In our by-laws we as a board can dispense up to $50.00 with only board approval to any cause we find worthy such as a tragedy within the community. Check your by-laws to see if there is any emergency money available. I know it is a small amount but every little bit counts.Our student's lives don't stop at the end of the school day.
We just went through the exact same scenario. We were informed that our PTA CANNOT pay any funeral expenses for the family. That is not within the scope of a 501(c)3. There is a specific clause in the IRS charter that "no part of the net earnings of the organization shall inure the benefit of, or be distributable to its members, blah, blah, blah or other private persons except for services rendered in furtharance of the organization" <~~~~not a direct quote, but the legaleeze was killin me! I think that would be the "higher set" that she may be speaking of. It's actually right in our by-laws also.
Funny, a few people were mad that our board declined to contribute PTA money to the funeral fund. When the suggestion was made that we pass the hat and contribute personally on behalf of the "school parents", they were not so quick to take out the checkbook, but they were ready to send a few hundred from the PTA account.
The board also declined to contribute because we didn't want to set a precedent. We pay funeral expenses for A, B has a fire, C has surgery, where do you draw the line? This could be a very slippery slope, and the next thing you know you have become the local charity. I don't mean to sound cold-hearted, but this is not the purpose of PTA/O.
As I stated before, it seems like its much easier to help when its someone elses money.
I have just been informed after making a motion (over the phone) that our organization makes a donation directly to the funeral home to help cover the cost of arrangements for an eighth grade student who passed away suddenly this week, that we CANNOT do this. One of the main reasons I like to be involved is to help the children. This really gets to me. His family has no insurance and told the school donations to cover costs would be appreciated. Another board member said that not in our bylaws, but a "higher set," we could not donate to an individual. It really makes me sick. Our school and club is in a great position and I think it would be a nice jesture. Any ideas on what "higher set" they could be referring too? I'm lost on it.
One thing suggested to me was that our next school dance, we donate the admissions to his family. Isn't this kind of the same?
Any help would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!
