Question: Starting a fund for needy students?

We’d like to start a new fund to help students with money for lunch or field trips. The money would be handled by the principal because she’s there every day and knows the children who are truly in need. What kind of paperwork should she fill out to make sure that the money is being spent on this purpose? It’s not that we don’t trust her; we’d just like to have the paperwork to back up everything.

Asked by

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Elly writes:

Offering your group’s help to disadvantaged students and their families is a great idea. And letting your principal handle the disbursements is the best way to go.

Many parent groups set up a discretionary account for the principal for precisely the reasons you’ve outlined. Typically, the treasurer transfers a small amount each month or two. That way, your group has some financial control and avoids the confidentiality issues these cases involve.

The IRS recommends that you structure this contribution as a grant to the school and get an acknowledgment on school letterhead. It’s OK to ask your principal for general (not personal) information on how the money was used. But technically you have no say over the money once the grant is made. If your group has a good working relationship with the administration, that won’t matter.

Community Advice

LauraJan1 writes:
I have some experience in this area. I know of an absolutely no cost way for you not only to reach your goals for this fund for disadvantaged students but exceed them. Please email me for more info at laurajan1 at aol. Good luck.