fca governance

Navigate the framework that ensures our association’s transparency, effectiveness, and longevity. Our governance section provides complete access to the by-laws that define our organizational structure and operational procedures.

Click through the tabs below to learn more about our organizational by-laws, chapter expansion, and recognition programs.

By-Laws

As amended on 30 July 2017.

Article I
Name and Headquarters

The name of the Association shall be the “Finance Corps Association” (FCA) with its headquarters and principal offices at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

Article II
Objectives and Purposes

The Association shall devote its efforts and activities to the aims and purposes generally set forth in the Bylaws, and to such other supplemental and derivative activities, objectives, and purposes as may be approved by the Executive Council, including but not limited to:

  1. Fostering a spirit of goodwill and cooperative endeavor among its members and perpetuating friendships and traditions growing out of their membership in the US Army Finance Corps. This would also include the establishment of an educational program to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the history of the Finance Corps and the Finance Regiment.
  2. Sponsoring new methods, techniques, and developments designed to increase the efficiency of financial management in the Armed Forces, and to promote high standards of proficiency in finance and accounting operations.
  3. Providing a medium for the mutual exchange and discussion of ideas and information of interest to members of the Association.
  4. Promoting esprit de corps among all members of the Association and the Finance Corps.
  5. Promoting mutual understanding and effecting cooperation with enterprises in parallel fields of endeavor.
  6. Encouraging programs for financial research and development in the fields of receipts and disbursements of appropriated funds, budget and fiscal activities, accounting, auditing, and allied fields of financial management.
  7. Assist the Finance Regiment in identifying and naming Distinguished Members of the Regiment and awardees of the Major General Towson Medallion.

Article III
Policy of Operations

  1. The Association shall be operated on a nonprofit basis. No net earnings of the Association shall accrue to the benefit of any of its officers or members, but shall be devoted exclusively to literary and educational purposes within the meaning of section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 in order to further the objectives and purposes for which the Association is created.
  2. The Association will conduct its affairs in a nonpartisan political manner and in accordance with Army Regulation 210-1, Private Organizations on Department of the Army Installations. Its name or influence will not be used directly or indirectly in the interest of any national, state, or municipal political activity.
  3. The existence of this Association shall continue perpetually until the same be lawfully dissolved, and upon dissolution, all assets of the Association shall be paid over and transferred to a tax-exempt organization, either charitable, religious, educational or scientific, or with purposes similar to these as determined by the Executive Board. Should liabilities exceed assets, the members may be held liable for the difference.

Article IV
General Form of Organization

  1. The general control and management of the property and affairs of the Association shall be vested in an Executive Council, which shall decide all policy matters involving conduct of the Association.
  2. The Executive Council may appoint such committees as may be necessary to the proper conduct of the affairs of the Association, and may delegate to such committees or to the officers of the Association the performance of such duties as may be deemed desirable and necessary subject to the provisions of the Bylaws of the Association. Members of the Executive Council are encouraged to serve on each standing committee.
  3. Selecting the Executive Council. A nominating committee, comprised of members selected by the President, will submit names of Finance Corps officers, noncommissioned officers, and civilians to the general membership to vote upon. The number of Executive Council members will be determined by the nominating committee. Six persons from the membership at large will be elected by the membership to serve as the remaining members on the Executive Council. The term of office for Executive Council members will be two years. The president and Vice President are ex officio members of the Executive Council. Elections will be held at a designated General Membership meeting. The Executive Council will endeavor to schedule said meeting to coincide with Association functions or gatherings at Fort Jackson or other locations in order to promote and facilitate maximum attendance. The elected members to the Executive Council will be elected by a vote of a majority of the members of the Association present at the designated General Membership meeting and so voting. Such election will be scheduled at the discretion of the Executive Council to avoid expiration of elected council members’ terms of office.
  4. In the event of a vacancy in the elective membership of the Executive Council between elections, the said Executive Council may fill the same by the appointment of a member of the Association for a term not to exceed the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy is being filled. In the event that a term of any At-Large Executive Council member expires because an election has not yet been held, the expired term of the incumbent may be extended or a new person may be appointed on a temporary basis (pending execution of procedures in para. 3 above) at the discretion of the Executive Council. Extension or temporary appointments will be for renewable periods not to exceed six months.

