AICPA Benevolent Fund

Jul 31, 2021 · 2 min read

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The AICPA Benevolent Fund was created in 1933 to assist members through temporary periods of financial difficulty.

The Fund provides short-term assistance for daily living expenses that some members may find difficult to meet due to unemployment, accident affecting personal or family health, medical expenses exceeding insurance coverage, natural disaster, or the loss of a primary source of family income.

Assistance

Temporary monthly living expenses
One-time emergency grants
Temporary monthly medical, mental and/or prescription expense payments, that exceed insurance coverage
Medicare or other health insurance premiums
Most medically necessary services for dependent children (under age 21)
Other, as the Board of Trustees deems appropriate

Eligibility

Current AICPA members
Must exhibit evidence of financial need, per application and support documentation
Surviving spouse of a member, at the time of their death
Dependent children (under the age of 21) of a member

If you find that you are not in a circumstance of need, but rather in a position to help financially, please consider donating to the Fund. It is through these generous contributions that we are able to provide grants to those seeking assistance.

Application process

The Fund offers two application types for assistance - standard and disaster. Members who need financial assistance must complete their application in full and submit all required supporting documentation for consideration by the Board of Trustees.

Submissions are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Board of Trustees meet a minimum of twice a year to assess cases. Please contact the Fund Administrators for details on their next meeting deadlines.

If you have questions, contact the Fund Administrators at benevolent_fund@aicpa.org or 866.527.2228. To protect your personal information, please do not email your application.

Applications

Standard Application

Frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to receive assistance?

Current AICPA members
Must exhibit evidence of financial need
Surviving spouse of a member, at the time of their death
Dependent children (under the age of 21) of a member

What types of assistance is offered?

General monthly assistance
Medical reimbursements
One-time grants
Other, as the Board of Trustees deems appropriate

How do I apply?

Download or request an application
Gather support documentation and complete application
Mail to administrators for review
Await decision (usually provided within 4–6 weeks)

I need to request a hard copy of the application.

If unable to print and you prefer a hard copy of the form, please contact the Fund Administrators and they can assist in arranging for a copy to be mailed to you via post.

What are qualifying situations to become an AICPA Benevolent Fund recipient?

Unemployment
Natural disasters
Health and medical impacts
Other, as the Board of Trustees deems appropriate

When can I apply to the AICPA Benevolent Fund?

Applicants may apply at any time. Varying on receipt date, in relationship to scheduled meetings, some time may be needed before decision can be made. Please contact the Fund Administrators for details on their next meeting deadlines.

How long do the awards granted from the AICPA Benevolent Fund last?

Assistance from the Fund is intended for the short term. Awards may be granted up to a 6-month period or as a one-time grant. Recipients are welcome to reapply if they are still in financial need six months after their last received decision.

Can I appeal against a decision made on my case?

You may request to appeal a decision for further consideration by the Board. This does require a full resubmission of the application and support materials, along with support for why the appeal is requested. This does not guarantee an overturn of the initial Board decision.

Can I still apply if I am no longer a member of the AICPA?

Your membership will need to be brought up to date to qualify for assistance.

Do I need to pay back the assistance I received?

No, the AICPA Benevolent Fund program is grant assistance and not a loan.

Do I have to pay taxes on my assistance?

No, the AICPA Benevolent Fund is grant assistance and therefore tax-free.

Is my donation tax deductible as a charitable contribution?

Yes, it is tax deductible. Our EIN is 13-6168775.

Where is my information shared?

Applications to the AICPA Benevolent Fund program is shared only amongst the Fund Administrators and its Board of Trustees. Applications are then anonymous, but data similar to your case, with your permission, may be used for marketing purposes. Necessary information supporting payment details are required to be shared with Finance partners.

For more information about how the personal data of applicants is processed see the organisation’s Privacy Policy.

How do I become a trustee with the AICPA Benevolent Fund?

Apply on Volunteer Central or reach out the to the Fund Administrators for more information.

I’m only interested in having my AICPA General Membership dues waived. Do I need to apply?

AICPA Benevolent Fund does not directly assist with dues waivers.

Please contact Global Engagement Services at 1.888.777.7077 Monday to Friday, 9 am to 6 pm EST or for an instant response via chat at https://www.aicpa-cima.com/home

If options provided by Global Engagement Services do not satisfy your request, then you may apply to the AICPA Benevolent Fund to be considered for general financial assistance.

Please contact AICPA Member Services at 888.777.7077 or service@aicpa.org. If options provided by AICPA Member Services do not satisfy your request, then you may apply to the AICPA Benevolent Fund to be considered for general financial assistance.

Additional resources

We hope that our members are aware of additional resources that may be available to them such as benefits through the U.S. Government and Social Security Administration. Check out the Office of Family Assistance to locate what options are available within your state for temporary assistance and welfare.

If you live in a disaster prone area, we encourage you to read the AICPA and Red Cross’ Disasters and Financial Planning: Guide for Preparedness and Recovery.

Seeking information to assist in financial planning, networking, mental health, legal services,
or general information? Check out these additional resources.