nonprofit
Should Your PTO, PTA, or Booster Club Be a 501(c)(3)?
Most groups that raise money in their own name, hold their own bank account, and accept donations should eventually become a 501(c)(3) — the IRS designation for a federally tax-exempt charity. But “eventually” is the key word. Quick answer: For most groups that raise money in their own name, yes. 501(c)(3) status exempts your revenue…
What Can PTO, Booster Club, and Nonprofit Funds Be Spent On?
PTO, booster club, and nonprofit funds should support your group’s stated purpose, serve its charitable or educational goals rather than private interests, and follow any restrictions attached to the money. Those three tests are your starting point — not a substitute for your bylaws, school policies, or state law. Quick answer: Before approving a purchase,…
How to Prevent Nonprofit Treasurer Fraud
Keeping a Treasurer’s Name Out of the Evening News Have you noticed how often nonprofit treasurer fraud makes the news? It’s more often than you’d think — and these are only the ones that made it past a local news desk: In September 2026, federal prosecutors charged the former treasurer of a California high school…
The Treasurer’s Report: Everything You Need to Know
The Treasurer’s Report is a critical document for any nonprofit, no matter the size. Many large nonprofits have an accountant they may work with to generate this report. But for smaller nonprofits — booster clubs, PTOs, PTAs, sports teams, charities, associations, clubs and more — it’s a volunteer treasurer that is compiling and presenting the…
How to Present the Treasurer’s Report at Your Next Board Meeting
Welcome to the Two-Minute Treasurer’s Tip Podcast. I am your host, Cyndi Meuchel, co-owner of MoneyMinder, where we’re hoping to make your life as a volunteer easier. Today I’m answering the following question: How do I present a Treasurer’s Report at my board meeting. Michelle writes, “I’m a new treasurer and I’m very nervous about…
10 Essentials for Getting Started as Treasurer
Have you been elected treasurer? Somebody handed you a bank card, a folder, or possibly nothing at all — and the first fundraiser is just a few weeks away. Or perhaps you’re in your third year and you want to make sure you get your systems in place for a new fiscal year before the…
QuickBooks Alternatives for Nonprofits: The Right Software by Size and Stage
QuickBooks is usually the first name that comes up when a nonprofit outgrows its spreadsheets. For staffed organizations with accounting experience on the team, it can be a strong fit. But plenty of nonprofits sign up and hit friction fast — usually around one of four things: None of that makes QuickBooks a bad tool…
PTO & PTA Treasurer’s Summer Checklist
PTO & PTA Treasurer Summer Checklist (2026): Year-End, Audit, Transition & All New Guides As a busy parent volunteer, we know how busy the school year can be, and how quickly it can fly by. We hope you’re enjoying a well-deserved summer break filled with sunshine, relaxation, and quality time with loved ones. Savor those…
A Volunteer Treasurer’s Guide to Audit Findings Letters
Stepping into a volunteer leadership role with a PTA, PTO, booster club, or other nonprofit is a great opportunity to make a major impact in your school or community. But with that opportunity comes certain financial responsibilities, which can feel like uncharted territory for busy volunteers who don’t have an accounting background. Throughout your leadership…
Why missing receipts is a problem for nonprofits (and how to fix it)
A recent question on MoneyMinder’s Facebook community stopped a lot of treasurers in their tracks. A new treasurer wrote that one of her board members frequently used the nonprofit’s debit card, but never submitted receipts. The treasurer trusted that the purchases were legitimate, but wasn’t sure if she still needed the documentation. Her instinct was…