Article V
Interim Management

At all times when the Executive Council is not in session, the affairs of the Association shall be conducted and managed by the active officers of the Association, acting under the discretion of the President, who shall have full powers to do all acts and things necessary for the conduct of the Association, subject to such restrictions and authority as the Executive Council and Bylaws of the Association may direct.

Article VI
Officers

  1. The active officers of the Association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer. The President and the Vice President will be nominated and selected from the at-large Association Members. The Executive Council will review nominations and properly accept nominations for a vote by the general membership. The President and Vice President shall will be selected by a majority vote from the active members of the Association. The President and Vice President shall appoint a selection committee to nominate at-large FCA members for the officer positions (i.e. Secretary/Adjutant and Treasurer). All officers will be elected by the Executive Council. A necessary qualification for (only) the Secretary and the Treasure positions will be that they abide near the Fort Jackson in the geographical area. The term of office for the President, Vice President and officers is two years.
  2. In the event of a vacancy in an active officer position of the Association, the Executive Council may fill the same by the appointment of a member of the Association for a term not to exceed the unexpired term of the member whose vacancy is being filled.

Article VII Membership

  1. Any person interested in the aims, objectives, and purposes of the Association, as set forth in the Bylaws, is eligible to apply for membership in the Association, subject to the conditions prescribed from time to time in the Bylaws of the Association, unless application for such membership shall be disapproved by the Executive Council. Offices, organizations, and libraries are not entitled to membership as are individuals. Membership shall be of such classes, types, or kinds as prescribed from time to time in the Bylaws of the Association. 
  2. Prospective members will read the Bylaws prior to accepting membership in the organization.
  3. Membership in the Association shall be of three types:
    1. Annual membership. Regular membership status. Annual membership shall be granted to those persons who are interested in the aims and objectives of the Association. Dues are paid for yearly periods. Charter members are annual members, but have the distinction of being founding patron members of the Association.
    2. Gold membership. Gold membership is granted to those members who pay the prescribed three-year fees in lieu of the yearly membership dues.
    3. Life membership. Life membership is granted to those members who pay the prescribed life membership fees in lieu of yearly membership dues. Life membership is also conferred upon the Honorary Colonel of the Corps and the Honorary Sergeant Major of the Corps when they complete their term of service at no cost.
    4. Honorary Membership. The President may confer honorary membership at his/her discretion to include the membership term. Honorary members are not selected based on their position.
    5. All members shall have the right to receive the official publications of the Association, be entitle to vote in connection with any election or with reference to any other matter authorized by the Bylaws of the Association, and to hold office.
  4. The Executive Council is empowered to drop from membership any member who by 2/3 majority vote of the total membership of the Executive Council is considered to be a discredit to the Association.

Article VIII
Duties of Active Officers

  1. The President of the Association shall be the chief executive officer of the Association in carrying on, or causing to be carried on, the day-to-day operations of the Association per the policies established by the Executive Council. He/She shall preside at the meetings of the Executive Council.
  2. During the absence, disability, or in case of the death of the President, the Vice President shall perform the duties and exercise the functions of the President.
  3. Duties of the Secretary and Treasurer:
    1. The Secretary shall be in charge of the principal office of the Association, and of its official records under the direction of the President. He/She shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Executive Council. He/She shall also keep a record of the membership of the Association and conduct and keep complete records of correspondence and other official records of the Association. He/She shall perform other such duties as the Executive Council may from time to time direct.
    2. The Treasurer shall receive, expend, and account for such funds of the Association as may come into his/her hands for the use and benefit of the Association under the general authority of the President and the Executive Council. He/She shall perform other such duties as the Executive Council may from time to time direct. The Treasurer will provide the annual budget to the Executive Council for approval prior to the beginning of the calendar year.
  4. The Executive Council shall require an annual audit of the financial affairs of the Association and shall publish report of such audit and other activities of the Association.

Article IX
Meetings

The regular meetings of the Executive Council of the Association shall be held semiannually, the exact place to be fixed by the President, and due notice given by the Secretary of the Association to the members of the said Executive Council. Special meetings of the Executive Council may be called at any time by the presiding officer thereof after due notice. To conduct business under these Bylaws, a quorum of six members of the Executive Council must be present or able to participate through an interactive communications device.

