COA Member Questions: Clarifications on Colby Partnership & Fundraising

Below is a clear response to the recent questions regarding COA’s enhanced relationship with Colby Management and our ongoing fundraising efforts.

1. Enhanced Relationship with Colby Management
Why COA Works Closely With Colby
Colby manages the majority of COA member associations in Sun City. Supporting Colby managed boards is not new—COA has provided assistance for years, including:
• Workshops such as “How to Read Your Colby Financials”
• Training on annual budgeting using Colby formats
• Help navigating Colby’s platforms, including Strongroom and TownSquare

Our volunteers have financial expertise and donate their time at no cost to help any member who asks. While we assist Kinney and other management companies as well, the majority of requests come from Colby managed associations, especially under prior leadership when additional support was needed.

What Has Changed Under New Colby Leadership:
The new Colby leadership has welcomed collaboration. This has allowed COA to:
• Provide combined educational sessions with both COA experts and Colby leadership
• Offer members direct access to decision makers at Colby
• Improve the overall support experience for board members
This partnership has been well received by members who appreciate having both financial expertise and management insight available in one place.
What This Relationship Is Not
• There is no quid pro quo
• There are no kickbacks
• No COA volunteer or employee receives any compensation from Colby

COA’s mission remains unchanged: to educate, support, and empower board members as they lead their associations.
Our Door Remains Open to All Management Companies
We maintain positive working relationships with all management companies serving our members. We frequently share information and collaborate when it benefits the associations we jointly serve.

2. COA Fundraising Efforts
Why Fundraising Is Necessary
Annual COA dues do not fully cover our operating expenses, which include:
• Office lease
• Paid administrative staff
• Member support services
• Educational programming

To keep dues affordable for all members, COA supplements its budget through:
• Periodic fundraisers
• Voluntary donations
• Vendor participation and sponsorships

Where the Money Goes
• 100% of funds raised go to COA
• No COA director, volunteer, or employee receives any personal benefit
• Funds are used solely to support our nonprofit mission and member services
Fundraising allows COA to maintain a professional office, provide high quality education, and continue offering free or low cost resources to all member associations.
Summary
• COA’s relationship with Colby is based on member need, not financial benefit.
• We support all management companies and respond wherever members request help.
• Fundraising is essential to keep dues low and maintain the services our members rely on.
• COA remains a volunteer driven, nonprofit organization focused solely on serving and educating board members.