Global Compliance FAQ
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Can I create a legal entity/corporation/non-profit?Back to TopNo. According to the Bylaws of Toastmasters International, Article XII: Districts, Section 3 (e) Legal Status of Districts, Divisions, and Areas, Toastmasters International does not permit regions, districts, divisions or areas to create their own legal entities because this would jeopardize our non-profit status.
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Does Toastmasters International provide insurance coverage for clubs and districts?Back to TopYes. The organization provides up to 2 million in general liability insurance for all qualified Toastmasters club and district events, and meeting sites around the world. Please see the Liability Insurance page for more information.
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How is Toastmasters International registered?Back to Top
Toastmasters International is registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Its EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 95-1300076.
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How much money can a club have in its account?Back to Top
There is no limit to the amount of funds a club may have in its bank account, but there are limits regarding annual revenues.
According to Protocol 8.2, Section 1 D, it states that at least 1/3 of a club’s total annual revenues must come from dues paid by members to World Headquarters; the remaining 2/3 of revenue may come from alternate sources, such as fundraising.
For example, if a club has 20 members each paying $45 in membership dues every six months, then it has collected $1,800 in revenues from Toastmasters membership dues (20 members X $45 X 2 yearly payments). Therefore, it could bring in an additional $3,600 in revenue from other sources.
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I don’t see my country listed. When will information be posted about my country?Back to TopThe countries listed on the Global Compliance webpage are those where research has been conducted and analyzed. If you do not see your country listed, you may contact Legal for questions but please know this is an ongoing project and new countries will be added as research is completed and analyzed.
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My company pays for our membership dues and needs to add Toastmasters International to its internal vendor database. Who do I contact for this?Back to Top
Please send your request with any required supplier forms to Treasury & Compliance.
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How can a non-US club manage its funds?Back to Top
A club can use the following options to manage its funds:
- A designated club officer may open a personal checking account at a bank, which the club may use during the club officer’s term. The account should be expressly used for club funds and must not be co-mingled with personal funds.
- The club treasurer can use a physical lockbox to store club funds and pass it along to the next treasurer after each term.
If your club is sponsored by a company or organization, that company or organization may supply and manage funds in a bank account on behalf of the club.
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What club records should be kept and for how long?Back to Top
Documents to keep indefinitely:
- Club Constitution for Clubs of Toastmasters International
- Addendum of Standard Club Options
- Membership applications
- Club policies
- Club charter (i.e. Forms 1-5)
- Distinguished Club Program performance reports
- Meeting minutes and attendance records
- Club rosters
- 501(c)(3) Employer Identification Number (EIN) Assignment Letter (For US Clubs only)
Up to 7 Years:
- Cancelled checks
- Bank statements
- Financial statements
- Journals
- Audits
Up to 3 Years:
- Internal reports (including officer and committee reports)
- Routine correspondence
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Which documents and policies are most important for me to be aware of?Back to Top
The following important documents may answer your questions:
- District Administrative Bylaws
- Bylaws of Toastmasters International
- Toastmasters International Policy and Protocol
- Club Leadership Handbook
- Use of Club Funds
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Who do I contact if I have any additional legal or financial questions?Back to TopDirect legal questions to legal@toastmasters.org and financial questions to irsquestions@toastmasters.org.