I am not sure this helps you but our organization has set up a small fund (under $250) for the Principle to use at their descretion with the understanding that it is to be used for students in need ... fieldtrip money, uniforms etc. We review each distribution - some before when we know something is coming up and some after the fact depending on the situation - and discuss the use. I have to say each use so far has been well used and we are happy to have helped a child in need anonymously on both parts giving and receiving. Perhaps a fund with decisions made by the Principle instead of the organization (keep possible organization politics out of the kitty on this one) may work for your group?

I need some input.
We had our 2nd PTO meeting last night. This is a new charter school so everyone is new. At the first meeting we basically just elected officers. Well, at the second meeting we were told by the Board that the PTO had made a donation of uniforms to a particular family in need ($250) and that they wanted to donate a uniform to a staff member who, in their opinion, doesn't dress professionally. I strongly objected to this second donation as it is a personnel issue, not PTO, and, as far as I know, it is not going to be done. The first donation was already done. But a few of us told the treasurer after the meeting that this seemed to beyond what PTO Board should do and the membership should have been consulted. Also, the president did not want the treasurer to give a report during the meeting. Needless to say that did not go over well with the members. And it has me wondering what to do to get more information out in the open.
After the meeting I questioned if there were by-laws and a budget. Apparently, the by-laws are in the works - don't know who is on the committee because it was not put out to the general membership for discussion - I honestly think the Board is making up their own rules as they go along. I emailed the PTO and asked if I could join the committee for by-laws and sent a draft of proposed by-laws. I know this is going to annoy the powers that be. But I want this to work and am willing to help. Our next meeting is in December. I would like to know what I can do before that meeting to make sure we get on track. No by-laws, no budget and monthly fundraising are a recipe for disaster.