CSU-ERFSA (Formerly CSU-ERFA) was established as a not-for-profit California public benefit corporation. Our constitution states that one of the purposes of the Association is to "To serve as an advocate for the interests of retired academic and non- academic employees of the CSU in all matters relating to their general welfare in the CSU."

As part of this advocacy, from time-to-time we make endorsements for candidates seeking election to the CalPERS Board and on statewide ballot measures that would affect retirees from the CSU System. Because of this, the Association comes under a different U.S. Internal Revenue Code section than the 501(c)(3) category that covers charitable foundations. This precludes people from making donations to the Association that are tax deductible.

To allow members and the general public to make tax-deductible donations in support of our small-grants program, the CSU-ERFA Charitable Foundation was established to raise money for grants that support the scholarly, research, and artistic activities of all CSU System retirees who are members of CSU-ERFSA. The CSU-ERFA Charitable Foundation is a separate organization with its own officers and executive board. Because of its 501(c)(3) status, donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible in most cases.

(Note: Although the name of our foundation has not changed, all CSU-ERFSA members including retired and emeritus staff and administrators are eligible to apply for grants.)