Woburn, MA May 9, 2011 ─ DiCicco, Gulman & Company LLP (DGC) today announced that it will offer hundreds of hours of free assistance to area nonprofit organizations through its third annual “Summer of Service” program, which will begin on Monday, May 16, 2011.
The CPA and business consulting firm, which has specialized expertise in the nonprofit industry, last year donated more than 300 hours to 10 non-profit organizations in the Greater Boston area. This year, it expects to at least match that contribution, according to Don Troy, CPA, who oversees the Nonprofit Group at DGC.
Organizations assisted last year by DGC range from Raising a Reader, which helps children in low-income families develop good reading habits, to Seafarer’s Friend, which provides ministry services to seafaring visitors to the New England coast.
“This is our way of giving back,” says Cheryl Burke, Partner and COO. “The financial crisis had the greatest impact on non-profit organizations, which are especially vulnerable when the economy is weak. In many cases, demands for their services were much higher, while their financial resources were limited. Many are still struggling. We’re here to help.”
Free services are limited to guidance and advice related to basic accounting, budgeting and best practices. Examples of projects the firm assists with include: setting up budgets; establishing best practices; training on software for tracking activity, budgeting and reporting, and guidance on tax-related forms, such as Form 990, which is required from organizations seeking tax-exempt status. The “Summer of Service” program does not include assurance services, such as tax returns or financial statements, which require an official engagement letter.
“Seafarer’s Friend operates on donations, and for years has worked hard at maintaining effective stewardship with the limited funds we have,” said Reverend J. Loring Carpenter, Executive Director of Seafarer’s Friend. “In the current economy, this has been even more of a challenge. Important to this effort is the accurate recording of funds. DGC has helped us achieve that goal and we are very thankful for their assistance.”
Nonprofit organizations can submit their applications online at www.dgccpa.com/summerofservice. Applications are reviewed and accepted based primarily on the scope of the work needed and staff availability. Organizations will be chosen for participation throughout the summer.