This topic has often come up in our PTO as well. As JHB posted, where do you draw the line and who decides on which "tragedy" is deserving of PTO funds? Over the years, we've had deaths, fires, accidents, divorces, etc. I have always been out voted on this topic because the majority of the PTO parents "just want to help". My feelings are, always have been, and always will be that the PTO should serve the school/students as a whole in school related matters. Funding "tragedies" should fall under the category of "personal choice". I'm not a cold, unfeeling person but sadly, there are so many to choose from. How can you possibly do for one and not for all?
Some people may tell you this is "not allowable by the IRS" and could jeopardize your non-profit status because it provides private benefit to an individual. I researched this with the IRS and was told that that is a common misconception and is NOT true. It's generally not a problem to send plant, gift, or small donation in someone's name for a retirement, a funeral, or other occasion.
So can you do this? Yes. Should you do this is the harder question.
There are many possible issues. What is the right amount? Is this really an appropriate use of the PTO funds? If we send something, do we need to act similarly for every event in the future? If we start with THIS event, will those we didn’t do it for in the past be offended? How far will it go? Maybe it’s for a funeral this time. What about hospitalizations, retirements, birthdays? How far do we take this?
It boils down to a policy issue that your group should decide. Many groups feel it’s better to keep PTO funds out of these situations (maybe send a card) and take up personal collections instead. Others decide on a case-by-case basis.
I don’t know that my comments have helped you, but the point is that your group gets to decide what answer works best for you.
I would have a sign up for different families to bring dinner each night for as many as you can - or to provide the food in the kitchen area of the funeral home. I think it would be hard to spend PTO money, but our bylaws allow us to hold a fundraiser in the name of a child or family. We just threw together a Krispy Kreme fundraiser in just a matter of days - all proceeds to go to the family-or just send a flier home asking families to donate what ever they can afford - or collection canisters at local stores, banks, etc.
There is a lot you can do without spending PTO funds - I think that PTO should offer this support to any family that has suffered such a great loss - not only pto members.
We as a PTO have had a very tough year this year as we have just lost our 5th parent in a small school of 500 kids. We as a PTO have been in the practice of sending a sympathy card and seeing if someone can represent us at any services there are but recently the question of spending PTO dollars on gift certificates for meals or donations to scholarship funds or memorials has been brought up? What is the right thing to do? Soem say this is not allowed some insist it is only right but is this for all parents or only PTO members so many questions such a sad subject to even have to disscuss?? Help Please!!
As JHB posted, where do you draw the line and who decides on which "tragedy" is deserving of PTO funds? Over the years, we've had deaths, fires, accidents, divorces, etc. I have always been out voted on this topic because the majority of the PTO parents "just want to help". My feelings are, always have been, and always will be that the PTO should serve the school/students as a whole in school related matters. Funding "tragedies" should fall under the category of "personal choice". I'm not a cold, unfeeling person but sadly, there are so many to choose from. How can you possibly do for one and not for all? 