Meetings of the general membership of the Association will be scheduled at a date, time, and location specified by the Executive Council. If possible, the general membership will meet at least once annually. The date and time shall be as such that the membership has as a minimum thirty days’ notice. The Secretary shall inform each member of the Association of said meeting. Notification in the Association Newsletter is acceptable and must comply with the thirty day minimum notice requirement. The Executive Council will endeavor to schedule General Membership meetings to coincide with Association functions or official military duty gatherings in order to promote and facilitate maximum attendance.

Article X
Dues and Contributions

  1. Membership fees or dues may be charged by the Association as determined by the Executive Council, except as otherwise stated within these Bylaws.
  2. The Executive Council is authorized to accept contributions, to include corporate sponsorships, donations, and bequests to the Association, from appropriate sources. The Executive Council is authorized to sell such items as appropriate to promote Association activities and esprit de corps. Moneys so received shall be placed in such fund or funds as prescribed by the Executive Council.
  3. Offices, organizations, and libraries are not entitled to membership as are individuals; however, they may subscribe to official publications of the Association under conditions prescribed by the Executive Council.

Article XI
Amendments

The Executive Council may amend, alter, or repeal these Bylaws by two-thirds vote of the Executive Council subject to the approval of the majority of the membership present at the next general membership meeting. Any member in good standing may present a motion to amend, alter, or repeal these Bylaws at any general membership meeting.

Article XII
Chapters

  1. Within the Association, individual regional chapters may be formed to further promote and support the objectives and purposes of the Association. In order to activate a chapter, a request for chapter activation must be submitted and approved. The request must include, at a minimum, a Chapter President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. All proposed Chapter Officers must be members of the Association. The request must also include a petition of at least 25 members in good standing who favor, by signature, Chapter organization.
  2. The proposed Chapter will officially be activated after approval by a two thirds majority of the Executive Council. Within six months of activation, the Chapter must forward a copy of its governing Bylaws to the Association Secretary.
    1. Upon Chapter approval, a Chapter shall receive a one-time grant of $200 from the Association for initial start-up costs.
    2. Chapters will receive $2 for each new member brought into the Association and $1 for all others members in good standing as of 1 April. Chapters must certify as accurate to the Membership Chairman their 1 April chapter roster NLT 1 May. The General Membership or Executive Council may also authorize an additional amount based on chapter renewal rate, quantity of membership, and other factors which contribute to the success and promotion of the Finance Corps.
    3. The Association will also provide other administrative support and/or guidance, as requested as necessary.
    4. If the organization is dissolved, all funds in the treasury at the time will be used to meet any outstanding debts, liabilities, or obligations. The balance of these assets will be disposed of as determined by the membership.

Chapters

General

The goals and aspirations of the Finance Corps Regimental Association can best be served by Chapters in the field that are organized and activated to build a network of motivated and interested members in their local areas. The fraternal bond formed by shared experiences and solved problems can be found only at Chapter level, where the commonalties of environment, mission, locality and structure create a positive atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect. Ultimately, the true strength of the Association will be determined by the active Chapters and their programs, not by the Association’s central headquarters. Chapters, then, truly will guide the Association to maturity through increased membership, support for and education of FCA Soldiers, and development of activities and programs designed to meet the needs and desires of members to be served locally. The Association will continue as a visible and energetic focal point for:

  • Esprit-de-corps
  • Professional development
  • Fraternal bonding for all elements of membership
  • Sharing, information on programs and activities
  • Enhancement and expansion of member services

How to Organize

Determine the feasibility of a Chapter. A realistic assessment of a Chapter’s potential is the critical first step in ensuring that success can be achieved. Steps in this process include the following actions:

  • Identify the Finance Corps Association leader in the area whose leadership and support are necessary for commencement.
  • Contact and invite the key officer, NCO and DAC leaders to a feasibility meeting. At this meeting, determine the geographical area and units the Chapter should serve, as well as the number of potential members assigned or living therein.
  • Estimate the support that can reasonably be expected and the benefit that could result.

