pto
101 Holiday Fundraising Ideas for School Groups in 2027: PTOs, PTAs, Booster Clubs & Sports
The holiday season is a time of joy, giving, and community. It is also a prime opportunity for PTAs, PTOs, Booster Clubs, and other school groups to raise money for their programs. With the festive atmosphere and generous spirit of the season, you can tap into a unique opportunity to boost your fundraising efforts. If…
QuickBooks vs Quicken: Key Differences, Costs, and Which One to Use
QuickBooks and Quicken are two popular financial management tools you’ve probably heard of. But while their names sound quite similar, they serve very different purposes. QuickBooks is business accounting software, while Quicken is primarily focused on personal finance management. Both can help track income and expenses, but they offer very different features, pricing, and learning…
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…
25 School Fundraisers for Fall
Fall is the ideal time to organize a fundraiser for a PTO, PTA, booster club, or other parent organization. School is back in session, and after a busy summer, many families are eager to reconnect with the community and support the students and schools that matter most to them. There are plenty of creative ways…
How Modern PTOs and PTAs Manage Teacher Grants
Teacher grants don’t have to mean paper forms, chased-down signatures and a spreadsheet nobody trusts. For many PTA and PTO leaders, teacher grants and classroom allocations are some of the most appreciated programs they manage. These funds help teachers purchase books, supplies, learning tools, and other classroom resources that directly benefit students. The goal behind…
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…
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…