The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Foundation funds programs that promote and enhance the community and provides educational opportunities in addition to providing a location and resources for those programs.
The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Foundation was formed in 2001. The Foundation received an IRS designation as a Charitable organization (Internal Revenue Code 501(c)3), which means that contributions to the Foundation by individuals or businesses are potentially tax deductible as contributions. This is in contrast to the Chamber of Commerce itself, which is a business organization, not a charitable organization.
While the Foundation is a separate legal entity, it is very closely tied to the Chamber of Commerce. The bylaws of the Foundation indicate that the Board of Directors of the Foundation is to be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Chamber each year, usually at the last meeting of the year. The Chamber Board also helps to set the direction and focus of the Foundation and supports the Foundation by volunteering at Foundation events and by allowing Chamber staff the time required to work on Foundation issues.
The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Foundation is organized exclusively for the purpose of carrying out and supporting the charitable and educational purposes of the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit corporation. Operated exclusively for charitable purposes, the Foundation may undertake to develop, conduct, and host classes and seminars; grant scholarships; publish educational materials; provide assistance for start-up organizations; develop leadership programs; develop civic programs that foster cooperation among the governmental, educational and professional sectors of the local community; and provide support for such other Chamber activities closely allied with the basic objectives of the organization. Additional help from the community is required to support the programs of the Foundation.
Currently, the Foundation supports Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, a very specific leadership program guided by the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce mission:
While the Foundation is a separate legal entity, it is very closely tied to the Chamber of Commerce. The bylaws of the Foundation indicate that the Board of Directors of the Foundation is to be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Chamber each year, usually at the last meeting of the year. The Chamber Board also helps to set the direction and focus of the Foundation and supports the Foundation by volunteering at Foundation events and by allowing Chamber staff the time required to work on Foundation issues.
The Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Foundation is organized exclusively for the purpose of carrying out and supporting the charitable and educational purposes of the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit corporation. Operated exclusively for charitable purposes, the Foundation may undertake to develop, conduct, and host classes and seminars; grant scholarships; publish educational materials; provide assistance for start-up organizations; develop leadership programs; develop civic programs that foster cooperation among the governmental, educational and professional sectors of the local community; and provide support for such other Chamber activities closely allied with the basic objectives of the organization. Additional help from the community is required to support the programs of the Foundation.
Currently, the Foundation supports Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, a very specific leadership program guided by the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce mission:
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week, a week-long intensive program that educates high school students about the American free enterprise system. Bringing motivated students together with business people from throughout the state, this unique concept in learning has enhanced the lives of more than 36,000 young adults for over three decades. During PFEW, participants not only learn to appreciate our free enterprise system, but they also see from a practitioner’s perspective what it takes to be successful in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Student companies simulate the actual operation of their own business for the equivalent of three years. Facing all of the decisions that real executives are confronted with, the student companies are mentored by dedicated business volunteers who serve as “Company Advisors.” Sharing their knowledge and expertise, Company Advisors address the most significant issues facing business today in straightforward, informal discussions with students. Accentuated by motivational speakers and interactive learning exercises, this one-of-a-kind program furnishes a real-life educational experience for eager students. Scholarship recipients grasp the value of teamwork, cooperation and leadership and are provided with an invaluable opportunity to develop written and verbal communication skills.
