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Club Finances

Budgeting

Well managed clubs begin each year by adopting a budget. Budgeting starts with a listing of all anticipated club expenses for the year. These may include refreshments, printing, telephone, postage, post office box, bank charges, supplies, public event participation expenses, club charter fees, candidate support, meeting hall expenses, general liability insurance, and awards. The board must decide how funds to meet projected expenses are to be raised. Sources of funds include dues, contributions, and large and small fundraisers.

Dues

Dues are usually designed to cover meeting, newsletter and mailing expenses. The dues amount is recommended by the officers and approved by the membership. Most clubs keep dues relatively low to increase membership, with varying levels such as individuals, families, students, seniors, angels, and/or benefactors. Annual dues now range from $5 to $40 for individuals, $15 to $70 for a family, with opportunities for joining at a higher level for increased giving (see Appendix Sample Club Membership Application).

Fundraising

Many clubs sponsor one or more fundraising events each year. These may be dinners, auctions, picnics, theater parties, pot lucks, etc. Candidates and elected officials often welcome the opportunity to participate in these events. Multiple clubs may wish to co-sponsor a large fundraiser in order to share the workload and produce larger crowds, which may enable attraction of a major speaker.

Every meeting can be an occasion for a small fundraiser. Door prizes can be raffled, lottery tickets sold, and works of art auctioned. Donation boxes can be used to defray refreshment and meeting hall costs. Clubs are encouraged to use imagination in designing fundraisers and to share their ideas with other clubs. Just take care not to discourage attendance by constant pressure to contribute.

Electronic Payments

Clubs can easily accept electronic payments on their websites as well as at club meetings. There are various services available that only charge per transaction without monthly fees; popular examples are Square and Paypal. Clubs that also have PACs and have additional reporting requirements might want to consider using ActBlue or Complete Campaigns.

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