Question: Managing the Budget for our Nonprofit PTO

Are there guidelines or requirements around spending our budget and not carrying funds over into the new school year? For example, if the funds are raised in the 2010-2011 school year, must they all be spent in the same school year?

Asked by mreyes

Answers:

Advice from PTO Today

Craig writes:
No, there aren't any rules. The IRS allows you to carry over any amount. They care about how you spend your money (ie in line with your mission), not about how you save it. We recommend that you carry over at least enough money to start the year with a family event or two. It's important that the first communication parents see from you in the new year not be about fundraising. If you establish yourself as a community-building organization rather than just a fundraising group, you'll have a much easier time creating involvement and finding volunteers.