Have you thought of starting a parent Booster Club but have more questions than answers? But what are Booster Clubs, exactly, and who can join? Moreover, how can a Booster add value to your child’s education?
Boosters are groups of volunteers—usually parents—who “boost” support for single school projects or multiple programs. That could be athletic teams, marching bands, theater programs, or other school extracurriculars. Booster fundraising and support enhance programs to enrich the child’s school experience by covering costs that school budgets may not include, such as equipment, travel, and uniforms. These clubs are easy to set up when approached the right way.
This booster guide walks you through the steps of starting a booster club from scratch. We explore the specific roles of parents and the kind of programs to support. We also look at some potential obstacles later—including liability risks and financial controls—and ways to avoid them.
But first, let’s see how a Booster differs from a PTA and PTO.
Did You Know: No one person owns a Booster, even if an individual starts it. Instead, the club is owned by the membership and overseen by its elected directors.
Booster Clubs, PTAs, and PTOs – What’s the Difference?
Parent-teacher Associations (PTA) and Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) differ from Booster Clubs. They are all member-run support groups for schools, composed of parents, teachers, and staff. Each group gets involved with fundraising, brainstorming ideas, and volunteering for various tasks.
PTAs and PTOs aim to enhance the entire school experience, local communities, and school districts. PTAs are affiliated with the National PTA and follow its bylaws, while PTOs operate independently and have a more flexible structure. A booster club is much less broad in its roles and functions.
Boosters raise funds and lend support to a specific school program, such as a football team, cheer squad, or band program. This is why some schools have multiple boosters (e.g., one for athletics, one for music, one for robotics), while there can only be one PTA or PTO [1] [2].
Because each organization type operates differently, they also have unique liability exposures and different insurance needs.
Does a Booster Club Need Insurance?
Yes. Booster club insurance protects your organization and volunteers from financial and legal risks that can arise from incidents at fundraising events, property damage or loss, theft of funds, and lawsuits against board members. Without coverage, individual volunteers could be held personally liable if someone is injured at a booster-sponsored event or if the organization or its funds are mismanaged.
Most schools and venues also require a certificate of insurance before allowing booster clubs to host events on their property. Having coverage in place ensures your club can operate without delays or restrictions.
Types of Booster Clubs
There are many other types of booster clubs, including:
- Athletics – football, basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming, track and field
- Competitive teams – cheerleading, dance, drill team, debate, academic decathlon
- Cultural and language – Spanish club, French club, international student programs
- Music and theater – marching band, orchestra, choir, drama club, musical productions
- Visual Arts – photography, ceramics, painting, digital media
- STEM and specialty programs – robotics clubs, coding teams, science olympiad
Each booster type faces unique risks, depending on its activities. A football booster club may own and operate equipment for fundraising, which can increase liability and property exposure. Music and performing arts booster clubs typically have fewer physical assets, but conduct events and handle money. Booster club insurance helps protect each group based on what it actually does—not just the program it supports.
The Steady Growth in Parental Participation
This chart shows a steady rise in parental participation in school-related activities [3].
- 92% attend a parent group or school meeting
- 83% attend a specific class or school event
- 60% of parents fundraise for their child’s school
- 47% volunteer or actively serve on school committees
How to Start a Booster Club in 9 Easy Steps
Parent support groups are helpful and necessary. Schools are always in need of extra money as funds shrink for so many projects—from new uniforms and equipment to competition travel and facility upgrades. Thus, the booster club brings in a valuable source of additional funding along with positive parental interactions that strengthen the connection between families and school programs.
Below are the 9 steps for setting up a successful booster club.
#1 Outline Your Booster Club Plan
The first step to starting your group is to plan, and it begins with a brainstorming session. First, decide on a name for the club—something that clearly identifies the program you support, like “Lincoln High Football Boosters” or “Riverside Band Boosters” (you can change it later if you need to).
Think of ways the club will serve the program and help students. For example, write down ideas for booster fundraisers such as car washes, bake sales, spirit nights at local restaurants, or merchandise sales. Creating direction gives volunteers a purpose and a better grasp of goals and timelines.
