The local Board of Directors decides how the league chooses to budget its funds and those decisions directly impact how much money it needs to operate. Some examples of a local league’s on-field costs include playing equipment (hats and uniforms, bats, batting helmets, catcher’s gear, baseballs, and softballs) and league-owned equipment and materials (tractors, field dry, batting cages, baseline paint, and detachable bases). The cost of insurance on the players and facilities is also an annual consideration for the local Board.
It is important to always be transparent with both the board and the members about all costs to operate the league. A budget helps explain how registration fees are set and why fundraisers are necessary.
The Treasurer and/or a Budget Committee develop a budget prior to start of the upcoming fiscal year (or prior to the start of league activities for the next fiscal year). The budget is developed based on past history, anticipated/projected income and league goals.
A sample budget may look like this:
| Sample Budget | |
| Budgeted Income | |
| Fundraising Revenue | |
| Candy Bar Sell | $2,000 |
| Car Wash | $700 |
| Logo Sell | $1,500 |
| Total Fundraising Revenue | $4,200 |
| Concession Revenue | $5,500 |
| Sponsorship Revenue | |
| Team Sponsorships | $5,000 |
| Fence Signage | $1,875 |
| Total Sponsorship Revenue | $6,875 |
| Program Income | |
| Fall Registration Player Fees ($40 per player) | $5,200 |
| Spring Registration Player Fees ($75 per player) | $32,400 |
| Donations | $3,000 |
| Total Program Income | $40,600 |
| Total Budget Income | $57,175 |
| Budgeted Expenses | |
| Fundraising Expenses | |
| Fundraising Expenses | |
| Candy Bar Sell | $500 |
| Car Wash | $75 |
| Logo Sell | $250 |
| Total Fundraising Expenses | $825 |
| Facilities and Maintenance | |
| Field Supplies | $6,500 |
| Utilities | $3,000 |
| General Maintenance | $500 |
| Total Facilities and Maintenance Expenses | $10,000 |
| Operations | |
| Concession | $3,500 |
| Coaching Clinics | $500 |
| Umpire Clinics | $500 |
| First Aid Materials | $250 |
| Equipment | $8,500 |
| District Dues | $1,250 |
| Charter and Insurance | $1,000 |
| Tournament Enrollment | $1,200 |
| Uniforms | $15,000 |
| Awards | $750 |
| Background Checks | $50 |
| Board of Directors Supplies | $150 |
| Marketing/Advertising | $500 |
| Miscellaneous | $1,000 |
| Total Operations Expenses | $34,150 |
| Total Budget Expenses | $44,975 |
| Total Remaining Balance | $12,200 |