Budgets

Booster Clubs should create an annual budget at the beginning of the fiscal year. Make a plan to stick to the budget and keep everyone on the same page. Annual budgets should be shared with the Athletic Director at your preseason meeting.

  • Create a budget timeline; hold a budget meeting at the beginning of your organizational year to
    explain the budget and gain membership approval.

  • Determine a request cycle and approval process that will be used for all budget requests. There is no obligation by the booster club to fund a specific request; but to maintain good relationships, the approval process for requests should be made clear for all involved.

  • Plan fundraising activities early so they are part of the budget planning process.

  • Effective boosters remain consistent with their budget for the duration of the budget cycle. Coaches
    should not expect or frequently request that boosters spend funds outside of pre-approved budgets.

  • Organized, detailed books provide the financial foundation for your organization.

  • Consistent, accurate records make annual tax filings much easier.

  • Accountability with your members and the public can be established.

  • Future programming and budgeting are accomplished more efficiently by budgeting ahead for the
    upcoming year.

  • Important, required documents and history should be preserved and passed on to new leaders,
    maintaining the stability of your organization.

  • It is essential that boosters handle their own funds, and coaches handle their own funds.

  • Writing checks - If the booster club is collecting for a fundraiser or selling items, checks should be written to the booster club, not to coaches, Farmington High School, or other individuals.

  • Collection of funds - It is a best practice that monies be collected at schools, not at coaches’ homes,
    whether cash or checks.

  • Credit Cards - Coaches should not use booster club credit cards to make purchases.

501(c)(3) Reminder: Remember, money spent by booster clubs must benefit ALL members of a team, not just a select few.

Boosters Should...

  • Create a budget and stick to it.

  • Make sure the Head Coach has input into the annual budget so that purchases support his/her vision for the program.

  • Share the annual booster club budget with the Activities Director.

Boosters Should Not...

  • Allow coaches to use booster club credit/debit cards.

  • Collect money at a coach's house.

  • Have checks written to individuals.