Notice of Proposed ByLaws Change

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association July 2001 Newsletter)

The Jersey Coast Anglers Association is in the process of changing our IRS status from a not-for-profit 501(c) (4) organization to a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. This change will make us eligible for grant money from organizations like the PEW foundation and overall make fund raising much easier. To qualify we need to make some changes to the bylaws. The primary requirement is described in the preamble listed below. The second change is a section describing what becomes of the assets if and when the association is dissolved (also listed below). The final change is not required but better describes how we operate as an organization; the position of Trustee will no longer be an elected position but rather a position that past presidents may serve as.

This serves as a notice of change, copies of the proposed bylaws will be distributed at the next general meeting and each club will also receive a copy in the mail. We will vote on accepting the new bylaws at the June 26 general meeting

JERSEY COAST ANGLERS ASSOCIATION BYLAWS

PREAMBLE

The Jersey Coast Anglers Association (the ”Association”) is a not-for-profit organization that was originally incorporated in the State of New Jersey in 1986. In 2001, the Association applied for and was granted charitable status pursuant to the Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue law) (the "Code").

The Association is organized exclusively for such educational, scientific, and charitable purposes as shall qualify it for exemption from federal taxation under Code Section 501(c)(3), including, but not limited to, providing educational programs and instruction for public and private school systems and educational institutions about responsible fishing practices and ethics; fostering conservation of bays, estuaries and other bodies of water through informed and responsible fishing practices; advancing multidisciplinary research on and serving as a voice for ethical fishing practices and the preservation and responsible use of bays, estuaries and other bodies of water in the science research community; and, providing information for addressing scientific and public policy issues for the benefit of society including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code. The Association provides educational programs and works to preserve and conserve all fish resources through the support of reasonable, unilateral and equitable rules, regulations and policies that govern both recreational and commercial fisherman and fisheries.

The emblem of the Association depicts a fisherman at constant vigil at the scales of justice, with the inscription “Conservation, Environment, Education”, emblematic of the purpose of the Association.

ARTICLE #13 DISBURSEMENTS OF ASSETS IF ASSOCIATION IS TERMINATED

Should the Corporation known as The Jersey Coast Anglers Association become inactive and cease to function in an attempt to accomplish it’s purpose as stated in ARTICLE #2 of these Bylaws, the various assets, equipment and property of this Association shall be donated to another organization or organizations that are (i) organized and operated exclusively for such educational, scientific, and charitable purposes as shall qualify it for exemption from federal taxation under Code Section 501(c)(3), and (ii) that  have stated a similar purpose similar to that of the Association in their Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.  Such an organization shall receive these assets, equipment or properties as the result of a 2/3 vote of the member clubs of the Association, in good standing and present at a meeting called for this purpose.  Notice of such a meeting shall be given in writing to all member clubs, in good standing, at least 30 days prior so said meeting.