I went through the process of creating by-laws, etc. and getting our group's non-profit application filed a couple of years ago. Yes, it was a lot of work, but thanks to this website and some great folkes here who I e-mailed back and forth with, it got done successfully. It was well worth the effort. Previously, we were operating under the school district's tax-exempt status which was a big no-no. Getting ourselves set up with our own non-profit status gets us in-line with the IRS and makes it possible for us to apply for grants and donations that would have been unavailable to us with out that recognition. There is paperwork to fill out each year, but we had an accountant(who is a parent) audit our books and fill out the tax forms for us.
I don't think you'll be leaving following boards with more paperwork. Instead you'll be leaving them with more stability, better access to funding, and rules to operate by which can eliminate conflict.
Thanks for the reply. I agree with your ideas about getting more people involved, however, we are concerned that no one will want to take over an organization that has so much legal & tax paperwork that must be completed every year. Are we being too worried about nothing? Exactly what will we need to do on a continuing basis if we are incorp. & a non-profit? Any info is appreciated!
Is it worth it? in a word ............. YES!!!!!!!!! It is not that hard in most cases and it provides a structor and an ability to operate more profesionaly.
As for membership involvment? that is the brass ring we are all grasping for. That is where the real work will come in. Find out how to get members to meetings. Family Fun Nights and Bazars? Family Movie Night? Web site? Are you in a rural area? How about a Bon Fire/Hay Ride/Picnic? Then what you sneeky devils on the PTO Board do is wait till everyone gets there and say "Hey, thank you for comming. If I can have your attention for a minute this was made posible by the PTO. Here is what the PTO is working on now........." Is this the traditional way to run a meeting ......... no, but the key is to get them involved then you can sneek in a little more structor as you go.
My PTO has been in existence for at least 10 years now. No one seems to know if we have bylaws, a constitution or if we are incorporated. We run things very loosely with the people who care to help out, however, we are having trouble with one of the principals at our school. So we are considering setting up the formalities that should have already been in place. Beyond the liability issues, is it worth our time & effort to incorporate & write the bylaws & constitution? How much time will we have to put into filling out gov't forms every year? And since we seldom have more people than just the officers at the meetings, how do we have formal votes to fill the offices? Help! :eek:
