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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…
How to Find the EIN Number for Your School Group (PTA, PTO, Boosters)
If you’re serving in a leadership role for a PTO, PTA, booster club, or some other school group, you’ll likely need your group’s EIN at some point. But with everything involved with running a school group, it’s common for that number to get lost somewhere along the way. The good news is that finding it…
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…
20 Budget-Friendly Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas with Free Poems
There’s no doubt that teachers make a big difference in our communities. The average teacher impacts 3,000 students throughout their career, and nearly nine in ten people feel that a teacher has had a significant, positive impact on their life. So, whether you are gearing up for Teacher Appreciation Week, the end of the school…
101 Holiday Fundraising Ideas for School Groups: 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 funds 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. Why…
Robert’s Rules of Order Cheat Sheet for School Group Meetings (PTO, PTA, Booster Clubs)
For many involved in school-based groups like Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO), Associations (PTA), Booster or Extracurricular Clubs, attending meetings can sometimes feel like wading through a sea of either formalities or chaos, depending on the nature of your group. The Importance of Structure When it comes to running a successful school group meeting, having a…
Your First 30 Days as a Parent Group Treasurer
Taking on the role of PTO/PTA Treasurer can be both rewarding and challenging. As the financial point person for your parent group, you’re responsible for ensuring that funds are managed effectively and transparently. You’ll also be providing this information to your group so that they may make sound and accurate decisions. However, your experience in…
Unlocking and Maintaining 501(c)(3) Status for PTO or PTA
Being “tax-exempt” means organizations do not have to pay federal taxes under the United States Tax Code. If your charity applies for and receives 501(c)3 tax exemption designation, which is popularly known as “the charitable tax exemption,” it will allow exemption from federal corporate and income taxes for most revenue coming into your organization. Benefits…
Which Form 990 do PTOs and PTAs Need to File?
The world of tax forms can be confusing for Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) and Associations (PTAs). Let’s shed a little light on which form 990 to file. Why File a Form 990? The IRS sets certain rules that tax-exempt organizations, like PTOs and PTAs, must follow to keep their tax-exempt status. One of these requirements…
How to Start a PTO or PTA at Your Child’s School
Whether it’s the need for playground equipment or funding for a class field trip, classroom supplies, technology upgrades, extracurricular programs or staff appreciation events, there are many reasons Parent Teacher Organizations (PTOs) or Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) get started. In a nutshell, a PTOs and PTAs support a variety of activities and initiatives designed to enhance the…