If all assessments are positive, designate the group in attendance as the Organizational Committee. Prepare and dispatch a letter of announcement concerning the chapter’s proposed activation. Schedule a general organizational meeting to which all potential members can be invited. This meeting would usually be held in the evening hours, and should be open to all Finance Soldiers and affiliates. The meeting should be publicized by mail, posted flyers, weekly or daily bulletins, post or installation newspapers, E-mail, and conferences. At the general organizational meeting, criteria for membership and activation should be discussed. Potential programs, and activities should be emphasized. A proposed slate of chapter officers should be nominated and voted on. Overall support for the chapter should be assessed.

Membership Rules and Criteria for Chapter Activation

Certain basic ground rules and criteria necessary to preserve and perpetuate the Association, as well as to protect the rights and responsibilities of its Chapters, are described as follows:

  • Chapters can be activated only upon approval of the Association, after an appropriate petition has been submitted.
  • Activation petitions must contain the chapter’s initial slate of proposed officers, and the signatures of 25 active members of the Association. Membership applications (with payment) may be submitted with the petition if sufficient signatories are otherwise unavailable.
  • Chapter members must be Association members.
  • Chapter officers must be members of the chapter and the Association, and must be elected at a general membership meeting of the chapter to which all members are invited.
  • Within six months of activation, chapters must submit their bylaws to the Association for approval.
  • Chapters must obtain installation approval from their headquarters military installation in accordance with AR 210-1, Private Organizations on Department of the Army installations.

Duties of the Organizing Committee

This Committee plays a key role in performing specific functions critical in the petitioning and activating processes. These functions would include:

  • Coordination with the Association. Advance contact with the Chapters Point of Contact at the Association’s headquarters will save time and effort in the preparation of the activation petition and other administrative requirements.
  • Definition of the Chapter’s Limits and Boundaries. Chapters may be defined by location, such as a post camp or station, by unit, such as a Finance Command, or as a combination of both. Whichever definition has the most potential for building esprit and morale should be selected by the committee and submitted on the petition.
  • Selection of the Chapter Name. Usually the Committee will choose a name which has some link or affiliation with the installation, geographical area or unit served by the chapter. This recommendation must also be submitted with the petition.
  • Nomination of the Initial Slate of Officers. This slate should contain, as a minimum, a nominee for President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. These positions should be defined in the Bylaws as the elective offices. The Association will approve the first slate of officers as part of the petitioning process. (The Organizing Committee can also select the remaining “at large” members of the Executive Council and any Committee Chainmen that the Chapter may want to serve thereon. Special care must be taken to insure that all officers, NCO, DAC’s and retirees receive appropriate and representative consideration in the nomination process.
  • Organization and Conduct of the Initial Membership Meeting. As discussed in the “Feasibility” section, the Committee must use this initial meeting to assess the overall support for activation, inform the potential membership about the Chapter’s purposes, organization and its leadership. At a minimum, the following agenda items must be addressed at the meeting:
  • Discussion of the criteria for membership and Chapter activation.
  • Briefing on potential chapter programs and activities.
  • Discussion of the proposed chapter name and geographical area served.
  • Nomination of and concurrence with the initial slate of chapter officers.
  • Recruitment to membership.
  • Preparation and signing of the petition.
  • Concurrence in chapter activation.
  • Submission of the Petition. After the initial meeting is concluded and the support for activation is established, the Committee assumes responsibility for submitting a signed petition to the Association. Procedures for preparing and submitting the petition are discussed in the next section of this brochure.

Petitioning the Association for Association for Approval to Activate

The blanks on the first page of the petition must be completed by the Committee prior to the initial membership meeting. The petitioner’s listing can be completed, at least in part, prior to the meeting for as many Association members as can be identified in advance. The remaining petitioners needed to bring- the total to 25 must be recruited and signed at the meeting, or soon thereafter. Once completed, the petition and membership payments should be submitted to the Association as soon as practical. In turn, the Association will consider the petition at the next regular meeting of the Executive Council. Once approval is granted, the Association’s Chapters Point of Contact will notify the Chapter by the most convenient means available and will coordinate the date of activation. A dated Chapter Charter will be prepared and mailed or delivered to the Chapter.

