Asking for Donations at Annual HOA Meeting

Started by TheresaM6 • 12 replies • 854 views

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TheresaM6 (Delaware)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Hello - I live in a Colorado HOA community - am wondering if the Board can have a guest speaker from a local nonprofit at the Annual HOA meeting who asks for donations to that nonprofit.
thanks

CarolF (Florida)
Posts: 435

Posted:

I would find this inappropriate because the Annual Meeting is supposed to be for members and association business.
Is this a member who is trying to make a case for a particular charity?

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

I think such an appearance by a guest speaker looking to solicit donations for a charity should be put off for another time. I think CarolF is right that the Annual Meeting is not an appropriate venue for such an appeal regardless of whether the guest is a member of the association or not.

BenA2 (Texas)
Posts: 1,273

Posted:

They can but I agree with the others that it would be inappropriate unless there is some connection to the meeting. For example, if the non-profit is giving a presentation on what they have to offer your members or what they have done for the community.

It would probably be best for a separate meeting but if you have the time in the meeting and it is relevant to your membership, I don't see a problem.

TheresaM6 (Delaware)
Posts: 2

Posted:

Thank you all for input to this question. I agree that it is not appropriate to ask for donations at the Annual meeting (or at any POA/BOD meeting), I was hoping someone from CO would know if it is allowed per state laws. I've read through the CCIOA many times but can't find anything specific. The organization does not have anything to offer our community, just a pet nonprofit of an owner.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

I don't think there'd be a law about this. I also agree it's inappropriate. If members must vote in person at the meeting, they essentially are a captive audience. It's possible this "speaker" could cause lower turnout.

It is the board's job to vote to approve or not this speaker at your annual meeting. If one owner has so much power that he can persuade the Board to permit him to speak and solicit donations, it seems to me you need some new directors with, um, courage.

AugustinD
Posts: 5,144

Posted:

Even if everyone here at hoatalk thinks it is inappropriate for one member's pet non-profit to solicit donations at the annual meeting, I think the problem is convincing your board's majority of this. In my experience, unpaid amateur directors paid nothing often feel entitled to do favors for either their friends, their "alliance" or themselves. If I did not have a board majority to stop this practice, I would let it drop. There are bigger battles.

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

Assuming the board won't put a stop to it, I'd ask that it be done at the end after the official meeting is adjourned.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

DouglasK1 (Florida)
Posts: 2,046

Posted:

Note too that since this is a member's meeting, not a board meeting, any member could make a motion to move the presentation to the end of the meeting and if enough members voted in favor, the presentation should be moved. This is where a little knowledge of Roberts Rules of Order can help out.

Escaped former treasurer and director of a self managed association.

AugustinD
Posts: 5,144

Posted:

I like DouglasK1's suggestions. I would also point out to the board that this member with the nonprofit is using HOA resources to benefit an interest of hers. It is a conflict of interest. I know many directors will groan when this is pointed out. But I imagine there are many people who have causes they want people to support. It's a bad idea to set a precedent by making this a part of official HOA business. Do it immediately after the meeting. Encourage members to start a neighbors web site (explicitly noting it is not endorsed by the Board) where they can solicit donations for good causes; sell furniture neighbor to neighbor; report any crimes and so get people to stay alert; and similar.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

I like Douglas' idea too! Members at the meeting can move & second that the speaker be a the end. If a majority of the members present agree with their vote, that's how it must be.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Personally I think it is rude and inappropriate to allow such an appeal. It might could even violate the Bylaws.

GeorgeR8 (Arizona)
Posts: 182

Posted:

The speaker should be after the meeting is adjourned. No money should be asked for.

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