AER Council of Chapter Presidents Town Hall Meeting 2013 Tuesday, April 4, 2013

AGENDA Welcome/Introductions Financial/Membership Status Chapter Tax-Exemptions and IRS Filings Chapter Websites and E-blasts AER Conferences Fundraising – Presented by Pam Boespflug Member Questions

Financial Status of AER

2010 – 2013 Comparison 2010 Total Budget 2011 Total Budget 2012 Total Budget 2013 Total Budget Income$1,204,915.91$885,824.15$1,190,670$810,544 Expenses$1, $934,833.06$1,102,071$793,322 Net revenue over expenses $79,419.59($49,088.91)$88,599$17,222

y Membership Status of AER As of 3/31/13: 4,162 AER Members

Chapter Tax-Exemptions and IRS Filings Chapters are listed under AER’s Group Exemption “umbrella” only for the purpose of being a tax-exempt organization. May 2010: IRS began revoking tax-exempt status for organizations who did not file annual returns for last 3 years. If chapter’s tax-exempt status was revoked, chapters are no longer exempt from federal income tax and lose eligibility to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions.

Chapter Tax-Exemptions and IRS Filings The effective date of revocation is the original filing due date of the 3 rd annual Form 990 return that was required to be filed, but was not filed. To apply for re-instatement of tax-exempt status, chapters must file IRS Form 1023 and pay the income taxes applicable to the period of time during which the chapter was not tax-exempt.

Chapter Tax-Exemptions and IRS Filings Re-filing fee of $100, $400 or $850. AER recommendation: Hire lawyer or accountant to help file Form AER’s auditor is submitting a proposal to help affected chapters with re-instatement.

Chapter Websites and E-blasts Turnaround time: hours Requests should have all language “print-ready” Planned updates to AER Website Chapter Resource: Chapter Leaders Marketing Materials

AER Conferences AER International O&M Conference – Dec , 2013 AER International Conference 2014 – July 30-Aug. 3, 2014 Chapter Conferences on Website

Fundraising Three “Out of the Box” fundraising techniques: Add space on newsletters: ambutech, local low vision clinics, technology products, low vision products. Annual or biannual? Add space on Websites: have a page (link) on your website that says "Friends of NYAER." On that link, explain that "Friends of NY AER" are local and national groups who choose to support NY AERs chapter with an in kind donation. We encourage you to support their business as it supports our work. Bank grants: click on the link below and then "corporate responsibility" and then under "global philanthropy" click "how to apply- US only"

Member Questions?