Caucus and Foco Financial Guidelines, Policies, and Procedures

1. How do Focos and Caucuses generate funds? 
Foco funds are generated by membership rebates ($2/student and low income; $5/non-student). Caucus funds are generated through Caucus dues ($5/student; $10/non-student). Funds must be spent on Foco or Caucus related activities. Membership corresponds to the calendar year (January-December). 

2. How do Focos and Caucuses know how much money they have?
In January, the NACCS treasurer will provide Focos and Caucuses with a breakdown of their members, and the total funds generated by their membership. This annual report is public information and will be printed in Noticias de NACCS.

3. Who decides how Foco and Caucus funds are used? 
Financial expenditures should be decided on by the Foco and Caucus membership. In the past, they have used funds to pay for expenses incurred during the annual conference, such as food and beverages for meetings, receptions, or hotel or other costs for students or speakers. They have also been used for Foco or Caucus conferences, to fund students or speakers, or to create their own awards and activities (e.g. the Northern California Beca). 

4. When are Foco and Caucus funds available? Are there other deadlines to consider when spending funds?
Funds become available in January, and must be requested by the end of the calendar year (December 31). They must be requested at least 4-6 weeks prior to expenditure. No transfers can be made during the conference, unless they were scheduled in advance. 

5. What happens to Foco and Caucus funds if they are not spent by December 31? Why?
Unclaimed money rolls over into the NACCS general account. NACCS' non-profit 501(c) 3 status requires that subgroup funds revert to the general account if not spent during the calendar year. 

When a Foco or Caucus does not request rebates or dues, they are reintegrated into the NACCS general expense account and used for the Student Fellowships, Cervantes Premio, and Student Subsidies.  All money reverts to NACCS on December 31.  Generally speaking, groups spend their money at the time of their regional conferences or to attend the annual meetings.  

6. What can Foco and Caucus funds be spent on? 
They may be spent on any Foco or Caucus related activity. 

However, it is best to get your institutions to pay speakers if you choose to pay them. Historically, NACCS has discouraged payment for any conference presenters as a way to show that we value the work of all scholars and speakers. This is not the same as campus or community events where speakers might expect remuneration. If speakers receive compensation above $600, NACCS is required to file a 1099 with the IRS to report the speakers’ taxable income. NACCS must then pay an accountant to file the 1099, and the recipient is obligated to report their income to the IRS.  

7. Is there a way for Focos and Caucuses to keep funds beyond the annual December 31 deadline?
Groups may establish their own bank accounts. The accounts must be in the name of the Foco, Caucus, or some other fiscal group, not an individual’s name. Once a bank account is established, Focos and Caucuses may request that funds be transferred to their accounts at any time prior to December 31. They must still spend their funds on Foco or Caucus related activity, and they are responsible for filing IRS forms. 

8. How do Focos and Caucuses spend or access their money? 
There are two ways to access the money: 
1) The Foco representative or Caucus chair may give the Executive Director the Foco/Caucus bank account number and request a transfer of funds. 
2) The Foco representative or Caucus chair may request funds by completely filling out a Check Requisition Form (available here) and an Invoice (Sample Invoice available here), indicating how the money should be disbursed. 
Information required on the form includes: 
Name: (Foco, Caucus, or vendor)
Tax ID # OR Social Security #: Most businesses and organizations should know what the Tax ID number is. Otherwise, you will need a social security number. 
Address: This is either the business address, or the place you want the check sent.
Original Invoice or Receipt: An Invoice must include: 1) Full Name of business or individual to be paid; 2) Date of invoice; 3) Full Address for business or individual to be paid; 4) Phone number and email of business or individual to be paid; 5) Tax ID # or Social Security # of business or individual to be paid; 6) Date of work, service, or materials provided; 7) Description of work, service, or materials provided; 8) Cost of work, service, or materials provided; and 7) Total Amount Due. 

9. Can Focos and Caucuses raise additional funds? What are the limitations and obligations of fund-raising? 
Focos and Caucus can set additional fees or dues. They can also charge for programming expenses and generate income from exhibitors or from the sale of products. However, focus and Caucuses must pay the taxes on any items they purchase, and report the sales tax to the appropriate government agencies. They must also provide NACCS with an itemized record of cost, tax paid, and re-sale price for our tax purposes. It is essential to work with the Executive Director and the Treasurer with regards to any income-generating projects. 

10. Why does NACCS have to pay taxes if we are a 501 (c) 3? 
As a 501 (c) 3, we are tax-exempt from paying taxes on our income sources (e.g. membership and registration), but are not tax-exempt from purchases.