we are just starting a PTO and I would love any forms you might have on budgeting. My email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Include in your annual budget things you want to spend Money on year after year--the for certain items. Then additional things/special requests can be brought before you board to be voted on. We have an annual budget and the president is authorized to spend up to $100 with out it being voted on by the general board (for smaller things that come up). Our budget committee meets yearly to make changes as needed but the same basic items remain, with slight changes to amounts, additional areas added, some taken away.
Just FYI, our annual budget included teacher $, field trip $, PE, Music, and Library $, awards, hospitality, b-days, AR store, RIF, Literacy lab, etc.
I love budgeting! It makes PTO financial life so simple. A couple of years ago I wrote down everything I had learned from my own experience in the form of a "how to" document. I will email you a copy.
In the meantime, basically your new PTO's budget would be based on the general ways you want to help your school, which is based on the mission of your new group. Even though you don't know how much money you'll have to work with, you can start with percentages. Then, ask around to other PTOs, do some math, project some numbers and plunk in an amount of income that you can reasonably justify. The %s will automatically spread out your income to create a budget you can live with for the sake of your Form 1023.
As you consider ways your PTO's mission can be manifested, think....Do you want to fund the assemblies? Put on free Family Nights? Reimburse teachers for classroom supplies? Fund non-academic enrichment activities? Buy needed audio equipment? Give the principal discretionary money? Sponsor a staff appreciation program? etc etc.
And then, when you're really up and running, present your well-thought-out annual budget to your members for approval. When they approve the budget, your group has a roadmap for the year. And each month track your actual activity against the budget so you build up good history that will improve your budgeting in the future. If your PTO lives by a budget, your treasurer and board won't be bombarded with urgent "hallway" requests for money that have to be debated on a case by case basis. Truly, a budget can avoid a lot of stress.
OK, I'll get off my soapbox now. Can you tell this is a hot button with me! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Help!!!! We are starting a new PTO. When filing for exempt status, I need to submit a proposed budget for the next 2 years. I have no clue as to what we will spend the money on or how I should go about proposing a budget. Can anyone please help?
