I have read the message boards here and understand why we need to get our 501(c)(3) as soon as possible. So far we haven't earned enough money to get it so we are still plugging away at the $$ part of it. I'm not sure that the other board members are as anxious to get the 501 (c)(3) as I am but that's another discussion.
What I'd like to know is if there is any problem using the schools non-profit status on a temporary basis for people who want to make donations. Specifically, our PE department wants a new PE program. I'd like to find them a sponsor. If I can find them a sponsor, then the sponsor can donate the item or funds directly to the school, right?
I know this isn't an optimal way to run the PTO but I figure that even if we had the money and applied to get the status right now, there would be an interim amount of time until we know for sure. I'd hate to sit on my hands until we get the official status if the only snag is that the donation has to be made directly to the school in order for the company to get a write-off.
And I know that the principal would use the funds for the PE program. Initially the request was for the school to fund the program and the PTO stepped in and said that we'd like to either find a sponsor or raise the funds.
