Hi there,
I'm not clear if your concern is folks are promising funds that don't exist (but are projected for next year) or promising to use existing funds for a new program without approval.
So, first scenario: When putting together the budget for next year, you will do so in part based on assumptions for fundraising proceeds in the next school year. If the proceeds fall short, then that needs to be addressed at that time. In other words, you are anticipating fundraiser X will make $5,000 and you need that to fund new technology. If you fall short, say, you raise $3,000, then you need to adjust the commitment to purchase that technology.
Second scenario: Funds exist but there's no "approved" commitment to a particular program. That's something that group members should not do until the proposed budget has been approved.
I am on a board for my child's PTO. Our budget year and terms for our officers starts in July. There is currently a controversy within our group over funds that have been advertised and promised for a program that won't be paid out until the next budget year. Some of the members of the group are getting upset and saying this is "illegal" because funds are being promised that have technically not yet been approved. They are trying to get the funds paid out before the end of this budget year, but the treasurer is resisting because apparently this has been the way things have been done for years. I just wondered if anyone had any insight or experience with issues like this. We may be headed for a vote soon and while I understand the logic behind the proposed change, I'm concerned about getting in the middle of this disagreement.
