Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is an independent, non-profit, charitable organization, providing financial assistance to the entire Coast Guard family. While having a close relationship with the U. S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance does not receive federal funds.
Funds for financing CGMA operations come from the following sources:
· Repayment of loans.
· Return on investments.
· Annual Fundraising Campaign.
· Contributions made throughout the year.
Clients repaying loans they received from Coast Guard Mutual Assistance provide the largest source of funds necessary to provide assistance to others. Clients are expected to repay their loan under the terms agreed to at the time assistance was provided. Failing to do so may create two adverse consequences: first, to the client personally, because of the possible effect on their credit rating and second, to other members of the Coast Guard family, to the extent that Mutual Assistance must absorb defaulted loans, its ability to help others in need is reduced.
See section 5-B for additional information concerning repayment of loans.
The Board of Control is responsible for establishing, developing and maintaining the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Investment Policy. The Board reviews, monitors and updates the policy as appropriate. Specific information concerning Coast Guard Mutual Assistance's investment policies may be found on the CGMA-HQ website www.cgmahq.org.
Questions concerning CGMA's investment policies should be directed to the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance . (See paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information.)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has recognized Coast Guard Mutual Assistance as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, contributions to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance are deductible for income and estate tax purposes under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance's U.S. Federal Tax ID number is 31-1801931.
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A copy of the IRS letter granting CGMA tax exempt status is available on the CGMA website www.cgmahq.org. Questions concerning CGMA's tax exempt status should be directed to the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance . (See paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information.)
Contributions may be made during the Annual Campaign or throughout the year. Unrestricted contributions received will be placed in the CGMA General Fund. Restricted contributions (designated for specific purpose, group or class of individuals, specific geographic area, etc.) are generally not accepted. However, exceptions may be considered. Contact the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance for additional information concerning restricted contributions. (See paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information.)
Note: Note: Contributors do not receive any special privileges nor are prior contributions considered when assistance is requested. Clients do not have to contribute to CGMA to request and receive assistance.
E. Annual Fundraising Campaign
While income from investments provides one source of revenue, the Annual Fundraising Campaign provides the major source of funds. Without this annual infusion of new funds, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance would eventually not have resources to provided further assistance. It is in this manner that publicity about Coast Guard Mutual Assistance is presented to members of the Coast Guard family each year. It is important, too, that the campaign give every member, regardless of status, an opportunity to contribute to the organization whose primary purpose is assisting Coast Guard personnel.
Regional Directors and Representatives shall conduct the Annual Fundraising Campaign during the period 1 - 30 April each year. During the Annual Fundraising Campaign, Regional Directors and Representatives are to insure that every active duty and civilian employee in their area of responsibility is contacted, provided with information about CGMA and given the opportunity to contribute to CGMA. CGMA-HQ will conduct a separate direct mail campaign for retired and Reserve members and will solicit contributions from Auxiliary members via their flotilla commanders.
Fundraising plans shall provide that all funds raised are turned into Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, that contributions are voluntary, and that no coercion or pressure is imposed on personnel in connection with the campaign. No one shall be required to make a contribution in order to receive CGMA benefit. No fair share amounts are to be established in connection with the annual campaign.
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Each year, prior to the campaign, CGMA-HQ will produce and forward necessary campaign materials, along with instructions and forms necessary to conduct the campaign to all Representatives. This material will typically consist of the following items:
· Fundraising Guides - Overview and policy for conducting the campaign.
· Check-off Lists - Detailed steps and instructions.
· Campaign Reports - Campaign wrap-up and transferring funds.
· List of Frequently Asked Questions.
· Campaign Messages.
· Pledge Authorization Forms.
· Power Point Presentation - Model that may be modified for local use.
Fundraising information will also be available on the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org) prior to the start of the campaign. Questions concerning CGMA's Annual Fundraising Campaign should be directed to the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance . (See paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information.)
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F. Other Individual Contributions
Contributions received during the Annual Campaign account for the majority of all contributions received. However, contributions may be made at any time throughout the year. These contributions may be given to the local CGMA Representative or sent directly to CGMA-HQ. Contributions may also be made via the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org).
All contributions made outside of the Annual Fundraising Campaign will be acknowledged by CGMA-HQ. A thank you card or letter will be sent to all contributors. Contributors of over $250 will also receive a written acknowledgement of their contribution as required by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations.
The following policies and procedures apply to contributions received outside of the Annual Fundraising Campaign. (See section 7-D for additional information concerning contributions received during the Annual Fundraising Campaign.)
