We always have more money carried over than we would like, our target is $3-4 K. The reason that we have more is that 1)We have some items that are year to year such as purchase of computers so the money may sit til the next year until the computers arrive. 2) We set a budget for the year and fund raise to meet the budget but if all the money is not spent it gets carried over. As an example, if we budget $8,000 for field trips and the teachers do not book many trips then the money is left in the budget at the end of the year. In this case, we carry more money than expected.
I'm a PTA president and have been a treasurer for 2 years prior. We always have money left over because our fundraisers always do over what we anticipate (we are fortunate). Since you want to spend your funds on the kids and families who donated it, how about getting an artist in residence into the school for all children (a week long thing and expensive) ie: artist has children make a mosaic piece of art (ea child puts a piece in) and at the end it becomes a picture to display in the lobby. How about a live theater night for all families at no charge with refreshment/snacks included. Pay $10 towards each child's field trips. Buy games for indoor recess for each classroom ie-4 games each class). There are so many ways to spend for our children. Free t-shirt w/school logo. Sponsor a safety program for all school (ie Elem - "Yello Dyno" safety program teaches how to be safe in an unsafe world? I could go on and on. Hope this helps. Good luck spending!
I'm also our new PTO president and when I got the books and seen $8000 was carried over I was very upset. We usually only carry over $1000 (at least that's what the last President did) but I think $2000 is better that way we can shop for Santa's Workshop in the summer and get good deals and we also have money for Meet the Teacher Night. I would look at what money do you really need before your fundraiser money kicks in and only keep what is needed. I think the money the kids work hard to earn should be spend on them that year. What happens when the kids move on to Jr. High or middle school.
Christina
I am currently the new president of a PTO of an elementary school. Last year I was the fundraising chairperson and came up with the idea of having a walkathon as our main fundraiser. We raised over $12,000 for our 2 hour walk! This year our budget started out with $14,000 in the fund. I was a little shocked to see so much carried over from last year especially since we only raised $12,000 as our main fundraiser. I was told by last years treasurer that we need "start up" costs from year to year!! That seemed alot of start up costs to me. After speaking with other parents, they were a little shocked that such a large amount is carried over year to year. They want to see their hard earned dollars going to their children the year the money is raised, not the year or years after. Can anyone help me out?? I am just wondering what the proper protocol is for the amount a non-profit organization should be allowed to carry over, and also, does anyone out there thinks it should be spent the year it is raised??
