Club Constitution: Article XI

Most clubs have a treasury in which they keep funds for club use. The Toastmasters program is designed to be supported by members through club dues. Clubs may also raise funds on a limited basis.

Each club should prepare a budget at the beginning of the year to designate income and expenses. A majority of the club members should approve the budget, as well as any unanticipated expenses throughout the year.

Authorized uses include:

• Educational/administrative materials for club/member use
• Meeting place rental fees (if applicable)
• Refreshments for club meetings (must be approved by the club)
• Donations to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial Fund

Unauthorized uses include:

• Pathways educational materials
• Parties and social gatherings
• Scholarships
• Payment of dues for individuals
• Donation of money or goods:
• to outside causes or individuals
• to individuals at any level of the Toastmasters organization

The authorized and unauthorized uses shown above are not intended to be all inclusive.

Fundraising: Protocol 8.2 

It is important that fundraising activities be conducted within the above guidelines. Toastmasters International is a 501(c)(3) corporation, which means that clubs and districts are allowed to raise funds- from time to time but not on a regular basis. To do so would jeopardize the organization’s tax status; this could result in increased taxes and a substantial dues increase.

The Toastmasters program is designed to be self-supporting through club dues. However, it may be necessary for clubs, areas, divisions or districts to raise funds to offset costs for education sessions and to further the purpose of Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters International is an education organization and not a service club such as Lions, Kiwanis and Rotary, whose main focus is to raise funds for community or charitable causes.

Before you start on your fundraising project, review Protocol 8.2.