Get Dads involved: A 2019 review found that father involvement at schools results in more positive outcomes for the child’s math and reading skills[4].
Create a Meaningful Mission Statement
You can sum the Booster goals up with a mission statement. Think about the what, who, and why of your club. A catchy, clear message can be a powerful tool. It’s also an excellent way to attract members and supporters when adhering to three simple rules:
- Keep the message clear and concise—aim for one to two sentences.
- Be optimistic and aim high, but keep realistic goals with measurable outcomes.
- Make your message inspiring and specific to your program’s needs.
- Ask others what they think of the mission statement, and be open to changing it.
#2 Recruit Your Initial Board of Directors
It sounds a bit formal, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be stuffy or devoid of fun. The board of directors or executive board are critical team players. In most cases, you’ll elect at least three board members: a president, a treasurer, and a secretary. Some clubs also add a vice president and fundraising chair as the organization grows. These officers should be elected in accordance with your booster club’s bylaws. (See Step #5)
The board of directors is the club’s decision-making body, including all financial matters. Because board members can be held personally liable for the club’s actions and decisions, many booster clubs obtain directors and officers (D&O) liability insurance to protect their volunteers. Seek advice from colleagues, parents, or teachers who have prior experience if you’re unsure. This table shows the typical duties of the three board members above.
| PRESIDENT DUTIES | TREASURER DUTIES | SECRETARY DUTIES |
| To be chairman of the Executive Board. Looks after the club’s welfare and presides at all meetings. The chairman also appoints committees and signs the written contracts.Consider a vice president to assist the president. | Responsible for receiving and accounting for all the club funds. The Booster Club Treasurer also pays bills and files tax forms. Additionally, treasurers typically prepare the financial reports for monthly held meetings. | Keeps accurate records of meeting minutes. Secretaries also deal with the club’s correspondence, including newsletters. The secretary is usually the person members contact to report or discuss concerns and issues. |
The next step is to recruit other willing volunteers.
#3 Recruit Your Volunteers
It’s a good idea to have a volunteer recruitment strategy before you ask for help.
- Decide on some recruitment guidelines, including time commitments, roles available, and expectations.
- Establish ways on where and how to recruit.
- Identify potential volunteers among parents, guardians, grandparents, and community members.
- Start to recruit.
- Refine your volunteer recruitment strategy based on what works best for your school community.
Get Known and Be Seen
One way to attract volunteers is to keep a high profile in all the right places. Take your volunteer recruitment strategy to school events and activities. That could be parent-teacher nights, back-to-school nights, sporting events, school stage plays, etc. Set up a table with sign-up sheets, and bring information about your mission and upcoming fundraising events.
Another approach to recruiting volunteers is to target those with a personal stake in the program. For instance, if you’re setting up an athletic booster club, it makes sense to seek an athletic director from the athletic department. Parents whose children directly participate in the program are often the most motivated volunteers—they already attend practices, games, and performances.
Keep in mind that volunteers may have concerns about personal liability. Having booster club insurance in place, including directors & officers liability coverage, can help reassure recruits that they’re protected while giving their time.
#4 Register as a Nonprofit(Tax-exempt) Corporation
A nonprofit corporation is the most conventional legal structure for the booster. For this, you need to draft and file the correct documentation to qualify as a nonprofit organization. Your filing will typically include the following:
- Name and address of the incorporator(s)
- The primary purpose of your organization
- Names of the initial directors
- Statement on membership (members or none)
- Registered agent information and principal office address
- Articles of incorporation filing fee (typically,$25–$125 depending on your state)
See Section 501(c)(3) for federal tax exemption of nonprofit US organizations [5]. Your tax-exempt status allows you to partake in fundraising programs. You can also receive tax-deductible donations, qualify for a state gambling license for raffles and bingo nights, and more. Once incorporated, your booster club becomes a separate legal entity—which is why general liability insurance and embezzlement insurance are essential to protect both the organization and its volunteers.
