Q&A

Can PTO support and donate money to a school levy committee?

Is a PTO allowed to donate to our levy for a new school? The levy committee was excepting private donations and requested the the PTO donate money also. I am afraid that this is not something we should get involved in with the risk of loosing volunteers.
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You can, but you probably shouldn't. First, the rules: The IRS absolutely forbids 501c3 tax-exempt organizations from endorsing or supporting political candidates in any way. You can do a small amount of lobbying for legislation, including ballot initiatives. So you likely can donate to the levy committee (state rules notwithstanding) as long as the donation isn't a substantial part of your overall budget. However, we've seen school levy issues derail many groups. These issues aren't cut and dried, and even people who support the school can disagree. We recommend instead of making a donation from the PTO, you ask members to donate individually if they would like.
- Craig
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