Anyone else a treasurer of pre-school committee? Help!!!!!!

[ilovecake]

Hi there. Have been treasurer of our small rural preschool since September 2006. Our group consistently suffers financially due to fluctuations in numbers and basic high running costs. Our funding is being cut and we need to source other funding but I feel that that is being left entirely to me! Is this the norm? It's really overwhelming and everyone seems to say they are soooo busy - like I'm not! Already putting in around two hours a week minimum. Help - any experience / advice welcomed.

I'm the treasurer at dd's playgroup.

It should NOT be down to you. The whole committee should think about what fundraising could be done. We have just raised a lot of money by having a band night, v. popular. Also, we did a sponsored worksheet - the children get sponsored for filling it in. If you e/mail me emkana at gmx dot net I can send the worksheet to you.

Another thing is applying for grants, for example some companies like the Coop sponsor locally. It could be down to you to do the letters for that.

What have you tried so far?

I'm not the treasure,thank god as I'm crap with ££,but have you contacted the PLA for some advice.
Also how about approaching the local rotary club/ local council may have some ideas on funding help.
The chairperson should be helping aswell,shouldn't be on your shoulders only.
Why is your funding being cut ?

We have just held a successful table top sale and have a fashion show planned and we will be okay for the rest of this academic year but we have recieved significant grants from social services every year and these are to become purely for short term sustainability problems as from April this year so we will not be able to cover out usual deficit next year. Being such a small group I think limits the amount we can keep asking for money from our parents (me included!) Am speaking to local Community Voluntary Service next week re: grants in area and been advised to get applications for Awards for All, and Local Network Fund. It just feels like such an enormous task when you look at the forms! Have had good support from PSLA worker - just feel that rest of committee don't want group to close but don't seem to wnat to put in the work involved! I will email you emkana - thanks.

what about increasing the fees?
Are you planning on being treasurer next yr aswell ?

sorry you've just pointed out you don't want to ask parents for anymore ££

Increased fees in October - not sure we could do this again. Not planning on being treasurer next year - have told the committee. 1- too much work involved and 2- DD1 goes to school in September. But have to work out if we can remain viable for next year now.

Message withdrawn

Thanks Orinoco. Budget seems to be ever fluctuating but will be revuing before I meet with CVS. Thanks for advice on shouting!

I'm treasurer but we have a paid bookkeeper thank God and a separate Events & Fundraising Committee.
What's the biggest village summer event you can have a stall at? Don't be afraid to ask if you can keep all the profits to yourselves. Ask for prizes from local attractions, restaurants etc and sell quizzes (I mean a BIG quiz) with a closing date a fortninght later so people can Google the answers. Could charge £1.50 each.