Q:  When is it appropriate to conduct an interboard solicitation?

A:  Interboard solicitations represent an alternative method of fundraising for local Associations/Boards.  First and foremost, local Associations have access to their local IMPAC account to meet local needs.  In addition, State IMPAC represents a resource to which local Associations can turn for assistance on issues or activities of statewide significance.  However, in certain instances, such as issues of regional concern, it may be appropriate for a local Association to conduct an interboard solicitation.  It should be noted, however, that interboard solicitations also represent the least efficient and cost effective way to raise money.

The State IMPAC Trustees have found it necessary to develop guidelines governing interboard solicitations as a result of confusion surrounding this procedure.  For example, in 1986, when there were no such guidelines, local Associations received 13 separate solicitation letters that year to support a wide range of campaigns and activities--some that had already received State IMPAC monies and one that was never presented to the State IMPAC Trustees.  In light of these events and other instances involving a proliferation of interboard solicitations, the local Associations have asked C.A.R. to provide clarification to curb an escalating fundraising spree.

Q:  My Local Association wants to conduct an interboard solicitation.  What do we do?

A:  Contact C.A.R. staff at (916) 492-5200.  You will be directed to the appropriate forms and guidelines.  In addition, staff will notify the IMPAC Chairman and Trustees of your Association’s intention to conduct an interboard solicitation.  When feasible, the request will be reviewed by the state IMPAC Trustees.  The Trustees may even provide funding for your request, thus eliminating the need for an interboard solicitation.  In cases where time will not allow review by a quorum of the Trustees, the IMPAC Chairman will review the request.

After review by the IMPAC Chairman and/or Trustees, the Interboard Solicitation form will indicate one of the following actions:

1. That the interboard solicitation has been authorized by the State IMPAC Trustees; or
2. That the interboard solicitation has been authorized along with a State IMPAC Funding Request; or
3. That the interboard solicitation has been authorized but the State IMPAC Funding Request was denied.

After review by the Chairman and/or Trustees, the authorized form will be returned to the local Association.  The solicitation to other local boards should include a copy of the authorized interboard solicitation form, a local IMPAC Funding Request Form, and any other relevant material (e.g., summary of proposed measure, newspaper clippings, description of program, etc.) 

Please note that in instances where an interboard solicitation is conducted without the knowledge or review of the IMPAC Chairman or Trustees, no funding requests will be processed by C.A.R. staff.

Q:  Is my Association limited in the number of Associations that can be solicited for funding?

A:  It is the intent of the IMPAC Trustees to not discourage interboard solicitations within a city, county or region.  However, because of concerns raised by local Associations who have received a large number of interboard solicitations from other Associations and organizations throughout the state, the Trustees encourage each local Association to exercise good judgment before embarking on a statewide interboard solicitation.

Q:  My Association has received an interboard solicitation from an Association that is not in my region.  Should we fund the request?

A:  From time to time, local Associations contact C.A.R. staff for assistance in evaluating interboard solicitations received from other Associations.  As always, it is up to your own local IMPAC Trustees to determine, in light of potential demands on your Local IMPAC funds, whether your Association has sufficient revenues to fund the request.

Q:  Is there a limit to the amount of funds that can be raised through an interboard solicitation?

A:  Although there is no set limit on the amount of funds that Associations are allowed to raise through an interboard solicitation, each Association must indicate on the interboard solicitation form the following information:

• The amount being solicited
• The total campaign budget
• The amount requested/received from state IMPAC (if applicable)
• The amount anticipated to be raised through the interboard solicitation (i.e., fundraising goal)
• The amount contributed from the Association’s own local IMPAC account
• The election date or cut-off date upon which the solicitation will end

Please note that C.A.R. staff will not process local check requests received after the fundraising goal is met or 30 days after the election/cut-off date (whichever comes first.)  In such cases, the check request will be returned to the granting Association.

Q:  Who should my local Association contact with questions about the interboard solicitation process?

A:  C.A.R. State IMPAC staff at (916) 492-5200 or elizabethg@car.org