1. FAMILY READINESS GROUP
Record your own notes here:
FAMILY READINESS GROUP
REAL: Readiness Essentials for Army Leaders 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Plan 2 hours for training – request local SJA representative to conduct training or be present during training, if possible. At a minimum, consult with SJA prior to training for local policy guidance and anticipated FAQs.
Have all students sign in on DA Form 5900.
Welcome students to the training.
Introduce staff, go around room and have students introduce themselves with name, unit and FRG position.
Discuss administrative issues to include: use of phones, location of restrooms, respect for time, and end of training evaluations
Discuss use of “Parking Lot” for questions: Hang a large sheet of charting paper labeled “Parking Lot”. Provide each student several small sticky notes. If students have questions, or comments they prefer not to ask in an open class forum, the Parking Lot is the appropriate area to place them. Parking Lots may also be used for topics that may need more research and follow-up.
Thank students for their participation. 2.
Needed Materials
You will find the following in the Smart Book:
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
FAMILY READINESS GROUP (FRG)
INFORMAL FUND CUSTODIAN TRAINING
ENGAGING • CONNECTING • EMPOWERING

2. Record your own notes here:
Objectives
Understand regulatory guidance that governs FRG operations and informal funds
Understand the mission of the FRG
Define informal fund custodian roles and responsibilities
Understand the authorized use of FRG informal funds 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review the Objectives.
Ask for questions/comments.
Note: Ensure you use the component specific title; Active Duty and National Guard use the term Funds Custodian at the unit level, the Reserve use the term Treasurer at the unit level. 2.
Trainer Talking Points
In this course, we will discuss the standards that provide guidance for the FRG mission, the FRG informal fund and the roles and responsibilities of the commander, funds custodian and alternate funds custodian when dealing with FRG funds.
You will be provided with a “Smart Book” which contains numerous checklists, forms, and global resources which will prepare you for your role.
You will be presented with several scenarios and have the opportunity to practice using the skills you have learned during this course.

3. Record your own notes here:
FRG Mission
Act as an extension of the unit in providing official, accurate command information
Provide mutual support between the command and the FRG membership
Advocate more efficient use of available community resources
Help Families solve problems at the lowest level 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review the Mission statement. If appropriate, ask an attendee to read each bullet.
Discuss the meaning of each statement. 2.
Ask
As discussed in Foundations training, the FRG is a commander’s program and he or she is charged with supporting everyone in the unit Family.
Let’s clarify what “support” means. When looking at Family Readiness and the FRG, support is:
Providing mutual support and assistance – this means support from command to FRG members and from FRG members to the unit. This doesn’t mean parties and purchasing items for FRG members. Mutual support is about having a shared understanding of the needs of both Soldiers and Family members. For example, the need for two way communications, and information about what is going on in the unit.
Building a network of communications – Usually a network of communications doesn’t cost anything, but there are some instances where funds are needed to maintain this network. We will address this during this training.
Being aware of available resources within the Army and your local community.
Assisting with preparedness, resilience and self- reliance – this does not mean doing everything for an FRG member, but rather, teaching them how to solve problems using available resources.
Army Regulation 608-1, Appendix J

4. Informal Fund Custodian Mission
Record your own notes here:
Informal Fund Custodian Mission
Responsible for informal fund custody, accounting and documentation. 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Note that all actions are taken on behalf of the commander, as the FRG is a commander’s program.
Ensure students understand each underlined phrase or word and discuss further, if necessary. 2.
Ask/Facilitate
1. Ask students what this means to them. OR
Ask students “knowing what you know right now, how would you do this?”
Custody– the act or right of guarding or caring for.
Accounting – the bookkeeping methods involved in making a financial record of business transactions and the preparation of statements concerning the assets, liabilities, and operating results of a business.
Documentation– to prove with, support by, or provide by documents; an official paper that can be used to furnish evidence or information. Documentation for informal fund custodians includes bank statements, ledgers, receipts, purchase authorizations, carbon copy checks, deposit slips, and like type documents.
2. Unit FRGs are a command sponsored vehicle for people within the unit to help each other and to ensure unit cohesion, readiness, and effectiveness. FRGs are NOT organized for the purpose of raising money.
Army Regulation 608-1, Appendix J

