New membership programs?

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 5:43 pm

quote:
Originally posted by greyhounder:
Am I correct in my belief that WGA has a not-for-profit status? If so, I'm not totally sure what that all entails, but I do believe that means that all monies received must go strictly for the running of the organization (probably includes events and stuff too).

I don't think this is the case. I'm the president of a non-profit and we give a out a college scholarship every year. We don't receive any benefit from this (other than goodwill). Sounds like bench donations would be similar. I really like this idea, especially as a way to give back to the parks that host our events.

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Team LightningBugs
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Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 6:31 pm

that's I guess what I meant. I wasn't stating myself very well, but I was trying to say that a not-for-profit organization cannot make money just to have money. Every dollar earned must be used for something.

Again, not so familiar with it. A portion of my company is non-profit. Their income & budget must cancel out at the end of the year.

Bec

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:02 pm

Just to clarify from a non-profit perspective, you can have 'extra' money at the end of the year. You don't have to spend everything you have. In fact, if the WGA wanted to have a separate account to 'save' up for some big expenses (like GPS units and/or nice park benches) that may not be able to be purchased until you have a year or two of savings, that's ok. You just have to account for it clearly and be open to your members about it.

In fact, there might be a good idea in budgeting to make sure we are 'in the black' by a certain percentage or dollar amount each year just for savings and big purchases. Then that gives the board a goal for fundraising and special money-making events (like the geocoins).

--Edit for typos---

[This message has been edited by Folk Trakers (edited 02-11-2006).]

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 7:07 pm

ah, gotcha. Thanks for clarifying (for me. I'm sure I was the only one who didn't know.)

Bec

Joined: 2002-02-18 Posts: 3399 Location: West Allis, Wi

quote:
Originally posted by greyhounder:
Am I correct in my belief that WGA has a not-for-profit status?

No, we are not non-profit. We continue to work towards becoming non-profit, but are not as of yet. We are incorporated.

Slow IRS response time and some paperwork snafu's have delayed the process.

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 10:09 pm

All right then! Let's make lots of money!!! I'm a capitalist!

Bec

Joined: 2003-09-10 Posts: 1263 Location: Bristol WI

quote:
Originally posted by greyhounder:
All right then! Let's make lots of money!!! I'm a capitalist! Bec

ROFLMBO! I'm with you Bec!

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 9:42 pm

THE FEE:
If in fact there were to be a fee option added to the WGA, I don't think there would be any shortage of members paying up...whatever the collected funds were used for. Stickers, buttons, plastic forks...whatever.

If the concern is that some have more $ to give than others, then let us not worry about a fee. If $$ is available just continue to drop it in the "donation" box when it's out. And yes, get the link up on this site for making donations.

Cash is not the only way we can assist the WGA. We can also go out and clean a park. We can stop in and let them know that a WGA member/group did it. Why wait for National CITO Day...why not have several of these days during the year?

We can get a group together to "adopt" one of those areas on a highway. I would love to see this sign on the roadside: "This section of highway maintained by The Wisconsin Geocaching Association"...what a hoot!

We can continue what Rhonda started and work with the DNA and their seed plantings/collections.

THE BENCH:
Each Team Badger has an outing, someone in the group hides a cache to commemorate our gathering together. The cache is left in the town that we visit.

The park bench idea could be done in similar fashion. Before a WGA hosted event, someone could visit the park and find out what their specs would be for leaving a bench or other marker in that location. A cache could somehow be attached to it. That way each person visiting the cache will know that the WGA was there. Details would have to be worked out, but it could work...and it could be fun!

Maybe someone doesn't have extra $$..but maybe that person is a carpenter and can build that bench to donate. Maybe someone else has a metal shop to do the sign. And maybe there's another person who would like to maintain a cache with the WGA name on it.

There are so many things we can do if we put our minds to it. Money or not...each time I've seen a "call" put out in the WGA, I've heard people answer.

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 9:52 pm

quote:
Originally posted by Cathunter:
(I might pay for a closer parking spot though)

Along the brainstorming route - we could have an auction to *buy* the best parking spot at the picnic each year!

This is a great thread.

~MF

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 10:00 pm

quote:
Originally posted by pcfrog:

Sorry when I think of benches for a park I think of the ones made from recycled plastic. It has the environmentally friendly angle and they last.

No need to be sorry PCfrog. I see where you're coming from though. The recycled everlasting stuff is a great idea too, but like Greyhonder mentioned, many do have a set plan for benches. A simple yet durable plan for them... and then they chain them down once in place. I'd like to say "who'd be stupid enough to steal them" but...well... Those kind of people are out there.

Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 10:06 pm

Awesome input MajorBrat!!

Like you said, the $$$ should NOT be an issue. If people don't wish to or are unable to pay for a premium membership they don't have to because there are so many more way to participate.

Boy.. this thread has REALLY come up with some GREAT ideas. Thanks Cathunter, for starting the creative juices flowing!!

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:05 pm

Why couldn't the WGA do a raffle, and raffle off A high end GPS and PDA to raise funds? If it is a non-profit organization would that be legal to do? Of course I don't know all the legal stuff behind it but if snowmobile clubs can do that with boats and stuff like that why not the tools of our trade.

Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 9:16 pm

Good to see you on the boards Hemisphere Dancer!! Must have worked!!!

Welcome to the WGA!!!

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~Flushingrouse~
Bill Pulvermacher
WGA Secretary
Flushingrouse at wi-geocaching dot com

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 5:59 am

quote:
Originally posted by Team Hemisphere Dancer:
Why couldn't the WGA do a raffle, and raffle off A high end GPS and PDA to raise funds? If it is a non-profit organization would that be legal to do? Of course I don't know all the legal stuff behind it but if snowmobile clubs can do that with boats and stuff like that why not the tools of our trade.

This may be doable. There may be some strings attached; I believe each raffle must be licensed by the State (we would need permission). I recall seeing a license number on raffle tickets I bought. We may need to wait until our non-profit status is granted.

Maybe some of our Optimists or Lions could provide more insight.

Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2006 1:38 pm

For a raffle ... yes you need to by non-profit. $25 for a one year license. Application: http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docs_view2.asp?docid=231

Also I believe there is a form to fill out and send in after each raffle.