Chapter Payment Processing Options
Many chapters have inquired about using payment processing services to collect chapter membership dues and event registration payments from participants. Chapters are allowed to use these types of services, and should be diligent when comparing the cost of services from the various companies, as they can vary widely.
One of the more popular options utilized by chapters is PayPal ( Chapters would need set up an account with PayPal following their web site instructions, and then would be able to link their PayPal account to their chapter web site following the Chapter Web Site Template Instructions in the Document Repository (PayPal Set Up is on page 8).
Another option is for chapters to establish a “merchant account” with a credit card company, like VISA or Master Card. Chapters considering this option should beware, however, because it is not uncommon to have a monthly fee of $25 or more, so it may not be feasible for your chapter.
Keep in mind that if a contract with a payment processing company is required by the company, that chapters may not enter into any contract for longer than one year without prior approval from the National chapters department.
Typically, the payment processing companies will require certain information from chapters in order to release any funds to the chapters’ accounts. Here are questions they might ask, as well as how the chapter should respond:
- Provide evidence of tax exempt status or registration with any regulatory bodies.
Response: Send them the AACN Articles of Incorporation and the Non-Profit / Tax-Exempt information located in the Chapter Document Repository under the sub-category “Chapter Finances.”
- Provide information about the nature of your organization and the type of payments you intend to process with PayPal.
Response: AACN is the largest specialty nursing organization in the world, representing the interests of more than 500,000 nurses who are charged with the responsibility of caring for acutely and critically ill patients. The association is dedicated to providing our members with the knowledge and resources necessary to provide optimal care to critically ill patients.
AACN has many volunteer chapters across the United States that are not independently incorporated, and fall under the AACN umbrella and federal tax identification number. Chapters bring AACN’s mission work to the local level.
- Provide a voided check or bank statement for the account(s) registered on your PayPal account. The account(s) should be in the name of your organization.
Hint: Make sure your account name is the “(chapter name) Chapter of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses.”
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