What Booster Clubs Can Learn From the Olympics

We are totally excited for the Winter Olympics. From the pageantry of the opening ceremony to the awe of the ski jumps, it’s gonna be really fun. (Also, women will compete in ski jumping this year, which is awesome.) Still, we can’t help but notice the context of the competition. There’s a lot going on outside the Olympic Village, and sometimes it’s not pretty. Fans of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi might feel like they are seeing more politics than sports on TV this year. For starters, the … [Read more...]

Should Sugary Drinks be Banned in Fundraising?

New USDA Rules Restrict Sugary Drinks and Snacks Say goodbye to sugary snacks and drinks between classes! This is the last semester before USDA rules will restrict snack sales during school hours in public schools across the country. These include traditional junk food like chips and sodas, as well as more subtle sugar-containing beverages, like Powerade and Gatorade. Some states, such as California, had already banned these drinks in a piece of legislation that would have kicked in this fall. … [Read more...]

Locker Room Technology in a Post-Shower Era

Socially Awkward? Decades ago, showers were a required part of PE. Now, they’re an afterthought. Most athletes leave the locker room covered in their sweat—and others’—all the way home or, worse, all the way through class. "In all the years I've played football, I've never seen anyone shower in the locker room," said high school football player Joe Eason, in an interview with the Sun Sentinel. "I just don't feel comfortable around all of those people.” While locker room showering has … [Read more...]

BoosterNews: It’s a Good Time to Thank Your Donors

Make a list, check it twice, and be sure to acknowledge those who’ve supported your organization over the past year. It takes a little time to do it right, but it’s a simple task and there are lots of reasons to make the effort. One reason is that some of your donors may feel unacknowledged due to mistakes made by volunteers in the past. A friend of mine recently told me that she stuck her neck out to get her company to donate auction items to the local elementary school. She had to pester all … [Read more...]

Booster News: Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3rd) Could Raise Funds for Your Booster Club

Harness the holidays for your booster club this year by publicizing “Giving Tuesday.” Unlike shopping focused Black Friday or Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is all about charity in the local community. It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about your booster club’s needs, and make a year’s-end ask of your supporters. How can your club associate itself with Giving Tuesday (December 3rd) and raise funds effectively? There’s still time to issue a press-release (or simply make a phone call) … [Read more...]

Compression Clothing Helps Athletes, But Is It Affordable for Booster Clubs?

Compression clothing isn't just a fad. Scientific studies have confirmed some of the benefits touted by manufacturers: compression in the threads helps reduce muscle fatigue and post workout recovery. That's probably due to how it groups muscles and absorbs impact stress. Some also claim that compression clothing helps circulation, in the same way that pro athletes rely on massages to clear the lactose out of their system after a strenuous workout. All in all, compression gear seems to benefit … [Read more...]

Booster News: Tax Alert!

While some booster club board members are focusing on recruitment, funding requests, and fundraisers, treasurers should take a minute right now to think about tax filings. Nonprofits are required to file a tax return, even if they don’t owe any taxes. Small organizations with under $50,000 in gross receipts have to file, too. However, they can use a 990-N “postcard,” which is more simple than regular nonprofit filing. Either way, it’s time to start gathering receipts and training new volunteers … [Read more...]

Booster News: Booster Club Loses Nonprofit Status

Booster clubs can lose non-profit status with the IRS. A recent Forbes article brought this to our attention again, highlighting an IRS ruling from late August. “Capital Gymnastics operated in a manner that allowed substantial private inurement,” said the ruling. “[Capital Gymnastics] promoted private, non-public interests.” How did Capital Gymnastics ruin it’s 501(c)(3) status? Using a point system. Parents who didn’t want to fundraise paid, while other parents did collective fundraising … [Read more...]

Contest! Prizes! Booster Club!

Boosterland is giving away $500 and an iPad mini. Here are the details: Spring is the time for booster club scholarships, but now is the time to start thinking about them. We’re hoping our contest gets students working on these types of projects now. Then, in the spring, they can recycle them for scholarships from their local booster clubs. Boosterland is looking for talented teens for our booster club arts contest. We’re awarding $100 prizes in each of the following … [Read more...]

Mileage Deduction Bill Moves Through Congress at Snail’s Pace

Good news for booster club volunteers who drive:  Congress will consider a bill to increase mileage deduction for all volunteers who help a recognized 501(c)(3). A modest deduction is already available for mileage accrued in volunteer related activities, such as driving to events or transporting students as part of a carpool. If the increase passes, it will level the playing field for non-profits. The current system for deductions privileges business over non-profits. According to the IRS, … [Read more...]