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Chapters
are deemed effective in "grass-roots" fund raising initiatives of
the SMSS Alumni and Friends Foundation [SMSSAFF]. Thus, the
formation of SMSSAFF
Chapters are encouraged wherever there is a congregation of SMS
alumni and friends. However,
those located outside the USA should
find out whether the tax-exempt status of SMSSAFF in the United
States is applicable under the
laws of their adopted country. If not, the concerned alumni
and friends are encouraged to find out the requirements to be accomplished in
order to qualify an SMSSAFF Chapter to be tax exempt
under the laws of their adopted country. The SMSSAFF main
office will extend whatever help it is capable of in the formation
of SMSSAFF Chapters anywhere.
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The purpose of an SMSSAFF chapter shall
be as set forth in Article I of the SMSSAFF bylaws [See
Standard Chapter
Articles of Association].
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SMSSAFF chapters
are required to send donation receipts targeted for SMSSI projects or other
projects authorized by the SMSSAFF Board of Trustees directly to the SMSSAFF
treasurer. [This is to facilitate compliance by SMSSAFF to its
commitments under its tax-exempt status.]
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SMSSAFF chapters
may not open SMSSAFF bank accounts.
[Again this is to facilitate BOT management and control of funds as per SMSSAFF's tax-exempt
charter.] At their discretion, SMSSAFF Chapters may open their
own local accounts to be used for their own operations.
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SMS alumni and friends chapters , i., e.,
chapters operating outside the SMSSAFF charter, may send proceeds of
their own
fund-raising initiatives directly to St. Mary's School of Sagada, Inc [SMSSI].
If they would like to channel their donations to SMSSI through
SMSSAFF to take advantage of SMSSAFF's tax-exempt status, they may
do so but the amount will then be subjected to whatever "management
and disbursement of funds procedures" that the BOT may come up with,
among other requirements required under its tax-exempt status.
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Chapters may elect their own set of
officers.
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Copies of
Treasurer's Reports and copies of minutes of meetings be submitted
to the SMSSAFF President at New Jersey as a basis of review and
audit by the New Jersey Main Office of the Chapter whenever deemed
necessary.
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A Membership list should also be provided
the Main Office so that communications can be continued, should the
Main Office decide to suspend or close the Chapter for reasons
discussed and approved by the BOT of SMSSAFF.
