WilderMom,
I agree that handing over a check for this purpose is not what most, or at least I, would do. Last year as prez, I did establish an Awards program to compliment the school academics awards program. PTO purchased pencils that were given out at the quarterly awards assemblies. License plates were given to All Year Principals List and All Year Honor Students. We chose not to award perfect attendance because we felt that academics should take precedence AND because a perfect attendance certificate was already being given. We also agreed (actually a very close vote) that perfect attendance awards invite other problems, mainly children coming to school sick. A lot of parents argue that sometimes getting to school every day is all some students have. I believe every student should have an attainable award, be it Most Books Read or a Personal Best Award, but it shouldn't be perfect attendance. Just my humble opinion...
Anyone who can, please help!! We changed from a PTA to a PTO this year and all of our board members are new to this and need guidance. One issue that we are facing now as we set the budget for the year is the request from the principal to provide money for teacher perfect attendance awards at the end of the school year. These would be handed over to individual teachers in the form of checks for their personal and individual use! I have a problem with that.I have been urging the other members of our board to decide on what our mission actually is and stick to it! We should not be the banking institution for the administration. Any thoughts, ideas, information would be unbelievably appreciated. Also, samples of other missions statements would help immensely!!!!
Funny that this should come up now. There was a lot of discussion almost exactly a year ago, in the wake of 9/11. As I recall, the general consensus was that 501(c)3's are not prohibited from giving to other 501(c)3's.
However, 501(c)3 or not, the PTO has a specific function. The intended recipient may be very needy and very deserving. The issue may hit very close to home. All of that doesn't matter. The question to ask is this: does this donation advance the purpose of our organization?
Running a water line to the concession stand at the baseball field? Well, that would depend a lot on the dynamics of the situation, but generally sounds like a job for the baseball boosters club. But, in certain situations I suppose it could be justified.
A donation to the 9/11 relief effort? A flat donation from the PTO really doesn't advance the purpose of the PTO. Now, if the students wanted to do a fund raiser for the relief effort, the PTO might justify seed money for that project. Or the PTO could justify matching the amount the students raise (up to a certain limit) to stimulate interest in the project. Especially if the fund raiser were to tie in to the academic program (e.g. Read-A-Thon).
Just remember, turning down that request does not deny the value of the request, or the value of THEIR organization. It simply is a statement that fulfilling the request does not advance the purpose of YOUR organization.
I'm not sure how to put this, but isn't there some rule about non-profits donating to non-profits? I know there are at least guidelines. Go back and look at your Mission Statement, the one you used when you applied for your 501(c)3 status. Between that, your bylaws, and the 501(c)3 regs, that you will find the answer you are looking for.
We had a similar problem with parents on the PTO wanting the PTO to give hundreds of dollars to certain families because of tragedys. We almost got in to deep because it was done one year for various families and we found out later we didn't
do anything for so and so's family etc. So we had the board discuss it and come up with guidlines and get by laws made. Now for family emergencies we will see if the school wants to sponsor a bake sale etc. using PTO help to organize and run it. With all monies raised going to the family. We even had to go so far as to put a donation clause of $25 limit in the by-laws for donations for funerals. An employee working in our building who has a spouse, parent or child die is entitled to this donation. Usually its a memorial thing like a tree planted on the school grounds, books donated in their name to the school Library etc. Parents don't sell your fundraiser items expecting money earned to help other organizations. If it is stated when the fundraiser information goes out that you will donate to other organizations It would probably be okay. But face it you probably won't do as well with your fundraiser if you do it that way.
Hope this helps some.
What is working so well for you that you are able to raise so much money?!! I understand your problem but can't really help since our funds are not large enough for anyone to ask for our help!!!
We need alot of help!