5. FRG Informal Funds Regulatory Guidance
Record your own notes here:
FRG Informal Funds Regulatory Guidance
DOD R, Joint Ethics Regulation
AR 608-1, Army Community Service, 13 March 2013
Appendix J – FRG Operations
Section 2e – FRG roles and functions
Section 7 – FRG informal fund
Section 8 – FRG external fundraising
Section 9 – Unsolicited donations to the active component
Section 10 – Unsolicited donations to the reserve component
AR , Army Command Policy, 6 November 2014
AR , Fund-Raising Within the Department of the Army, 7 June 2010 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide and note that each of these responsibilities will be covered when reviewing the “Smart Book.”
Instruct students to open Smart Book to the Administration Section: Regulations and Policies 2.
Trainer Talking Points
AR 608-1, Appendix J provides guidance on FRG informal fund management. FRG informal funds must be used for FRG mission related purposes. Such funds should equitably benefit all FRG members, and should not benefit specific ranks or classes of individuals within the FRG.
Examples of appropriate use of informal funds include meeting refreshments, farewell activities, welcome home activities, modest activities designed to foster involvement and prevent isolation.
You can review the regulations and policies later. We will cover the main points of what you need to know in this course.
The key sections for your role can be found in the Administration Sections on Regulations, SOPs and FRG Positions, as Well as the Operations Section for Informal Funds and Fundraising.
Informal fund custodian volunteers can gather additional local information to add to their Smart Book.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE

6. Where do fund custodians fit?
Record your own notes here:
Where do fund custodians fit?
Company
Commander
FRL
FRG Leader 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide 2.
Trainer Talking Points
So now that we have reviewed the Smart Book, let’s look at where informal fund custodians/alternates fit in the FRG Team. Fund custodians/alternates work for the commander and the FRG Leader and should look for guidance from them.
2. The fund custodian/alternate is a very important role as there is a lot of responsibility and accountability involved. 3.
Ask/Facilitate
Have students turn to the Informal Fund Custodian Checklist in the Administration section of their Smart Book.
Ask students to identify the top five things they will do when they leave training.
Have students share what they selected and why.
Fund Custodian & Alternate
more as
needed
Key Contact
Key Contact
Key Contact
Key Contact
Key Contact
5 - 10
FRG members
5 - 10
FRG members
5 - 10
FRG members
5 - 10
FRG members
5 - 10
FRG members

7. Resources to Draft Training
Record your own notes here:
Resources to Draft Training
DoDI , Military Family Readiness
AR 608-1, Appendix J, Army Community Service
AR , Chapter 5-10, Army Command Policy
AR 638-8, Army Casualty Program
U.S. Forces Command (FORSCOM) Family Readiness Liaison (FRL) Program Operations Order (OPORD), June 2015
Department of Army Social Media Handbook
Department of Army External Operating Presences SOP
Operation Resources Educating About Deployment and You
Army Management Staff College, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced course materials
Bridgespan’s Organizational Wheel
High-performance Teams: Understanding Team Cohesiveness
IMCOM G-9 Family Programs Command and FRG leader Survey
10 Characteristics of High-Performing Teams
Generational Differences Chart –
Generational Differences and Communication At Work, Home & Play, Stephens College
Roles & Responsibilities

8. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
Record your own notes here:
Informal Funds
Command
Authorize opening the account and ensuring that the Social Security Number associated with the EIN is either the commander’s or someone’s that is currently in the unit; and Request a review of the account upon each change of command (incoming and outgoing)
Appoint, in writing, a fund custodian AND alternate, and authorize these volunteers as signatories on account
Provide written job descriptions
Approve a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for both the APF and the FRG informal fund
Consult with Staff Judge Advocate and/or ethics counselor
Review and approve all Authorized Spending Plans for FRG operations
Provide written approval for all FRG fundraising
Review reimbursement procedures for volunteer expenses (statutory volunteers only)
Review FRG informal funds report monthly (Company level); review FRG informal Funds report annually (BDE/BN level)
Close account upon change of command 1.
Instructions to Trainer
1. Review slide covering each point listed.
2. Inform students to follow local policy on opening an FRG informal fund account at a banking facility. 2.
Trainer Talking Points
Do any of you know what an EIN is? (An Employer Identification Number is like a Social Security Number for an organization)
Do any of you already have an EIN? The EIN is associated with an individual’s social security number. The commander should ensure the EIN is associated with a current unit representative. This can be changed using IRS procedures.
Commanders have ultimate responsibility over the informal fund account and should be aware of what actions are occurring on their behalf. To establish a non-interest bearing account at the bank, the organization must apply for an EIN. This can be accomplished online at the following IRS website:
&-Self-Employed/Apply-for-an-Employer- Identification-Number-(EIN)-Online.
4. To get the number, the applicant will need to use an SSN and Name. Refer to local policies for guidance on who can and will apply for an EIN for each unit. Refer to your Smart Book for the step- by-step application process.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
AR 608-1, Appendix J

9. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE2.
Informal Funds - Command (cont’d)
Trainer Talking Points
5. Once the application is complete, the website will ask if you want the EIN sent by mail or is recommended as it may come within about 48 hours. A copy of the document sent back by the IRS can be used to establish an account at the local bank.
6. You must be provided an appointment letter for documentation purposes. The local bank may require this before you are granted access to the account. A sample informal fund custodian appointment letter is located in the Smart Book (TAB XX).
7. You should be provided a written job description to help you understand the expectations of your job as Informal Fund Custodians. If you are not sure what is expected, or the length of your term, discuss this with the commander and FRG leader.
Each unit must have SOPs that provide guidance on how funds are managed. This ensures all individuals are operating from the same point of understanding. Per AR 608-1, the SOP is approved by the commander and signed by the FRG leader, informal fund custodian and alternate. The Smart Book has a sample Informal Fund SOP (TAB XX) you can use if your unit does not have one.
Fundraising may not be conducted if there is no FRG informal fund SOP in place, and if there is no fund custodian and alternate designated in writing.
10. Most people who have worked with regulations will tell you that if it doesn’t say you can’t do it, you most likely can. This isn’t necessarily true when it comes to fiscal rules. Always ensure you have permission when it comes to money. Commanders must consult with the SJA or an ethics counselor to ensure activities are proper.
11. Commanders should be involved in the entire process when dealing with informal funds, from approving spending plans annually, to approving fundraising, reviewing monthly reports and ensuring monies are spent properly. As the informal fund custodian, you need to meet with the commander and discuss all of these items.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
Record your own notes here:
Reporting
Treasurer provides Treasurer’s Report to Commander, FRSA, and Liaison
* Due quarterly by mid month
End Of Quarter: Report Date:
31 Dec Jan
31 Mar Apr
30 Jun Jul
30 Sep Oct

10. Record your own notes here:3.
Informal Funds - Command (cont’d)
Trainer Talking Points - Local Guidance
12. The SJA must be consulted if you become aware of a gift or donation, before it is accepted.
13. Work with the local SJA, Family Programs, and MWR to ensure understanding of local guidance prior to providing training.
14. Discuss local procedures for authorized spending plans (budgets) and maintaining documentation. A sample Spend Plan, Informal Funds Records Ledger, Monthly Financial Report located in Smart Book (Tab XX).
15. Discuss local fundraising guidance. A sample FRG Fundraising Report is in the Smart Book (Tab XX).
Record your own notes here:
Mandatory Statement included in
the Informal Fund SOP
“ The FRG Informal Fund is for the benefit of its members only. It is not a business and is not being run to generate profits. FRG expenditures will be in accordance with the wishes of the majority of FRG members and all fundraisers must have Command approval before proceeding. It is not an instrumentality of the United States Government.”

11. Record your own notes here:
Informal Funds
FRG Leader
Work with commander to identify resources needed in support of FRG operations
Ensure appointment letters are in place
Work with fund custodian AND alternate
Ensure the FRG informal fund SOP is written and approved
Work with commander and fund custodian to establish Authorized Spending Plans for FRG Operations
Get command approval for FRG fundraising events
Ensure monthly and annual reports are submitted
Ensure fund custodian AND alternate register and track hours in Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide covering each point listed. 2.
Trainer Talking Points
Remember, commanders have ultimate responsibility over the informal fund account and should be made aware of what actions are occurring on their behalf. The FRG leader is the link to the commander for the informal fund custodian.
FRG leaders should work with the commander and ensure appointment orders, SOPs, spending plans, fundraising requests, and monthly and annual reports are in place or being conducted in accordance with local policy.
AR 608-1, Appendix J

12. Informal Funds Fund Custodian
Record your own notes here:
Informal Funds
Fund Custodian
Assist command with establishing (non-interest bearing) bank account and obtain access to account
Write and sign checks for FRG-related commander-approved events; reimburses pre-approved purchases
Maintain all documentation (Authorized Spending Plan, Ledgers, Checks, Receipts, Annual Reports, etc.)
Provide monthly informal Fund Report to Commander (company level) for review, and as requested. Report MUST include income, expenses, and ending balance
Prepare annual informal fund report for BDE/BN review
Ensure the FRG informal fund SOP is written and approved by current commander
Register in the Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS), apply for volunteer position, and track volunteer hours 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide covering each point listed. 2.
Trainer Talking Points
So if the commanders have ultimate responsibility over the informal fund account, what is the role of the informal fund custodian?
The informal fund custodian is responsible for maintaining custody of the account, accounting for all monies spent or raised, and maintaining and/or completing all associated documentation.
The informal fund custodian is also responsible for preparing all monthly and annual reviews, in accordance with local policy. Discuss how monthly and annual reporting is completed with the FRG leader and the commander to ensure you have the necessary tools for reporting. At a minimum, informal fund custodians should be reporting income, expenses and account balance, on a monthly basis.
As the informal fund custodian, it is important to remember that you may be personally liable and responsible for losses, and any misuse of funds. FRG funds are not Army funds, and the Army assumes no responsibility for FRG liabilities. Ensure you provide accurate financial reports to the FRG leader and commander, and track your volunteer time in the Volunteer Management Information System.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
*Fund custodian MUST NOT be unit commander,
a deployable Soldier, or the FRG leader
AR 608-1, Appendix J

13. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
Record your own notes here:
Informal Funds
Authorized Use:
Only one FRG informal fund per unit
Used for specific purposes stated in FRG informal fund SOP
Must benefit entire FRG membership
Unauthorized Use:
Unit Ball
Traditional Military Gifts
Mixing funds (APF, NAF, informal funds)
Organizational Days
Welcome Home Ceremonies 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide covering each point listed 2.
Trainer Talking Points
In some circumstances, non-appropriated or appropriated support may legally be provided to FRGs for specific activities that are official in nature. In other cases, or when NAF funding and APF funding is unavailable or not authorized, FRG informal funds may be used.
FRG informal funds must be used for FRG non- mission essential related purposes and must be outlined in the FRG Informal Fund SOP.
Non-mission essential activities can be found in AR , Section J-7, but include unofficial newsletters, social activities such as Family Days, Christmas Parties and volunteer recognition (not otherwise funded by Appropriated funds).
As noted earlier, FRG informal funds should equitably benefit all FRG members, and should not benefit specific ranks or classes of individuals within the FRG. Remember, not every married Soldier has children, not every Soldier is married, and not every Family member is a spouse. When looking at how the informal Funds are used, the FRG needs to keep in mind the word “balance”, and the equitable distribution (or use) of the funds.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
AR 608-1, Appendix J

14. Resources to Draft Training
Record your own notes here:
Resources to Draft Training
DoDI , Military Family Readiness
AR 608-1, Appendix J, Army Community Service
AR , Chapter 5-10, Army Command Policy
AR 638-8, Army Casualty Program
U.S. Forces Command (FORSCOM) Family Readiness Liaison (FRL) Program Operations Order (OPORD), June 2015
Department of Army Social Media Handbook
Department of Army External Operating Presences SOP
Operation Resources Educating About Deployment and You
Army Management Staff College, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced course materials
Bridgespan’s Organizational Wheel
High-performance Teams: Understanding Team Cohesiveness
IMCOM G-9 Family Programs Command and FRG leader Survey
10 Characteristics of High-Performing Teams
Generational Differences Chart –
Generational Differences and Communication At Work, Home & Play, Stephens College
Fundraising 1.
Instructions to Trainer
If possible have your local fundraising POC for the installation attend the training to provide local procedures and policies for fundraising.
Provide students with copies of local fundraising paperwork

15. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
Record your own notes here:
Fundraising
Fundraising must be command approved in writing
Local policies
Command must consult with SJA and/or ethics counselor
Fundraising must occur within the installation footprint (subject to local policy and guidelines)
FRGs may NOT conduct external fundraising or solicit gifts or donations (this includes internet and social media sites)
Annual gross income cap of $10,000 (commander may reduce this cap) 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Fundraising policy will differ between installations as well as service components – make sure that you have local policies available for review.
Review slide covering each point listed. 2.
Trainer Talking Points
Again, FRGs are not organized for the purpose of raising money. Yet, we realize there are benefits to having funds to support mission related activities. As such, FRGs may need to have a fundraiser among their own community members so long as the use of funds falls within the FRGs’ official objective, goals, and purposes set out in AR 608-1, Appendix J, and the FRG SOP.
AR 608-1, Appendix J provides the following guidance on fundraising. FRGs may fundraise, but the fundraising must be reviewed by the SJA and/or Ethics Counselor, and approved by the unit commander. The fundraiser may be held anywhere on the installation (active, ARNG, and Army Reserve) with the approval of both the unit commander’s and the commander that has oversight of the installation (i.e., garrison commander). However, FRGs may not fundraise off the installation. If the unit is not located on an installation, then fundraising is limited to the unit’s members only. FRGs may not solicit gifts and donations.
3. Discuss local policies that may apply.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
AR 608-1, Appendix J

16. Unsolicited Donations
Record your own notes here:
Unsolicited Donations
Garrison commanders may accept unsolicited donations intended for FRG support, following the acceptance authority limits listed in AR 215-1
Monies will be deposited in a Supplemental Mission Activity and shared with all FRGs supported by the Garrison
AR 1-100, The Army Gift Program, 27 July 2015 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide covering each point listed 2.
Trainer Talking Points
Garrison / Installation commanders have been delegated the authority to accept unsolicited donations for FRG support following the acceptance authority limits listed in AR and AR Donations accepted by the Garrison Commander will be deposited into the FMWR Supplemental Mission Account intended for FRGs (Tab J) and shared with all FRGs supported by the garrison. These supplemental mission account funds may be used to supplement FRG informal fund activities or to pay for reimbursement of statutory volunteer expenses if appropriated funds are not available. Supplemental funds may not be used to fund FRG mission essential activities.
Acceptance of gifts within reserve Components may differ slightly. RC units attached to an Army Garrison or Installation will follow AR Any questions should be directed to an Ethics Counselor. NG units will need to check with State Family Program Directors and SJAs for supplemental policies governing acceptance of unsolicited donations.
AR 608-1, Appendix J; AR 215-1; AR 1-100

17. Resources to Draft Training
Record your own notes here:
Resources to Draft Training
DoDI , Military Family Readiness
AR 608-1, Appendix J, Army Community Service
AR , Chapter 5-10, Army Command Policy
AR 638-8, Army Casualty Program
U.S. Forces Command (FORSCOM) Family Readiness Liaison (FRL) Program Operations Order (OPORD), June 2015
Department of Army Social Media Handbook
Department of Army External Operating Presences SOP
Operation Resources Educating About Deployment and You
Army Management Staff College, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced course materials
Bridgespan’s Organizational Wheel
High-performance Teams: Understanding Team Cohesiveness
IMCOM G-9 Family Programs Command and FRG leader Survey
10 Characteristics of High-Performing Teams
Generational Differences Chart –
Generational Differences and Communication At Work, Home & Play, Stephens College
Accounting & Reviews

