I have members that say it is a problem to give gifts. We want to recognize and give a gift of$$ to janitors office staff and such that make our days run better. They support us each and every day and without them we couldn't do what we do. When we were non profit there was no discussion everyone agreed that it was our policy to thank them.. now being non profit we go around and around that we can't since we are non profit. how do we make this happen without all the discussion. i just want to come up with a plan??
Ptmom;133275 wrote: PTMOM: the problems we are running into has to do with recognizing people at the end of the year. We would love to give the janitors, office staff and priniciple an end of year gift and I am being told since we are non profit we can't. also helping a family in need we can't give $$ again we are non profit and the individual isn't.
PTMOM
I don't know that being a 501(c)(3) would prohibit either of these things.
1) Helping a family in need. You can do this if you can tie it your mission. Most PTOs shy away from this because it's not a part of their core mission and it's getting into an area beyond their area of expertise. Deciding who to help when and how much are not easy things. However, if you build your non-profit purpose to include this type of activity and you have appropriate processes to decide who gets help, you should still be able to do this.
2) End of the year appreciation gifts. Again, there's nothing to prohibit this. Many groups have a policy not to give more than token gifts as they feel it important to reserve their funds for core functions. But doing so wouldn't necessarily invalidate your non-profit status.
Think about the big non-profits like United Way or Red Cross. They give monetary assistance to individuals all the time. But it's obviously tied to their purpose.
PTMOM: the problems we are running into has to do with recognizing people at the end of the year. We would love to give the janitors, office staff and priniciple an end of year gift and I am being told since we are non profit we can't. also helping a family in need we can't give $$ again we are non profit and the individual isn't.
pals;133164 wrote: ptmom what kind of rules and regulations are you running into that is giving you a hard time? we are a 501 and have been for four years and never had much of a problem at all...let us know and maybe we can help...it shouldn't be that hard!
I am wondering the same thing.
For us, the 501c3 gave us a ot more freedom and license to do our thing.
If you don't expect too much from me, you might not be let down. <img src=images/smilies/smile.gif>
I would recommend starting at www.irs.gov
and search charities & nonprofits which is a link right at the top of the IRS homepage, and then also specifically search 501(c)3 . good luck!
ptmom what kind of rules and regulations are you running into that is giving you a hard time? we are a 501 and have been for four years and never had much of a problem at all...let us know and maybe we can help...it shouldn't be that hard!
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
