Group funds may be handled in various ways, in accordance with each group’s conscience.
Some groups may use a cash method, while others have simple savings accounts from which they replenish reloadable debit cards. Still others choose to open a group checking account. As financial industry fees continue to climb, it pays to research the features of various accounts. Whatever method is chosen, as a prudent measure, groups are encouraged to have multiple signers with group account access, for transparency and accountability as well as in the event of an emergency.
Remember that individual groups are not tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations and thus may not claim that status in relation to their banking. Please see pages 55–56 of the 2022–2025 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27) v2 for more information on group bank accounts.
The Forum, February 2023
Feel free to reprint this article on your service arm website or newsletter, along with this credit line: Reprinted with permission of The Forum, Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA.