A close-up, low-angle shot of two star-shaped fungi, commonly known as earthstars, on a forest floor. The one on the right is fully opened, with its thick, creamy-white 'petals' peeled back to reveal a round, light brown spore sac in the center. The one on the left is partially broken, showing its interior structure. The fungi are surrounded by dark brown wood chips, twigs, and scattered leaves. A blurry green leaf is visible in the foreground.

Finance and Membership Committee

The Finance and Membership Committee plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in keeping the Minnesota Mycological Society running smoothly and responsibly. From tracking our finances to managing our membership records, this committee helps ensure that the Society stays organized, transparent, and responsive to its growing community of fungi lovers.

Working closely with other MMS committees, we provide key support for budgeting, record-keeping, nonprofit compliance, and communication. We’re the ones making sure the lights stay on—figuratively and literally—so that MMS can focus on what we all love most: mushrooms, education, and community.

What We Do

We serve our organization by:

  • Tracking club income and expenses
  • Assisting MMS committees with budget planning and providing oversight
  • Helping to maintain our nonprofit status through timely filings with the Minnesota Secretary of State and the IRS (Form 990-N)
  • Assisting members with membership questions and issues
  • Working with the Webmaster to update online membership records as requested by members
  • Proposing and reviewing changes to membership options, features, fees, and policies
  • Handling sensitive member data with care and confidentiality
  • Collecting and processing club mail from our official MMS PO Box
Finance and Membership, Mushrooms with coins

Committee Structure

The Finance and Membership Committee includes:

  • Chairperson – Appointed by the Board of Directors; oversees committee functions, guides decisions, and drafts the annual committee budget
  • Treasurer – An elected member of the Board who oversees all MMS financial transactions and reporting
  • Membership Coordinator – Tracks memberships, responds to inquiries, and ensures secure and accurate member data

Committee members must be MMS members in good standing. Individuals may hold more than one role within the committee if needed.

How We Operate

Although we don’t typically hold regular meetings, we maintain close contact via email and phone to collaborate and make decisions. Our approach is consensus-based: we aim for alignment in our decisions, but when a vote is needed, the majority rules—with the Chairperson casting the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

Questions about MMS Membership or Finances?

Reach out to our Finance & Membership Committee Chair. We’re here to help!

Contact Us