Cash (check or money order) contributions may be given to any CGMA Representative or mailed directly to CGMA-HQ. Representatives receiving cash contributions are to forward the contribution to CGMA-HQ as soon as possible. Cash contributions are to be made in the form of a check or money order made payable to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance or CGMA. Cash should never be sent through the mail.
Individuals wishing to make cash contributions are encouraged (but not required) to complete a Cash Contribution Form (CGMA Form 41) to accompany their contribution. This form is available on the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org) in PDF format. (Locate the Online version of the CGMA Manual. From the List of Forms that may be Individually Downloaded in Appendix C, select CGMA Form 41.) The form may be completed online and then printed, or it may be printed first and completed manually. Information gathered from this form will be used to help CGMA-HQ better understand who is contributing to the organization. This information will not be provided to any other organization or individual.
It is the responsibility of the individual wishing to make a contribution to CGMA to convert cash into a check or money order. Representatives may, at their discretion, accept a cash contribution if arrangements have been made to convert the cash into a check or money order for the individual. However, Representatives are not obligated to do so. CGMA will not be
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responsible for cash payments sent through the mail. Additionally, CGMA will not be responsible for misdirected checks and money orders that are lost in the mail, or for whatever other reasons are never received by CGMA-HQ.
CGMA-HQ will return contribution checks to the contributor along with a letter explaining the circumstances when:
· The check is received unsigned or not properly completed.
· The contributor requested stop payment or closes the source account.
· The bank returns the check due to Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) or for other similar reasons.
The individual making the contribution may be responsible for any cost associated with a returned check.
2. Allotment or Payroll Deduction Contributions
Contributing by allotment or payroll deduction is a quick and easy way for active duty members, civilian employees and retired members to show their support of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. At this time, allotment or payroll contributions cannot be processed for other individuals. Allotment or payroll deduction contributions are to be processed as follows.
Active duty members wishing to start a new allotment contribution or change an existing allotment contribution are to complete an Active Duty Allotment Contribution Form (CGMA Form 43). This form is available on the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org) in PDF format. (Locate the Online version of the CGMA Manual. From the List of Forms that may be Individually Downloaded in Appendix C, select CGMA Form 43.) The form may be completed online and then printed, or it may be printed first and completed manually.
· Active duty members may also use a standard allotment worksheet available from their local self-service unit or self-service yeoman to start, stop, or change their contribution to CGMA.
· The completed CGMA Form 43 or allotment worksheet is to be delivered to the local self-service unit or self-service yeoman for processing.
· Allotment contributions from active duty members will continue to run until stopped or changed by the individual.
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Civilian employees wishing to start a new allotment (payroll deduction) contribution are to complete a CG Civilian Employee Allotment Contribution Form (CGMA Form 44). This form is available on the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org) in PDF format. (Locate the Online version of the CGMA Manual. From the List of Forms that may be Individually Downloaded in Appendix C, select CGMA Form 44.) The form may be completed online and then printed, or it may be printed first and completed manually.
· The completed CGMA Form 44 is to be forwarded to CGMA-HQ for processing.
· Do not send completed CGMA Form 44s to the civilian pay or personnel office.
· Civilian employee allotment (payroll deduction) contributions will continue to run until stopped or changed by the individual.
Retired members receiving Coast Guard retired pay who wish to start a new allotment contribution or change an existing allotment contribution are to complete a Retired Allotment Contribution Form (CGMA Form 45). This form is available on the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org) in PDF format. (Locate the Online version of the CGMA Manual. From the List of Forms that may be Individually Downloaded in Appendix C, select CGMA Form 45.) The form may be completed online and then printed, or it may be printed first and completed manually.
· Retired members may also use a standard allotment worksheet or a written request (letter) to start, stop, or change their contribution to CGMA.
· Completed CGMA Form 45s may be forwarded to CGMA-HQ for processing.
· The completed CGMA Form 45, allotment worksheet or written request (letter) may also be sent directly to the Retiree and Annuitant Services Branch for processing. Commanding Officer (RAS), US Coast Guard Personnel Service Center, 444 SE Quincy St., Topeka KS 66683-3591.
· Allotment contributions from retired members will continue to run until sopped or changed by the retired member.
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Credit card contributions to CGMA may be made via telephone, fax, mail or online using CGMA's secured website. Contributors may use Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover credit cards to make their contribution. All credit card contributions will be processed by CGMA-HQ.
Individuals wishing to contribute by telephone can call CGMA-HQ (202) 493-6636 or (800) 881-2462 Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 0700 to 1600 Eastern Time. They should have their credit card handy to provide necessary information.
