadline is November 15th. PTAs … Continue reading IRS Releases Updated Form 990-EZ
Illinois PTA Launches PTA Essentials Video Series
Illinois PTA offers free training, both in person and online, but realizes that not everyone’s schedule aligns with training opportunities. Today, Illinois PTA launches its PTA Essentials video series with two financial help videos on its YouTube channel: Handling PTA Funds The PTA Audit PTA Essentials is a series of short videos that provide critical … Continue reading Illinois PTA Launches PTA Essentials Video Series
What to Do When Your PTA Gets a Bad Check
Every PTA that takes in money ends up having a check that was written to the PTA returned by their bank for non-sufficient funds (NSF). When NSF checks are part of a fundraiser that includes merchandise, the costs can be significant as the PTA is liable for full payment on all of the fundraising products … Continue reading What to Do When Your PTA Gets a Bad Check
Preventing Theft, Fraud, and Embezzlement
From National PTA It is hard to acknowledge that theft, fraud and embezzlement are pervasive in today’s society. In many cases, the person who commits these acts is someone you know, like and trust. Convincing a nonprofit to prosecute is often difficult. A nonprofit’s duty to its members, the community, and its donors are significant … Continue reading Preventing Theft, Fraud, and Embezzlement
Protect Your PTA’s Tax-Exempt Status—File with the IRS On Time!
The IRS requires every 501(c)3 non-profit organization to file some variety of the Form 990 annually. Failure to file for three consecutive years will result in your PTA’s non-profit status being revoked and having to pay taxes on your PTA’s income. In addition, many businesses will not make donations to organizations that are not tax-exempt. … Continue reading Protect Your PTA’s Tax-Exempt Status—File with the IRS On Time!
Protect Your PTA Officers by Incorporating
The Illinois PTA encourages all PTAs to incorporate because incorporation offers additional liability protections for all PTA members. In the event an incorporated PTA is sued, barring willful or wanton conduct, only the PTA, as an entity, with its limited assets, would be subject to lawsuit and/or damages, not the individual members. Liability of the … Continue reading Protect Your PTA Officers by Incorporating
Questions to Consider When Planning a PTA Fundraiser
As the new school year approaches, many PTAs are planning their budget for the coming year. One part of that budget is fundraising. The National PTA Back-to-School Kit has a list of questions for PTAs to use as guidelines when selecting and planning a fundraising project. Does it adhere to the PTA mission and purpose? … Continue reading Questions to Consider When Planning a PTA Fundraiser
Wrapping Up Your PTA’s Fiscal Year
Many PTAs have their fiscal year ending on June 30th (check your bylaws), which means it’s time to handle all of those end-of-the-year tasks so your PTA is ready to start off on the right foot when school starts. Close your books. Make sure you get those last deposits in and write those last checks … Continue reading Wrapping Up Your PTA’s Fiscal Year
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