Eight Steps to a Budget
Prevent budgeting missteps
Toastmasters International takes care never to violate the California Charitable Trust Act. It's important that the districts do so, as well. Regardless of where your district is, a diversion of charitable trust funds puts the organization at risk because districts are administrative arms of Toastmasters International and are subject to the same laws and guidelines. Make sure all uses of your district funds are authorized and consistent with your district's mission.
And remember the budget is a team effort! It is an estimate and you will be evaluating the results monthly. Here are the steps to take:
Step One
Gather your materials:
- Your District Success Plan
The District Success Plan is what drives the budget, so please make it mirror the budget. Emphasis must be placed on items that contribute directly to the critical success factors of training, club extension, membership growth and educational achievements. You should understand the costs involved in making the plan happen and know the estimated funds available to the district.
- Go to Financial Templates you have downloaded and locate your Annual Budget form.
- Print this memo: District Budget Success Guide
- Print these instructions: District Budget Data Entry
- Download Toastmasters Policy Section VI D6 -District Fiscal Management.
- Historical Financial Information
Its important to review the financial statements monthly in order to monitor the actual expenses as compared to budget.
Step Two
- Read: District Budget Success Guide
- Read: TI Policies and Procedures Section VI D6 District Fiscal Management
Step Three
- Complete budget using TI supplied Budget Expense Worksheet, budget template and the District Budget Data Entry Instructions.
- Keep in mind that at the end of the year, the district must retain on reserve an amount equal to 25% of the district’s prior year income.
Step Four
- Discuss completed budget with DG, LGET, LGM and treasurer
Step Five
- Complete narrative section of budget
- Use the narrative to explain the variances. WHQ reviews the comments and may ask for additional information.
Step Six
- DG, LGET, LGM and treasurer sign certification page
Step Seven
- Present at district council meeting to obtain budget approval
- The mid-year audit report is a good time to reassess how you are meeting the district goals and what resources will be necessary to achieve the goals in the next six months.
Step Eight
- Submit approved budget to World Headquarters.
Any one of the following methods is acceptable:
Scan and e-mail to: District Services
Fax to: 949-858-1207
Mail to:
Toastmasters International
Attn: District Services
P.O. Box 9052
Mission Viejo, CA 92690
Keep it Up!
Objective three is now complete. Continue to work on your objectives in order...