MG Financial Guidance

MG funds are used to support approved MG projects and events and build program capacity. This could include supplies, materials, and equipment.

The MG program is not a dues-supported organization, it is a UME program. Local programs cannot decide to charge dues as a requirement of membership. MGs can individually donate to the MG program if they so choose. Any donations have no bearing on MG status or privileges.

UMD Charter Bus Fleet

MGs can only charter a bus for an MG educational event if it is sponsored by UME and the MGC is directly involved. Coordinators can contact UMD’s Charter Services for rental inquiries.

Donations

Anyone can donate to the UME MG program online. If you receive donations at a local level, please work with your MGC to send the donor an acknowledgment of their donation and thank them for supporting the program.

Accepting Honoraria

If speakers who teach MGs request that their honoraria go to a desired charity or non-profit, the check should still be made out from the EAC to the speaker. The speaker can then send the donation wherever they would like. UME should not be in the middle or donating on anyone’s behalf.

MG volunteers are representing UME, and are prohibited from accepting any form of compensation for services rendered. They cannot keep money or gifts received as a donation, payment, or gratuity. Such monies and gifts should be turned in to the county/city MGC. Clients should be informed that it would be most useful for the MG program if future support/recognition came in the form of a check written out to the county EAC. 

Tax Exemptions

UME employees and volunteers are not trained or authorized to make statements, or give advice, about the tax status of donations/payments to UME, or about the tax deductibility of MG training fees or car mileage during volunteer service hours. If MGs are asked for input on this topic, they should simply say “consult your accountant for guidance on the tax implications of your donation/ fee.”

Grants are a unique and effective way to fund certain initiatives or projects within your program. However, all grant applications must be through the MGC, who must go through UMD AGNR. If you are interested in a grant that you think would be good for your program, please let your MGC know.