The Charter

Once the Chapter Charter has been approved, an appropriate ceremony or activity should be planned to commemorate the event. The ceremony will usually take place at a military club or some other suitable facility. The program should include, as a at a minimum, the official acceptance of the Charter by the President, with appropriate remarks concerning the objectives and programs of the chapter. In so far as possible, a prominent speaker should keynote the event. It is also recommended that a program be printed to highlight all events and activities involved and that photographs be taken to accompany an article for submission to the Finance Corps Association.

Chapter Finances

Chapters are not authorized to assess their members for dues. Only the Association is authorized to collect dues to support programs and activities benefiting the entire membership. The association will, however, provide financial support to chapters (discussed in a later section). Chapters are authorized and encouraged to find other means to finance their programs and activities besides dues. Examples of potential moneymaking projects would include:

  • Auctions of corporate sponsor donations of prizes and goods
  • Bake sales
  • Bingo nights
  • Car washes
  • Corporate sponsors
  • Flea markets
  • Garage sales
  • Golf tournament with entry fees
  • Organization day activities and admissions
  • Raffles
  • Resale of bulk ticket buys for athletic events

All chapter funds must be maintained in accordance with the procedures outlined in AR 210-1.

Chapter Records

The Chapter Executive Council must decide where the permanent records of the Chapter shall be located. Every effort must be made to systematically make record of the activities and programs in which the chapter is involved in. The Chapter should also maintain a roster of all its members.

Chapter Reports

The Chapter should keep the Association informed of its activities. In particular, all noteworthy chapter events (i.e. a Finance Ball, etc.) should be considered for inclusion in the “Diamond Points” newsletter. No format for these reports will be prescribed. Chapters are left to their own ingenuity to design a report that fits their needs best. Reports, however, should be neither too lengthy for easy comprehension nor too brief for complete accreditation. Chapters should submit reports to the National HQs Secretary at the end of every fiscal year. At a minimum, reports should contain the following items:

  • A complete listing of Officers and Committee Chairmen from the previous year.
  • A complete listing of Officers and Committee Chairmen (including addresses and phone numbers) for the current year.
  • Description of programs and activities sponsored by the Chapter during the previous year.
  • Description of programs and activities planned for the current year.
  • Listing of the Chapter meetings held during the previous year (include programs, if appropriate).
  • Listing of Chapter members.
  • Listing of Association-presented awards and recipients involved from the previous year.
  • Problems encountered the previous year.
  • Description of fund raising activities used or planned.
  • Recommendations to the Association.

Financial Support

The Association will support chapters financially in the following ways: Upon Chapter approval, a Chapter shall receive a one-time grant of $200 from the Association to get it up and running. Additionally, chapters may receive an annual dividend from the Association. Minus any action of the Executive Council, chapters will receive $2 for each new member brought into the Association and $1 for all other members in good standing as of 30 Sep. The Executive Council may also authorize an additional amount based on chapter renewal rate, quality of membership, and other factors that contribute to the success and promotion of the Finance Corps. Chapters should submit a membership roster as of 30 Sep each year. The Association will disburse the dividends on or about 31 Oct.

Other Support

The Association shall provide activating chapters charter chapter organization certificates, The Association will also provide other administrative support as requested. The Association Secretary is the point of contact for chapter matters.

Chapter Support Address

Address all chapter correspondence to the Finance Corps Association, ATTN: Chapter Operations, Post Office Box 10069, Fort Jackson, SC 29207.

Awards

Sponsorship

The Finance Corps Association (FCA) sponsors all Finance Corps and institutional awards except the Distinguished Member of the Regiment (DMR), which is established by AR 600-82, and the Honorary Member of the Regiment (HOR).

Memorandum of Instruction (MOI)

The Association has established a detailed MOI with FMS covering the awards and the processes for nominating and approving.

Click here to download a PDF of the MOI.

learn more about fca

about

Learn about the FCA's history, mission, vision, and lines of effort, supporting current and former Soldiers, civilians, and family members of the U.S. Army Finance Corps.
learn more

leadership

Meet the dedicated professionals guiding our organization. Our leadership team brings decades of experience to advance the Army Finance Corps community.
learn more

history

Journey through the evolution of Army Finance from Revolutionary War paymasters to today's sophisticated financial operations supporting soldiers worldwide.
learn more