Do any of you know of grants in Kansas. We are a 501c3? Were do we start? I know we need a playground layout and plan of acton. But as far as funding were do we start? Our PTO is a group of about 6 people so it will take alot of hard work to make this happen, but I know we can do it with everyones help.
I have checked, the PTO is a 501(c) 3 organization. I was warned that grant money may have strings attached when you have your books audited. Maybe I should ask if we are required to have our books audited every year? The amount of extra work the account goes through may require PTO to pay extra cost.
JHB, we are currently trying to get paperwork filed to be 501(c)3. It looks pretty detailed and a bit overwhelming. Any advice? What should be our first steps? Filling out a 1023 Form? Thanks. Tammy
I don't think public schools normally need to go through through the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) as they are set up as public institutions. I'm sure the IRS has some legal classification for them, but they would have the same benefits. However, the PTO is a separate legal entity, even though it's a affiliated with the school. PTO members or other volunteers may seek grants under the school name - just volunteering the legwork. However, if the PTO is seeking the grant and will receive the money, then the PTO's classification is what counts. There's been a ton of discussion on this in other places, but basically any organization over with gross income over $5000 should be filing something with the IRS each year. Ideally, they are set up as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. If not, according to the IRS, they are just another business and should be filing a corporate tax return each year. It seems to be common practice that grant givers require the receiving organization to be a 501(c)(3).
[This message has been edited by JHB (edited 09-05-2001).]
