1. Finances & Budget

2. Introductions How to Organize Resources How to Stay Within Your Budget Dues and Dues Collection Investment How to Prepare Your Budget Resources Fixed Cost or Non-Discretionary Expenses Finalizing the Plan Finances Check Past Records The Lodge Budget Lodge Maintenance Sample Budget Lodge Funds and Property

3. Your Masonic Leadership Training Team Honored Guests Attendees Name Lodge & Location Title and Position, if any

4. Restrooms Cell phones/PDAs Sign-In Sheets

5. Florida Digest of Masonic Law Lodge Officers Handbook Masonic Leadership Training Manual Lodge Secretary Administrative Guide (GL215) Worshipful Masters Program Notebook (GL218)

6. Every well governed Lodge works within their approved budget Utilize the Finance Committee (10.02) to help the Lodge make proper budget decisions and work within set allowances Keep the membership involved and informed

7. It is vital to work within your budget by: Planning Ahead Handle Unexpected Expenses Know your Budget Limits Plan and Cover Authorized Expenditures

8. Notify the Brethren in a timely manner Delinquent Dues Committee Review delinquent member list quarterly Communicate with delinquent members Keep WM & Secretary informed and make Committee reports to Lodge as needed Double check delinquency status before proceeding with suspension notifications

9. The key to surviving tough economic times is to maximize the Lodges returns Keep only what is needed to cover monthly expenditures in the checking account Utilize savings account to cover unanticipated emergencies Invest remaining funds into accounts that provide the highest reasonable rates of safe return Ensure enough funds are available over the length of time needed to benefit from the investment (I.E., you cannot use invested funds for 2 years on a 24 month cd)

10. Resources (income) Dues Interest & Dividends Sales of Stocks and Bonds Rental Income Initiations, Passings, Raisings & Affiliations Donations Fund Raisers Other (concession stands, race track parking, etc.)

11. Fixed Expenses (Non-Discretionary) Rent/Maintenance Utilities Salaries and taxes Trestle Board (printing, postage, etc.) Representatives travel expenses to Grand Lodge Per-Capita Tax LYPMGC Grand Masters official visit Masters Apron, case & jewel (if customary) Miscellaneous

12. Non Fixed Expenditures Many of these items will be a best guess If last years budget is used as an example, did you adjust for inflation? Add new expenses planned for this year Printing costs Postage for fliers/tickets Entertainment costs Decoration costs Food or refreshment

13. Alternative Means of Program Funding Expenses can be offset through donations accepted at events or advance ticket sales Put the word out several months in advance and up to event night Final budget needs to be presented to the Craft and approved Remember, the Budget is a plan and subject to change

14. Funds are the Life Blood of Your Lodge It gives the Lodge the ability to implement the plans for the year and to promote Masonry within the community Past Records May Provide Great Insight on Financial Costs Remember past events are based on the participation level, attendance can make the difference between negative or positive cash flows Inflation levels will affect planned expenses

15. Budget Building – The Right Way It is much better to decide what the Lodge has planned for the ensuing year, identify the costs, then calculate what the Lodge will need to raise in order to meet its Budget Budget Building – Backwards Created by taking total income from dues and investments, then base Lodge events on remaining balance As total income decreases, this may cause Lodges to halt all events and not be seen in the community

16. Internal Fundraisers Pledges – where the membership is contacted and asked to give a specific amount (can be a singular amount or spread across months, as needed) A plaque can be made naming the contributors to identify contributors Ensure all members are contacted, even those not local Reports to Lodge the status and total collected External Fundraisers Collected from external sources and community Bake sales, manning concession stands, meals, etc.

17. PRN (As Needed) Many Lodges perform maintenance only as needed to keep the building usable No planned budget, funds raised when needed No plan for upgrades or improvements Planned Long range plan to maintain usability and includes a budget line to support it Identifies planned upgrades and improvements to maintain the beauty of the Lodge

18. Thanks for Attending!!