18. Authorized Spend Plans & Ledgers
Record your own notes here:
Authorized Spend Plans & Ledgers
Annual Spend Plan
Include proposed expenses and income for the Calendar Year
Voted on by FRG Membership
Signed by commander, FRG leader and informal fund custodian
Ledgers
Includes single line entries
Provides a running balance and includes all expenditures and deposits
All entries will have corresponding documentation (i.e. expenditures with receipts, deposits with deposit slips) 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide covering each point listed. 2.
Trainer Talking Points
FRG informal fund books do not need to be maintained in accordance with formal accounting procedures, but must be clear and legible. The goal is for transparency, and the ability to turn the spend plan and ledger over to a disinterested third party (i.e., for review or audit). This third party should be able to make sense of the activities, to include purchasing and fundraising, without needing to question their validity or legality. Informal fund custodians must keep detailed records and provide information in the ledger to explain each action.
Reports must summarize the current balance, total amount profited (i.e. what was earned less expenditures), and how funds were spent.
A sample Spend Plan, sample Monthly Informal Fund Report/Ledger (including expenditures and deposits) will be reviewed on the next two slides.

19. Proposed Budget/Spend Plan Calendar Year Ending December 31, 20XX
Record your own notes here:
Sample Spend Plan
HHC Informal Fund
Proposed Budget/Spend Plan
Calendar Year Ending December 31, 20XX
INCOME:
20XX Budget
20XX Actual
EXPENSES:
Balance Brought Forward
$750
Annual FRG Holiday Party
$1,000
Bake Sale Fundraiser
$250
FRG Easter Egg Hunt
$200
Ornament Fundraiser
$1,500
Unofficial mail, FRG information and newsletters
$120
Lunch Plate Fundraiser
$500
Refreshments and volunteer recognition at monthly FRG meetings
$480
Fundraising Supplies
TOTALS:
$2,250
$2,000 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide 2.
Trainer Talking Points
Spend Plans should be created for the calendar year and should be discussed between the commander, FRG leader and fund custodian.
The Spend Plan should be thought of as a proposal, giving the FRG direction in not only expenditures, but also the fundraising that may be required to support the proposed expenditures.
When developing the Spend Plan, keep in mind that the FRG cannot spend more than it brings in. Never overdraw the informal fund account. 3.
Activity
Have participants review the sample Spend Plan in the Smart Book.
Have the group brainstorm possible expenses and fundraisers.

20. Account Records Ledger Description of Transaction (Receipt #)
Record your own notes here:
Sample Records Ledger
HHC Informal Fund
Account Records Ledger
Balance Brought Forward From Previous Month:
$750.00
Date
Check No. #
Description of Transaction (Receipt #)
Debit (-)
Credit (+)
Balance
1/14/2015
2338
Welcome Home Banners supplies
($188.25)
$561.75
Deposit from Lunch Plate Fundraiser conducted 1/13/2015 in company area
$268.00
$829.75
1/18/2015
2339
Sodas for FRG Meeting – Three cases of 12 oz. cans
($20.97)
$808.78
End of Month/Sheet Total:
Verifications:
Commander Signature: __________________________________________
Fund Custodian Signature: _______________________________________ 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide 2.
Trainer Talking Points
When completing a records ledger, try to summarize each transaction. Provide enough detail so anyone can understand what occurred. Keep in mind that bank statements and receipts give very little detail.
Since Commanders and Fund custodians are ultimately responsible for the informal funds, these records should be reviewed and checked for accuracy on a monthly basis.

21. Record your own notes here:
Command Review
Monthly Report (required)
Unit commander (and, as requested)
Annual Report (required)
First Colonel (O-6) or designee, in unit’s chain of command NLT 30 JAN
Suggested Reviews
Upon change of commander or fund custodian / alternate
Report Content
Current balance
Total income to include monetary and donations
Itemized list of expenditures with explanation showing consistency with SOP 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide. 2.
Ask
Have students turn to the sample Annual Report in their Smart Book.
Why would it be beneficial to the commander, funds custodian and alternate to conduct a review, and what should be included in the review?
Ensure attendees list:
Spend Plan
Current Balance
Total Income
Itemized List of Expenditures
Bank Statements
Receipts
Deposit Slips
Fundraising Documentation
Appointment Orders for primary & alternate fund custodian
Current Signed Copy of Unit FRG Informal Fund SOP 3.
Trainer Talking Points
1. Additional reviews should be conducted when there is a change of the commander or the fund custodian.
Additional reviews can be conducted as needed. Frequency of these reviews should be decided by the commander.
AR 608-1, Appendix J-7b.(3)

22. Resources to Draft Training
Record your own notes here:
Resources to Draft Training
DoDI , Military Family Readiness
AR 608-1, Appendix J, Army Community Service
AR , Chapter 5-10, Army Command Policy
AR 638-8, Army Casualty Program
U.S. Forces Command (FORSCOM) Family Readiness Liaison (FRL) Program Operations Order (OPORD), June 2015
Department of Army Social Media Handbook
Department of Army External Operating Presences SOP
Operation Resources Educating About Deployment and You
Army Management Staff College, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced course materials
Bridgespan’s Organizational Wheel
High-performance Teams: Understanding Team Cohesiveness
IMCOM G-9 Family Programs Command and FRG leader Survey
10 Characteristics of High-Performing Teams
Generational Differences Chart –
Generational Differences and Communication At Work, Home & Play, Stephens College
Practical Application

23. Practical Application – Ledgers and Monthly Reports
Record your own notes here:
Practical Application – Ledgers and Monthly Reports
Utilizing the materials provided to you by the instructor complete the Ledger and Monthly Report
Documents include:
Bank Statement
Blank Monthly Report (to be completed as part of exercise)
Blank Ledger (to be completed as part of exercise, using single line entry)
3 Receipts
1 Deposit Slip 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Provide each student with the handouts labeled Funds Custodian Exercise
Have students complete the exercise by filling in the ledger and completing the monthly report.
Share correct answers on next slide with the group.

24. Practical Application – Answers Ledgers
Record your own notes here:
Practical Application – Answers Ledgers
BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD FROM PREVIOUS MONTH
$34.50
DATE
Trans #
Description of Transaction
Beginning Balance
Trans AMT (+/_)
Ending Balance
1/10/16
100
Reimbursement to Veronica Randolph for Jimmy Dean Sausage Biscuits & Burritos from Commissary
$20.00
$14.50
Deposit from Motorpool Fundraiser
$75.00
$89.50
1/14/16
101
Reimbursement – Jan FRG Meeting Refreshments – Lisa Leader
$16.00
$74.50
102
Reimbursement – Volunteer Incentives – Lisa Leader
$10.80
$63.70
BANK ACCOUNT END OF MONTH TOTAL
MATERIAL DONATIONS
Description of Transaction/Donation
Number of Items
FMV/Item $
MATERIAL DONATION END OF MONTH TOTAL $0
END OF MONTH/SHEET TOTAL 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Show Answers to students and have them compare their answers.
Answer any questions regarding how the ledger was figured.
Note that there were no material donations used in the example, but if the commander had accepted food or any other in in kind donation on behalf of the FRG a dollar amount would be assigned to the donation and counted against the total amount of money raised by the FRG.

25. Practical Application – Answers Monthly Reports
Record your own notes here:
Practical Application – Answers Monthly Reports
(Unit) Financial Statement 
(Unit) Company FRG
Monthly Treasurer's Report
Date: 31 January 20XX
Monetary Income
Balance Brought Forward
$34.50
Donations 
Description of Donation
Amount Donated $
Fundraisers 
Description of Fundraiser
Amount Raised
 Fundraiser #1
$75.--
Total:
$75.00
Yearly Income Total:
Monthly Expenses
Check #
Description of Monthly Activity
Amount
100
Fundraising Expenses
$20.00
101
FRG Refreshments
$15.00
 102
Volunteer Awards
$10.80
$45.80
Total Monthly Income
Total Monthly Expenses
Minus
Ending Balance
Total
$63.70
I have reviewed this financial statement and to the best of my knowledge, find it true and accurate I.A.W. AR 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Show the monthly report answers
Answer any questions the students might have regarding how the monthly report is put together.
Note how the balance carried forward is rolled up into the total monthly income in order to get the monthly balance at the end of the month.
Remind the audience that this report is submitted to the company commander for review and has a signature line for the informal funds custodian and the company commander.
Remind the students that at the end of the calendar year there is an annual report due to the first O6 in the chain of command per AR 608-1, appendix J.

26. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE
Record your own notes here:
Scenarios
How Do You Respond?
Unit Ball
Baked goods fundraiser
FRG Event
Internal vs. Garrison wide fundraiser 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide and note that this slide will be activity based. 2.
Ask
Now lets move on to some practical application. Has anyone experienced any of these types of events? 3.
Activity
Have students discuss each scenario an informal fund custodian/alternate may experience.
#1 Unit Ball: Due to the high cost of the upcoming ball, the commander asks that you arrange a fundraiser so the cost of the ball tickets can be off-set for those who may not be able to afford the price of the tickets, specifically E-1 through E-4 and LTs. What is your role and how do you respond? Instructor Note - Ensure students cover: Unauthorized use of FRG informal funds, equitability.
#2 Baked goods fundraiser: The FRG would like to hold a fundraiser offering home cooked items. What steps need to be taken? What is your role and how do you respond? Instructor Note - Ensure students cover: Local policy guidance on fundraiser approval, facility coordination, food handler requirements, budgeting for supplies, obtaining supplies from Commissary as food is pre-inspected by Veterinary Services (OCONUS).
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON NEXT PAGE

27. Did We Meet the Objectives?
Record your own notes here:
Did We Meet the Objectives?
Understand regulatory guidance that governs FRG operations and informal funds
Understand the mission of the FRG
Define informal fund custodian roles and responsibilities
Understand the authorized use of FRG informal funds 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review the Objectives statements.
2. Ask for questions/comments. 2.
Ask
What regulations provide guidance for FRG operations?
2. Provide an explanation of the FRG mission and how the fund custodian helps complete that mission.
3. Define the roles and responsibilities of the fund custodian.
4. How will you effectively use your Smart Book? How will you improve it? 3.
Trainer Talking Points
1. As a reminder, the FRG is a commander’s program and is charged with supporting everyone in the unit Family.
2. Not everyone will be enthusiastic to be a part of the FRG. Respect this decision and remember that FRG does not mean Fund Raising Group and fundraising is not the mission of the FRG. The FRG mission is to provide information and mutual support, not to only do fundraisers.
Please look at the status of the informal fund account before you take over as the fund custodian. If a review needs to be done, make this a priority prior to gaining access to the account.

28. Additional Recommended Training
Record your own notes here:
Additional Recommended Training
Army Family Team Building, Level K
Volunteer Management Information System (VMIS) OR
Joint Services Support System (JSS)
Local resource training provided through ACS or Family Programs 1.
Instructions to Trainer
Review slide explaining the benefit of additional training.
Ask participants for questions and/or comments.
3. Thank participants for attending and for volunteering for their FRG. 2.
Trainer Talking Points
1. Additional training is available and can be a benefit to you as a volunteer, and for your own personal and professional development. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge this slide covers a number of recommended trainings for Key Contact Volunteers.
2. Army Family Team Building (AFTB), Level K, Military Knowledge; 10 modules teaching basic knowledge about the Army lifestyle: Military Life…what is it?; Acronyms and Terms; Chain of Command; Customs, Courtesies, Ceremonies, and Traditions; Social Functions’ Benefits and Entitlements; Intro to Military and Civilian Community Resources; Intro to FRGs; Family Preparedness;, and Resiliency.
Volunteer Management training: VMIS is the tool used by the Active Army to store volunteer records (hours, positions, awards, training). ARNG uses JSS for volunteer management data input and reporting.
Look for other trainings offered at ACS to expand your knowledge and better prepare you for your role as an FRG informal fund custodian volunteer.

29. Record your own notes here:
Soldier Readiness +
Family Readiness =
Unit Readiness 1.
Trainer Talking Points
Ultimately - Family Readiness is a part of unit readiness. When a unit is Family Ready the Soldier can focus on their mission.
Your contributions as an FRG volunteer significantly enhance this readiness and is greatly appreciated. 2.
Instructions to Trainer
Address any Parking Lot issues, make note to follow-up with all students on any items that require additional research.
Ask if there are any additional questions.
Make sure everyone is on the sign in sheet.
Pass out end of class surveys and thank everyone for their attendance.
Make sure that you provide students with your point of contact information.