History
In May 1991, the Virginia Counselors Association Board of Directors voted to establish the VCA Foundation. The Foundation’s major initial contributor was John R. Cook, a nationally-recognized leader in guidance and counseling who served as the Supervisor of Guidance in the State Department of Education until his retirement in 1981. John Cook was an untiring advocate of the counseling profession in Virginia and played a pivotal role in creating the Foundation. In its first year, significant strides were made to solidly establish the VCA Foundation as a noteworthy force for Virginia’s counseling professionals. The Virginia Counselors Association is second only to California in having a state branch of ACA with its own Foundation. Four other professional counselors joined Dr. Cook in establishing the VCA Foundation: Ellen Chewning, Libby Hoffman, D.L. “Pete” Warren, and Gaye Whitlock.
Tax Status
The VCA Foundation is an endowment fund holding a tax status of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with all contributions being 100% tax-deductible. Its primary purpose is to promulgate, promote and foster professional education and development in the field of counseling and to establish, maintain and operate educational programs for the dissemination of information and knowledge relative to counseling. To achieve this goal, the Foundation’s principal activities are receiving and investing contributions for financing special programs and projects related to VCA objectives.
Finances
The business and affairs of the VCA Foundation are managed and controlled by its Board of Directors. All directors are elected annually by a majority of the Board at its annual meeting which takes place at the VCA Convention or at a time and place designated by the Board. In addition to this annual meeting, special meetings may be called by the Foundation President. Officers of the Foundation include a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer who serve three-year terms. The Board controls the Foundation’s funds and has the power to authorize and conduct fundraising activities. The Board also accepts contributions for specific purposes related to the general goals and objectives of the VCA.
Bylaws and Standing Rules
The VCA Foundation By-Laws have provided the operational framework for the organization for the since the founding in 1991. The Foundation Board periodically reviews and changes bylaws, as needed, or replaces them with complete revisions to meet the current needs of the Foundation and shape a more dynamic organization.
In addition, the Bylaws call for the VCAF organization to establish Standing Rules, which create routine ongoing processes and procedures for Foundation officers and committees to take care of business of the organization. Standing rules, unlike Bylaws, may be altered by the affected group, and approved on annual basis, as needed.
Learn more about The VCA Foundation Board Bylaws adopted on May 29, 2020.