The MoneyMinder Blog

Insights and strategies for volunteer and nonprofit treasurers

Closeup of a hand tapping a cellphone on a payment reader.

The Risks of Using Payment Tools Without Financial Management Tools

When your volunteer organization needs to start collecting payments, you might start looking at PayPal, Venmo, Square, Stripe or even one of those newer platforms like Zeffy or Givebutter. They’re easy to set up, they look professional, and people can pay with just a few clicks. Treasurer role handled, right? Not quite. While these payment…

A woman in a car ads money to a donation bucket during a carwash fundraiser

Booster Club Budget 101

Whether you’re supporting the football team, marching band, or robotics club, a well-planned booster club budget is your roadmap for making smart fundraising and spending decisions all year long. This guide will walk you through creating and managing an effective budget that keeps your organization financially strong for the students and programs you care about.…

15 Treasurer Steps for New School year

15 Treasurer To-Do’s to Start the 2025–2026 School Year Strong

As a new school year begins, it’s the ideal time for volunteer treasurers to get organized. Whether you’re supporting a PTO or PTA, booster club, sports team or another volunteer-run group, tackling a few essential financial tasks now will set your organization up for a smooth and successful year ahead. High Priority: Must-Do Items 1.…

Paperless Digital Nonprofit Management

Going Digital: How MoneyMinder Supports a Paperless Workflow for Volunteer Treasurers

As Treasurer for your group, you play a critical role in managing finances and keeping track of all of the important files and information that comes with the territory. Traditionally, that involved a considerable amount of paperwork, from keeping track of receipts to filing away important documents. However, in the digital age, the need for…

Closeup of a blank paper check with a pen poised over the amount line

Everything You Need to Know About Accepting Checks as a Small Nonprofit

When everyone carries a smartphone that can handle anything from buying coffee to paying bills, does your nonprofit really need to bother with old-fashioned paper checks? It may surprise you to hear that most of the organizations using MoneyMinder do accept checks, although most combine them with cash and digital options. Checks offer a few…

PTO vs PTA Difference

PTA vs. PTO: What’s the difference?

This article was written in 2013 and updated on July 15, 2025, to provide the most current information about parent organizations and their structures. When your school is ready to establish a parent organization, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to form a PTA (Parent Teacher Association) or a PTO (Parent Teacher…

Top Challenges School Group Treasurer

Top Challenges School Group Treasurers Face, and How to Overcome Them (PTO, PTA, Booster Clubs)

So, you’ve just become the treasurer for your school’s PTO, PTA, or Booster Club. First of all — thank you! This is one of the most important volunteer roles in any school group. But if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. You might be thinking: Where do I find everything?How do I keep…

Volunteers chat on a sunny day

What’s the Difference Between Nonprofit, Not-for-Profit, and 501(c)(3)?

Nonprofit, not-for-profit, NPO, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3)… if you’ve heard these terms and wondered whether they all mean the same thing, you’re not alone. People often use these terms interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings that affect legal status, taxes, and how an organization can operate. These differences matter when you’re starting an organization, making a…

How to get more volunteers: A woman fills out a clipboard at a volunteer table.

How to Get More Volunteers: 6 Proven Strategies to Find Volunteers for Your Nonprofit

Learning how to get more volunteers is a challenge for nonprofits of all sizes. Whether you need help with your annual fundraiser, social media management, or admin work, building a strong volunteer base is important for sustainable success. If there’s one thing to know about how to recruit volunteers for nonprofits, it’s this: make it…

A hand placing a wooden cutout of a house on a table next to other house cutouts.

How to Run an HOA without a Management Company

Does your HOA need a professional management company to function smoothly? Not necessarily. Many communities successfully manage themselves, saving thousands of dollars in the process. It does take some planning and organization, but benefits like lower costs and stronger community connections may make it worth doing. Here’s how to make self-management work for your HOA.…