July 1999 Issue

Board Encourages Member Involvement in Charities

Restricts Society Involvement

By James A. Woehlke, CPA

At its June 5 meeting, the NYSSCPA board of directors approved a policy that encourages Society members and staff to engage in charitable works and support charitable organizations. However, the policy restricts committee and chapter endorsement of charitable endeavors that require expenditure of Society or chapter funds or staff time. The policy went on to clarify that the Society as an organization cannot support or provide support for any charitable activities outside of its own programs such as the scholarship fund and the Career Opportunities in the Accounting Profession (COAP) program.

Board member and immediate past President George T. Foundotos clarified the policy.

"This new policy is not intended to preclude programs such as the excellent Toys for Tots drive conducted by Nassau, Suffolk, and other chapters, so long as Society funds and staff time are not used in the effort," Foundotos said. "Chapters may continue to advertise their charitable activities in their newsletters, but they may not spend Society money or rely on staff to further their members' individual charitable interests."

Members with questions regarding this policy can contact NYSSCPA Counsel Jim Woehlke at (212) 719-8347, (800) 633-6320, or jwoehlke@nysscpa.org. *