Economic Impact: Nonprofits employ tens of millions of people in the US. They have payrolls that exceed most other US industries, including finance, transportation, and construction [6]. Parent-run organizations like booster clubs, PTAs, and PTOs represent thousands of these nonprofits nationwide.
#5 Prepare Your Bylaws
You need to hold a meeting to approve the club’s bylaws. Think of these rules as the operating manual or road map for your organization. Once approved, you must enforce them. Many insurance providers and grant organizations will ask to review your bylaws before working with your booster club.
Here are the types of things to include in the club’s bylaws:
- Name and primary purpose of your organization
- Executive board roles, including term lengths, succession procedures, and removal processes
- Membership responsibilities and privileges
- Officer elections and duties
- Financial controls, such as dual signatures on checks, monthly bank statement reviews, and a conflict of interest policy that requires board members to disclose conflicts and remove themselves from decisions where they have a personal interest
- Amendment procedures for the bylaws
- Indemnification (compensation for harm or loss)—to protect officers from personal liability when acting in good faith on behalf of the club
- Strong bylaws paired with directors and officers (D&O) insurance provide two layers of protection for your volunteer leadership. Financial control requirements in your bylaws, like the examples above, are often required to qualify for embezzlement insurance coverage.
Strong bylaws paired with directors and officers (D&O) insurance provide two layers of protection for your volunteer leadership. Financial control requirements in your bylaws, like the examples above, are often required to qualify for embezzlement insurance coverage.
#6 Apply for Your Employer Identification Number(EIN)
Your Booster Club’s federal employer or Tax Identification Number(EIN) is unique to your organization. It’s a legal requirement, and you cannot use the school’s EIN under any circumstances. This number identifies your organization to the IRS like a social security number(SSN) recognizes an individual.
You can apply for your Booster Club EIN onlinehere(No need to file a Form SS-4).
#7 Set Up Your Booster Club Bank Account
The primary aim of a parent booster club is to raise funds for specific projects. Hence, it needs an official bank account, not a personal one. That means an account set up in the booster club’s name. This ensures the tax and any liability concerns fall on the club, not an individual. Commingling personal and club funds is one of the most common mistakes new booster clubs make—and it can jeopardize your nonprofit status and personal liability protection.
So look for a bank with low fees and the perks of a regular account. Credit unions often offer free nonprofit checking accounts with no minimum balance requirements.
Most US banks need four things to open an account in the Booster Club’s name:
- Your Employer Identification Number(EIN)
- Two forms of ID & the SSN for each named person on the account
- Articles of Incorporation and or Bylaws document
- Minimum deposit
Some banks don’t require a minimum deposit, while others may ask for $25–$100.
Once your account is open, establish strong financial controls from day one. Require dual signatures on checks over a set amount (such as $250 or $500), ensure someone other than the treasurer reviews monthly bank statements, and conduct an annual financial review. These safeguards help prevent embezzlement and are typically required to qualify for embezzlement insurance that protects your club against theft of funds by a club member.
Booster Banking Tip: Consider two signatures for your Booster Club banking. It’s better if the person who handles your finances is not the same person who signs the checks.
#8 Promote Your New Parent Booster Club
This penultimate step assumes you’ve set up and registered your official club. But it’s no time to rest on one’s laurels, as you must keep the interest and momentum going. Ideally, you want a promotional strategy in place. It will help you retain your volunteers, generate fresh funds, and encourage participation. A visible, active booster club attracts more parent involvement and community sponsorships.
Here are 6 proven ways to promote your Booster:
- Advertise within your local community. Partner with local businesses for sponsorships, post flyers at community centers, and ask to be featured in school newsletters.
- Promote your club during school events. Set up a booth at football games, back-to-school nights, or spring carnivals.
- Be active on social media. Set up a Facebook page and post updates about fundraisers, team achievements, and upcoming events.
- Buy ads. Use paid online advertising to expand the club’s reach.
