Organizational Policy: Transactions with GFOA

Scope 

This policy outlines the procedures and guidelines for transactions you make with the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). It covers membership fees, product purchases, conference registrations, training, and other related transactions. 

Governing Documents 

1. Bylaws: GFOA's bylaws govern the organization and its members. 
2. Policies: GFOA may adopt additional policies and procedures as needed to regulate its operations and membership, such as this organizational policy. 

Membership Fees 

1. Eligibility & Fees: Membership may be granted to those that meet the criteria per GFOA bylaws. Annual fees are determined by the Executive Board and published via the fee schedule on the GFOA website. 
2. Payment: Membership fees are due upon registration or renewal. Dues may be paid online or via check. Membership can be terminated for those in default of their payment for 6 months or greater, per GFOA bylaws, or upon confirmation of non-renewal. 
3. Refund Policy: Membership fees are non-refundable.  

Product Purchases 

1. Payment: Product payment is due at the time of purchase. Invoices may be paid online or via check. 
2. Shipping and Handling: Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to all product purchases, as specified by GFOA. 
3. Refund Policy: Product purchases are non-refundable. However, exceptions will be made in cases of defective or damaged products. Any refund requests must be submitted in writing to GFOA at membership@gfoa.org within 7 days of receipt of the product. 

Conference Registrations 

1. Payment: Conference registration fees are due upon registration. Invoices may be paid online or via check. Access onsite will not be granted for any unpaid registrations.  
2. Cancellation Policy (2025 Annual Conference): 

• Before 5/16/2025: Cancellations received before 5/16/2025 will be subject to a $50 administrative fee, unless retained as a credit for future purchase with GFOA for one year. 
• Cancellations between 5/16/2025 and 6/18/25 will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee, unless retained as a credit for future purchase with GFOA for one year. 
• After 6/18/2025: No refunds will be issued for cancellations received after 6/18/2025. 
• Substitutions: Substitutions may be made at any time, provided the substitute meets all conference eligibility requirements. 

1. Postponements: GFOA reserves the right to postpone or cancel conferences due to unforeseen circumstances. In the event of a postponement, registrants may choose to attend the rescheduled conference or request a refund. 
2. Other terms and conditions may apply for each conference and will be clearly communicated during the registration process. 

Training & Other Transactions 

1. Registration: Registration may be obtained for training and other events via links on The GFOA Events Calendar.  Registration is not available once a course has begun. 
2. Payment: Fees are due upon registration. Invoices may be paid online or via check. For select GFOA in-person training courses, any registrations with an outstanding balance may be cancelled by GFOA if not paid in full 60 days after the registration is processed or two weeks before the first day of the training course.  
3. Cancellations by Attendee: Cancellation requests must be made in writing to GFOA by emailing training@gfoa.org. For GFOA's internet-based training (primarily eLearning courses and webinars), all cancellations will incur a $20 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued within five business days of the event. For GFOA in-person training, registration cancellation up to two weeks before the beginning of a course is subject to a $50 administrative fee. Cancellation within two weeks of the beginning of the course is subject to a fee of 50% of the registration price. Refunds will not be granted after the Friday prior to the week of the event. 
4. Unforeseen Circumstances: GFOA reserves the right to postpone or cancel events due to unforeseen circumstances. On occasion, instructors are subject to change. GFOA will attempt to notify attendees in advance by e-mail, phone, or via our website. 
5. Travel to in-person GFOA events: GFOA is not responsible for travel expenses for in-person training. Accordingly, attendees are encouraged to make refundable travel arrangements in the event training is cancelled by GFOA. If an in-person training course is cancelled by GFOA, registrants will be notified at least 15 business days in advance and registration fees refunded in full. 
6. Substitutions: A one-for-one substitution of a nonmember for an active, government member is allowed. If your organization has a current GFOA member on the staff who is not attending the training, a nonmember may attend in his or her place at the lower member rate. Nonmembers (from the private sector) cannot substitute for associate members. 

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Certificates: 

1. CPE credit will be awarded through the Learning Management System (LMS). Attendees must meet attendance and participation requirements to earn CPE credit. GFOA will not provide refunds or credits to users who do not meet the attendance and participation requirements and do not receive CPE credit. 
2. Course recordings and materials of most GFOA online education are made available through the Learning Management System. Materials for non-accounting courses will be available for one year after the completion of the course. Materials for accounting courses will be available for 90 days after the completion of the course. 
3. Please note that CPE credits are not awarded for viewing archived recordings. 

Amendments 

GFOA reserves the right to amend this policy at any time.