Individuals wishing to fax or mail their credit card contribution to CGMA are to complete a Credit Card Contribution Form (CGMA Form 46). This form is available on the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org) in PDF format. (Locate the Online version of the CGMA Manual. From the List of Forms that may be Individually Downloaded in Appendix C, select CGMA Form 46.) The form may be completed online and then printed, or it may be printed first and completed manually. The completed CGMA Form 46 is to be forwarded to CGMA-HQ for processing.
Secure electronic credit card contributions may be made from the CGMA-HQ website www.cgmahq.org using any browser supporting 128 bit secure protocol, such as Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, AOL, and others. If an individual's browser doesn't support this secure protocol, they will receive an error message when trying to access the contribution form. The Online Credit Card Contribution Form is a secure form. Information will be electronically sent to CGMA-HQ and is not accessible to anyone else during transmission. Individuals contributing online will receive an online acknowledgement of their contribution as soon as it is received. Individuals uncomfortable contributing electronically should be encouraged to contribute using one of the other methods available.
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Contributions of securities (stocks and bonds) may be made to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. Shares can be delivered electronically by a broker or they may be transferred online or by mail. All securities contributions will be processed by CGMA-HQ. Individuals wishing to contribute securities to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance are encouraged to contact their broker or financial planner for additional information. Questions, concerning contributions of securities should be directed to the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance . (See paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information.)
Contributors and supporters of Coast Guard Mutual Assistance are encouraged to remember Coast Guard Mutual Assistance as part of their estate planning.
All bequest contributions:
· Will be placed into the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance general fund.
· Are to be made to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, 4200 Wilson Blvd, Suite 610, Arlington, VA 22203-1804.
Individuals wishing to leave a gift to CGMA as part of their estate should contact their estate planner for additional assistance. Questions concerning bequests should be directed to the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance . (See paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information.)
Contributions to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance may be made "in memory" of another individual.
Memorial contributions made by cash (check or money order payable to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance or CGMA) may be given to any CGMA Representative or mailed directly to CGMA-HQ. Memorial contributions in the form of credit card contributions are to be made directly with CGMA-HQ. Representatives receiving memorial contributions are to forward them to CGMA-HQ as soon as possible.
Individuals making memorial contributions are encouraged (but not required) to complete a Memorial Contribution Form (CGMA Form 42). This form is available on the CGMA-HQ website (www.cgmahq.org) in PDF format. (Locate the Online version of the CGMA Manual. From the List of Forms that may be Individually Downloaded in Appendix C, select CGMA Form 42.) The form
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may be completed online and then printed, or it may be printed first and completed manually.
If a Memorial Contribution Form is completed, or if pertinent information is provided by letter or other means, CGMA-HQ will use that information to provide written acknowledgment to the contributor and if desired, to the next-of-kin of the individual for whom the contribution is being made or to others as desired.
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G. Corporate Contributions and Sponsorship
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance's motto "We Look After Our Own" is based on the philosophy of "Coast Guard People Helping Coast Guard People". That is, Coast Guard people contribute to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance so Coast Guard Mutual Assistance can help Coast Guard families in need.
Based on the above philosophy, CGMA does not actively solicit contributions from individuals or organizations outside of the U.S. Coast Guard.
While all contributions are needed, graciously accepted and appreciated, unsolicited corporate contributions must meet the following criteria:
· Coast Guard Mutual Assistance will not sponsor or endorse activities, organizations, companies or productions. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance will not lend its name or the credibility of the organization to any marketing initiative.
· Additionally, no commercial or other agency or person shall be authorized to imply sponsorship by Coast Guard Mutual Assistance to raise funds or accept contributions on behalf of CGMA on a percentage or other profit sharing or paid basis. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance will however, accept contributions from book, movie, or music royalties, as well as those from other commercial sources, provided there is no implied sponsorship or endorsement of the company, individual, or product by CGMA.
· Coast Guard Mutual Assistance reserves the right to refuse any contribution that may potentially be seen as damaging our reputation or that delivers a message contrary to our mission.
Note: Note: Representatives are to contact the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance (see paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information) if they are contacted by any organization wishing to use CGMA's name, image, etc. as part of a fundraising scheme, or if they wish to contribute to CGMA on behalf of their organization.
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H. Publicizing CGMA (POWs, Websites)
Regional Directors and Representatives are encouraged to include information concerning CGMA in local Plan Of the Week and on local websites. Information on local websites should pertain to local operations (name and phone number of local Representative and Assistants, etc.) with a link to the CGMA-HQ www.cgmahq.org for more detailed information concerning CGMA.
Questions, comments and recommendations concerning this chapter should be directed to the CGMA-HQ Executive Director or Director of Finance . (See paragraph 2-D-2 for CGMA-HQ contact information.)
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