- Run email marketing campaigns. Collect parent emails through sign-up sheets and send monthly updates.
- Try online crowdfunding. Platforms like GoFundMe or Snap! Raise work well for specific fundraising goals like new equipment or travel expenses.
Come up with a few creative ideas of your own. Remember your mission statement, and always strive to keep the club fun and upbeat. When hosting promotional events—especially those open to the public—make sure your booster club event insurance covers the activities you’re planning.
#9 Potential Difficulties of a Booster Club
Your fledgling booster club can run into problems if you don’t follow a clear plan. Typical obstacles and issues are the lack of organization, structure, or an external guiding body. Without established bylaws and financial controls, clubs can face mismanaged funds, volunteer burnout, or conflicts among board members. Another potential risk is no or inadequate insurance—leaving volunteers personally exposed if someone is injured at an event or if there are accusations of mismanagement or poor decision making.
AIM is a national insurance leader and the largest provider for booster clubs in the US. We currently protect more than 22,000 parent groups across all 50 states and have specialized in PTA, PTO, and booster club insurance for over 30 years. We make obtaining affordable, quality insurance coverage easy, covering risks you may not even be aware of.
Our comprehensive Booster Club insurange coverages includes:
| Event Insurance (General Liability Coverage): Medical payments and protection from lawsuits if someone is injured or a third party’s property is damaged at your event | |
| Embezzlement Coverage: Protection for the club’s funds in the event of theft or embezzlement. | |
| Business Personal Property: Protects the club’s fundraising supplies, raffle prizes, and property (like popcorn machines, ice chests, etc.)against damage, destruction, and theft. | |
| Director & Officer Liability: Safeguards officers from legal action in the event of miscommunication, discrimination, or misrepresentation. |
Click here to learn more about AIM Booster coverage or to get a quote for your event
Frequently Asked Questions About Booster Clubs
What is a booster club?
A booster club is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization—typically formed by parents—that raises funds and provides support for a specific school program, such as athletics, band, choir, theater, or robotics. Unlike PTAs and PTOs that support the entire school, booster clubs focus their efforts on one team or activity.
What is the difference between a booster club and a PTA or PTO?
The main difference is scope. PTAs and PTOs support the entire school community and all students, while booster clubs focus exclusively on a single program like football, marching band, or drama. A school can have multiple booster clubs operating simultaneously, but only one PTA or PTO. PTAs are affiliated with the National PTA, while PTOs and booster clubs operate independently.
Does a booster club need insurance?
Yes. Booster club insurance helps protect your organization from the financial impact of legal claims—such as lawsuits related to booster-run events or board decisions—as well as other covered losses, including injuries or damage to someone else’s property, theft of funds, and loss or damage to property owned by the booster club. Without coverage, individual volunteers could be held personally liable if someone is injured at a booster-sponsored event or if an officer is accused of mismanagement. Most schools and venues also require a Certificate of Insurance before allowing booster clubs to host events on their property.
How much does booster club insurance cost?
Booster club insurance is affordable, with coverage starting at just $65 per year. Costs vary depending on the coverage types you select—such as event insurance (also called general liability insurance), directors and officers (D&O) liability, embezzlement protection, and business personal property coverage. AIM offers customizable packages so you only pay for the coverage your club needs.
What does booster club insurance cover?
Comprehensive booster club insurance typically includes:
- Event Insurance (general liability) – Covers bodily injury and property damage at events (no deductible with AIM)
- Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability – Protects board members from lawsuits related to their decisions
- Embezzlement Insurance – Reimburses the club if funds are stolen
- Business Personal Property Insurance – Protects club-owned equipment, supplies, and fundraising inventory
How do I start a booster club?
Starting a booster club involves nine key steps:
1. Outline your plan and mission statement.
2. Recruit a board of directors.
3. Recruit volunteers.
4. Register as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
5. Prepare your bylaws.
6. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
7. Open a dedicated bank account.
8. Promote your club.
9. Obtain booster club insurance to protect your volunteers and organization.