Denise LeDuc Froemming , CPA , CAE , MBA President & CEO | CalCPA

As the holiday season kicks into gear , we ’ re all thinking about gathering with family and friends , festive feasts — and giving back . Whether it ’ s sharing gifts , donating time or offering financial support to organizations you ’ re passionate about , this is the season when generosity takes center stage .

And CPAs are at the heart of this movement , whether they ’ re giving themselves or providing the financial know-how to help others make an impact .

Did you know CalCPA members contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to fund scholarships for California college students pursuing CPA careers ? And donations to our CPA-PAC are crucial in supporting legislative and statewide candidates — across all party lines — who advocate for California CPAs and businesses . Plus , contributions to the CalCPA Institute fuel pathway support , financial literacy , student outreach , professional guidance and belonging — vital programs for a brighter tomorrow for the accounting profession . In 2023-24 , we awarded 155 scholarships totaling : $ 240,000 .

To learn more or get involved with the many programs under our Fund the Future with CalCPA initiative , visit calcpa . org / fundthefuture . Your participation helps shape the future of the profession !

But giving goes beyond the financial . Our members are out there donating time and expertise , whether it ’ s leading financial literacy presentations , serving on nonprofit boards , teaching

classes or serving in leadership roles within CalCPA , and making an impact in their communities .

There ’ s no question : CalCPA members truly live out the “ Public ” in Certified Public Accountant .

As we approach National Philanthropy Day ( Nov . 15 ) and Giving Tuesday ( Dec . 3 ), CPAs are preparing to help their clients and organizations with end-of-year donations . Questions like “ What should I donate ?,” “ How should I give ?” and “ Which organizations qualify for tax-deductible donations ?” are where CPAs shine .

National Philanthropy Day and Giving Tuesday remind us of the power of coming together for the greater good , and it ’ s inspiring to see our CalCPA community doing just that . Interested in helping a student follow their CPA dreams ? Then check out our Community College to CPA program , where you can provide students career tips , expert guidance and deep insights into the journey to a successful career as a CPA . You can find contact info at calcpa . org / get-involved / calcpa-institute .

Thinking about teaching for the CalCPA Education Foundation ? Find out how at calcpa . org / education / instructors-speakers . Want to share your insights and wisdom with your peers ? Then check out our CAL Talks peer-to-peer knowledge exchange program at calcpa . org / membership / cal-talks .

Thank you for all you do to highlight the importance of our CalCPA community and profession — you ’ re making a difference ! www . calcpa . org NOVEMBER 2024 CALIFORNIA CPA 3