0November 27, 2017November 27, 2017
In News

Not into Black Friday? #GivingTuesday is for you

Giving tuesdayYou probably know Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

What about #GivingTuesday?

The charitable holiday is a global day of giving – either money or time – that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Started in 2012, #GivingTuesday to date has encouraged people from more than 98 countries to donate more than $177 million to charity.

There are so many wonderful and impactful organizations in the world, so we encourage you to choose one that is close to your heart. If you need help deciding, here is one that means a lot to the profession – the AICPA Benevolent Fund.

What is it?

In 1933 during the Great Depression, the AICPA created the Benevolent Fund as a place for members to turn during times of financial difficulty. In cases of serious illness, an accident, or the death of the primary source of family income, the fund helps members meet daily living and medical expenses not covered by insurance. One-time emergency grants are also available to help with natural disasters and other unexpected events.

Who benefits?

Being a CPA doesn’t make you immune to financial catastrophe, and the Benevolent Fund has provided financial assistance to AICPA members in need for nearly 85 years. Whether a member is fighting cancer and unable to pay her bills, or the victim of a natural disaster, the goal is to alleviate financial crises and help people get back on their feet. In 2017 alone there have been a devastating number of natural disasters that have affected members across the country. 15 separate weather and climate disasters have already caused at least $1 billion in damages in the U.S. These natural disasters come at a high cost, and even the most prepared CPA can find themselves in trouble. The Benevolent Fund can help those impacted. 

How can I help?

To participate in #GivingTuesday this year, we invite you to make a difference in the lives of your fellow CPAs. For more information about the AICPA Benevolent Fund, check out this video made by the Fund’s Board of Trustees. And to make a donation to help someone back on their feet, click here.

If you need help, visit the Benevolent Fund web page and follow the instructions to apply. Or call the Benevolent Fund administrator directly at 866-527-2228.

Whether you choose to give to the AICPA’s Benevolent Fund, or another cause, use the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #AccountantsGive on Twitter to encourage others to do the same.

Happy #GivingTuesday!

Samantha Delgado, Manager – Communications, PR & Corporate Responsibility, Association of International Certified Professional Accountants

Donate on #GivingTuesday courtesy of Shutterstock.



Source: AICPA