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Welcome to the Massachusetts
4-H Treasurer's Book System!

In early 2001, Extension leadership recognized the need to better account for the financial activity of its 4-H program. As part of its charter and funding grants, USDA mandates that the Extension Director in each state receive 4-H organizations' financial statements and fundraising plans annually. 4-H also needed a simple fiscal reporting structure to demonstrate to University leadership the financial value of 4-H's contributions to the Commonwealth.

The 4-H Treasurer's Book was originally developed by Cooperative Extension at the University of Michigan and has been adapted for Massachusetts 4-H. It is a curriculum that has been used successfully by 4-H programs in many states. It meets a variety of fiscal accounting needs and is designed for 4-H club and advisory volunteer Treasurers, as well as for 4-H youth interested in learning the basics of good accounting practice. During Fall 2002, 4-H volunteers statewide took part in a series of trainings in how to use the Massachusetts 4-H Treasurer's Book, which is now also available on the Web at www.mass4h.org/volunteers/treasurers_resources.html.

During the training, over 70 4-H participants experienced the curriculum, and provided feedback that recommended including additional information and tools. These ideas have been researched and formulated into the Treasurer's Resources listing, which offers checklists, Excel forms that may be downloaded from the Web, as well as optional tools and Massachusetts tax guidance information. These can be found on the Web at the above URL (Web address).

In February 2004, UMass Extension will begin to require financial reporting from 4-H in order to meet USDA and UMass fiscal accounting needs. These forms can be found on line in the Treasurer's Resources listings and are to be turned in to your local 4-H Extension Educator by the dates specified in the following listing.

I. The following requirements will be in effect and due for 4-H Advisories, Councils and Boards beginning in 2004.
Annual Projected Budget/Fundraising Plan: Due February 28, 2004 and on January 30 each year following.
Quarterly Coversheet Summary: Quarterly fiscal statements accompanied by a brief coversheet summary. Due: February 28, April 30, June 30, 2004, and on January 30, April 30, and June 30 each year following.
Annual Financial Report: Due November 30, 2004, and on November 30 each year following.
II. The following financial report will be due from 4-H clubs in 2005 if the club has an income of more than $100 annually.
Annual Projected Budget/Fundraising Plan: Due January 30, 2005 and on the same date each year after.
Annual Financial Statement: Due on November 30, 2005 and on the same date each year after.
No quarterly report is required for clubs.  

We thank you for your willingness to participate as a 4-H volunteer Treasurer and for your assistance in compiling these important financial records. We hope that if you are an Advisory or club leader, the youth in your group or club may also join in and learn the valuable financial skills contained in the Treasurer's Book. If you have any questions regarding the process or tools mentioned above, please contact your local Educator for assistance.

 
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