Purpose

The purpose of The Educational Foundation of The Georgia Society of CPAs Cash for Professional Awareness (C.P.A) program is to help Georgia colleges fund events that will help to attract college students to the accounting profession and to have them choose accounting as their major.

Program Rules

• Eligible schools include all two- and four-year degree granting institutions in Georgia with an accounting major, accounting concentration, or principles of accounting courses.
• Each campus for an eligible school may be approved for one (1) event each semester depending on funding availability.
• The primary target audience should be freshmen, sophomores, or others whose major is undeclared. (At least 50% of those in attendance should fall into these categories.)
• The event should educate attendees about the CPA profession by having a minimum of 30 minutes of discussion by speakers and/or panelists.
• Disseminate/distribute information on The Georgia Society of CPAs and the Foundation as provided, including student member brochures and applications.
• Reimbursements for speaker gifts and door prizes (raffle items and other prizes) may not exceed $25 per item or $50 total.
• Reimbursements for attendee giveaways may not exceed $2 per attendee.

Program Examples

• Recognition luncheon/ceremony for high achievers in the principles of accounting courses
• Panel of professionals speaking about the profession
• Speaker to discuss general information about how to become a CPA and different opportunities within the profession
• Field trip to a local accounting firm to meet with employees/partners

Process

• Complete the online funding request form for the C.P.A. program 30-60 days prior to the date of the event.
• After the application is reviewed, a member of the Educational Engagement and Awards Committee will reach out to the applicant for any necessary clarification and convey final approval.
• Materials and communications used to promote the event should include an acknowledgment of the Foundation’s sponsorship. These could include, but are not limited to, email invitations, flyers, banners, programs and other collateral. These items must be sent to the staff liaison at GSCPA no later than two weeks prior to the event for approval.
• The Foundation strongly urges all applicants to use a formal RSVP process for invitees. This will help to set expectations and control costs.
• If available, a representative from the Foundation will attend the event.
• A closing package will need to be completed within 30 days of the event, and not later than May 10. This package will need to include copies of all receipts, the sign-in sheet, electronic copies of all materials utilized, and a summary of the event.
• Reimbursements will be made after the close of the semester.