The MoneyMinder Blog

Insights and strategies for volunteer and nonprofit treasurers

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.…

Nonprofit Budget Carry Forward

How Much Budget Should Your Nonprofit Carry Forward?

How much budget should your nonprofit carry forward from one year to the next? The short answer is: it depends. For some nonprofit groups, a small reserve is enough to cover startup costs and early events. Others might need to hang onto a larger balance for long-term projects or unexpected expenses. Here are a few…

Questions for Outgoing Treasurer

13 Questions to Ask the Outgoing Treasurer of Your School or Parent Group

Taking over as treasurer for your school PTO, PTA, or booster club? One of the smartest things you can do is schedule a meeting with the outgoing treasurer. Whether you’re brand new to nonprofit finances or stepping into a familiar role, a thoughtful handoff conversation can prevent confusion and set you up for success. Here…

25 Nonprofit Financial Reports to Know

The Volunteer Treasurer’s Guide to Nonprofit Financial Reports

What, Why and When to Use 25 Different Nonprofit Reports Managing finances for a volunteer-run nonprofit can feel overwhelming at times—especially when you open your accounting software to find a long list of unfamiliar reports. What’s the difference between a Balance Sheet and an Income Statement? When should you use a Reconciliation Report? Do you…