Budget requests for the 2008-2009 fiscal year are due May 1. To submit a request, please follow the instructions on the budget request form. This form can also be found as Appendix B of the Standard Operating Procedures Manual. Any questions should be directed to Shelly Brown Dobek, Vice President for Administration and Finance, at shelly_dobek@ncsu.edu or 919/513-2910.

What process is used to create the Association’s annual budget?
The Finance Committee and the Executive Board employ conservative budgeting strategies to create the annual budget. This means that we forecast income conservatively and expenses more liberally as we map out each budget line. The current and past budgets are reviewed to look for any trends occurring during the current fiscal year that can inform the next year’s budget.

The Finance Committee exercises serious fiduciary responsibility, understanding that we are merely stewards of our member’s money. The strategic plan and annual goals serve as guideposts for determining what should be funded, and at what level. In addition to funding efforts that move us toward our vision for the Association, our largest annual expenses include the Annual Meeting (also the largest revenue generator), personnel, and Perspectives.

How can I impact the Association’s spending? How are decisions made about which requests to fund?
Volunteers also help drive the budgetary process by submitting requests for funding. The annual deadline for budget requests is May 1st. If your volunteer role has a budget for the current fiscal year or if you foresee taking on new projects that will require financing, it is crucial that you document and prioritize your funding needs. It is important to remember that requests for funding don’t exist in a vacuum; rather they are a part of a larger process and ultimately should be a reflection of the work we are undertaking as an Association. Budget requests that move us toward achieving our strategic plan and assist us in completing our annual goals are most likely to be funded.

What is the intention of the Finance Committee and Executive Board during the budgeting process?
At their core, the Finance Committee and Executive Board strive to be transparent in their fiscal management of the Association. We work to accurately account for all anticipated expenses and to realistically forecast revenues so that we can best utilize the Association’s resources. The Finance Committee is absolutely committed to preserving AFA’s financial stability and will make tough decisions based on ensuring that the Association’s finances are in order. On occasion this means foregoing an opportunity because there is a financial risk or commitment involved that we aren’t comfortable taking on. We take this responsibility seriously because, as stated above, we are the stewards of member contributions.