Spending Chapter Funds the Right Way: Protecting Your Chapter’s Purpose and Reputation

Managing a local AMPP chapter is both an honor and a responsibility. One of the most important—and closely scrutinized—parts of that responsibility is managing chapter funds. Every dollar entrusted to your chapter should serve the greater purpose of advancing AMPP’s mission, not individual interests. That means being not only financially responsible but ethically grounded in every decision you make.

Let’s break down what ethical, mission-aligned spending looks like—and what red flags to avoid—to help your chapter lead with integrity and protect its reputation.

The Right Way to Spend Chapter Funds

Here’s where chapter dollars should go:

1. Supporting AMPP’s Mission

All spending should support AMPP’s mission of protecting materials, advancing training, encouraging research, setting standards, and promoting public safety. Before approving any expense, ask: Does this align with our shared purpose?

2. Running Local Programs and Events

Chapter funds can support local activities that further AMPP's goals. Approved uses include:

• Refreshments, meals, and meeting space rentals
• Marketing materials and AV equipment for events
• General supplies needed to conduct chapter business

3. Recognizing Volunteers

It’s important to thank your volunteers in meaningful—but modest—ways:

• Plaques, certificates, or small tokens of appreciation
• Donations in a volunteer’s name to the AMPP Legacy Tree program
• Volunteer appreciation events that align with budget guidelines

4. Supporting Students and Scholarships

Chapters are encouraged to invest in future industry professionals through:

• Funding student attendance at AMPP events and trainings
• Offering STEM scholarships (must be objective and nondiscriminatory)

Note: Scholarships cannot be awarded to chapter officers, their families, business partners, or selection committee members.

Consider using the EMERG program to help manage scholarship distribution fairly and effectively.

5. Publicity and Promotion

Marketing is essential—but must be brand-consistent:

• Branded materials like flyers, merchandise, or letterhead
• Advertising for AMPP courses and workshops (must follow AMPP branding guidelines)

6. Covering Administrative Needs

Operational expenses are a normal part of running a chapter. Permitted costs include:

• Postage, office supplies, teleconferencing, website hosting
• Expenses related to board or general membership meetings
• Chapter-related travel (including bringing in guest speakers)

What NOT to Do With Chapter Funds

To maintain your chapter’s integrity, avoid the following misuses of funds:

1. Paying for Work That Should Be Voluntary

Chapter officers are volunteers, and that service is part of what makes AMPP chapters so impactful. Chapter funds may not be used to:

• Pay officers or individuals for tasks related to their volunteer duties
• Cover an officer’s AMPP membership dues

2. Making Unrelated Purchases

Only buy what supports AMPP’s mission. This means no spending on:

• Equipment not tied to AMPP programming
• Donations to unrelated charities, religious groups, or political causes
• Sponsorships or payments to individuals (outside of approved scholarships)

3. Creating Personal or Private Benefit

Chapter funds are never to be used for personal gain. That includes:

• Personal reimbursements for non-chapter-related expenses
• Cash or large gifts to individuals
• Contracts or financial dealings with officers, their family members, or business associates

If there's ever a doubt, remember: perceived conflicts of interest can damage your chapter’s credibility just as much as actual misconduct.

Why Ethics Matter

Every decision your chapter makes—especially financial ones—reflects on the integrity of the group and the reputation of AMPP. When chapter leaders make ethical, mission-driven decisions, it builds trust with your members, your community, and the overall organization. It also helps avoid risks such as audit issues or misunderstandings that can distract from your chapter’s important work.

In short, ethical financial stewardship isn’t just a rule. It’s a reputation-builder.

Final Thoughts

Spending chapter funds the right way ensures your chapter continues to thrive, support the industry, and maintain the trust of your members. By staying aligned with AMPP’s mission and choosing transparency and accountability, you’re not only avoiding missteps—you’re setting a standard for excellence and trust.

If you ever have questions about what’s appropriate, reach out to the AMPP Chapter Services team. When in doubt, ask first. It’s always better to double-check than to risk the integrity of your chapter.

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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