4-H Money Matters: Tools for Working With 4-H Money

Funds raised and donated in the name of 4-H are publicly accountable and must be used for 4-H educational purposes. Youth and adult volunteers handling 4-H money follow all Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Policies and federal and state laws.

4-H Club Treasurer Handbook and Financial Handbook for Leaders

• 4-H Club Treasurer Handbook - This key 4-H publication provides the essential information for 4-H Club and Group Treasurers as they handle 4-H money. Updated 4.2012.
• 4-H Club Financial Handbook for Leaders - The Financial Handbook provides guidelines for volunteer leaders as they support 4-H treasurers and assume responsibility for handling 4-H money. It covers basic financial matters essential for the operation of a 4-H Club or chartered Group. Updated 4.2012. UPDATED VERSION WILL BE POSTED SOON

4-H Money Matters Fact Sheets

The 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheets covers a variety of facts, tools and links to additional information with the goal of helping volunteers ensure that 4-H money is safe and accountable.

• 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 1: Money Basics (114 KB) This fact sheet provides an overview of best practices and guidelines for handling 4-H money.
• 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 2: Financial Accountability (134 KB) Insights are covered regarding accountability and responsibilities when handling 4-H money.
• 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 3: Managing 4-H Money (128 KB) Specific information and links are provided regarding developing budgets, reducing excess funds, accurate record keeping and considering expenditures of over $500 including capital equipment or gifts.
• 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 4: 4-H Fundraising (101KB) Money raised using the 4-H Name and Emblem must be used for 4-H activities and experiences. This fact sheet provides important guidelines for raising money in 4-H to comply with policies and laws.
• 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 5: Audits for 4-H Clubs and Groups (130 KB) This fact sheet covers key questions when conducting a audit of 4-H accounts.
• 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 6: 4-H Annual Financial Report (171 KB) As Volunteer Leaders and 4-H Treasurers complete the 4-H Clubs and Groups Annual Financial Report, this guide can provide helpful insights. An Annual Accounting Worksheet is included in this Fact Sheet.
• 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 7: Excess Funds and a 5-Year Plan (117 KB) This fact sheet provides important details on determining if a 4-H Club or Group has excess funds as defined by the Wisconsin 4-H Youth Development Policies and how to develop a 5-year plan to spend down or invest the money.

4-H Audit Tools

All 4-H Clubs and chartered Groups must have their financial accounts audited. The review or audit checks and verifies all financial accounts and activities at the end of the fiscal year or when a new treasurer takes office. Money Matters Fact Sheet 5 provides basic information on what an audit is and how to complete the audit process for 4-H clubs, groups and committees.

• 4-H Club, Group or Committee Audit Checklist (2 pages, 56KB) This audit checklist provides a guide for the two persons completing the audit for a 4-H club, group or committee. Updated 4.2012.
• .Club Tracker(24 KB) This handy spreadsheet can assist a county in tracking club charters and audits. The tool was developed by Sarah Wilcox, Douglas County 4-H Youth Development Program Advisor.

Additional Teaching and Learning Tools

• "4-H Money - Handle with Care" - 28 minute video designed to help 4-H treasurers learn about their role as treasurer and 4-H members to learn about the importance of club decisions about money handling. Emphasizes accountability and need for conscientious work by youth treasurers. Features a cast of 4-H members in real life vignettes. Video available through the Cooperative Extension Media Collection.
• "4-H Money - Handle with Care" Videotape Facilitator Guide - 4-H publication, 4-H 469, a guide designed to provide ideas of how to use the "4-H Money - Handle with Care" videotape with two difference audiences: the club treasurer and the 4-H club members.
• Additional 4-H Club Teaching Materials
  • "Money! Money! Money" Handling 4-H Finances (27 slides, 428 KB) - Presentation developed by René Mehlberg, Winnebago County 4-H Youth Development Educator and Sue Pleskac, 4-H Youth Development Specialist.. Use the 4-H Money Matters Fact Sheet 1: Money Basics with this Power Point presentation and training. Updated 4.2012. Includes notes pages.
  • Evaluation Form for Financial Training (2 pages, 118 KB) - Evaluation form developed for use with teaching materials listed above.
• Additional resources and tools for handling 4-H money is located on the Financial Management Web Site.

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