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entitled 'Financial Audit: Congressional Award Foundation’s Fiscal 
Years 2010 and 2009 Financial Statements' which was released on May 
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United States Government Accountability Office: 
GAO: 

Report to the Chairman of the Board, Congressional Award Foundation. 

May 2011: 

Financial Audit: 

Congressional Award Foundation’s Fiscal Years 2010 and 2009 Financial 
Statements: 

GAO-11-597: 

Contents: 

Letter: 

Auditor’s Report: 

Opinion on Financial Statements: 

Consideration of Internal Control: 

Compliance with Laws and Regulations: 

Objectives, Scope, and Methodology: 

Foundation’s Comments: 

Financial Statements: 

Statements of Financial Position: 

Statements of Activities: 

Statements of Cash Flows: 

Notes to Financial Statements: 

Appendix: 

Appendix I: Comments from the Congressional Award Foundation: 

[End of section] 

United States Government Accountability Office: 
Washington, DC 20548: 

May 12, 2011: 

Mr. Paxton K. Baker: 
Chairman of the Board:
Congressional Award Foundation: 

Dear Mr. Baker: 

This report presents our opinion on the financial statements of the 
Congressional Award Foundation (the Foundation) for the fiscal years 
ended September 30, 2010, and 2009. These financial statements are the 
responsibility of the Foundation. This report also presents the 
results of our consideration of the Foundation’s internal control over 
financial reporting and the results of our tests of the Foundation’s 
compliance during fiscal year 2010 with selected provisions of laws 
and regulations. 

In our May 2010 report on the results of our audit of the Foundation’s 
fiscal years 2009 and 2008 financial statements, we reported a 
material weakness in the Foundation’s internal control over financial 
reporting. Specifically, we reported that the Foundation lacked 
sufficient and appropriate policies, procedures, and resources to 
prepare financial statements and accompanying notes accurately, 
completely, and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles. During fiscal year 2010, the Foundation made progress in 
addressing this material weakness with the implementation of a more 
effective management review of the financial statements. However, 
certain control deficiencies over the Foundation’s financial reporting 
process remained and, while no longer constituting a material 
weakness, represent a significant deficiency in internal control that 
continued to place the Foundation at increased risk of errors or 
omissions in its financial statements. 

We conducted our audit pursuant to section 107 of the Congressional 
Award Act, as amended (2 U.S.C. § 807), and in accordance with U.S. 
generally accepted government auditing standards. 

If you or your office have any questions concerning this report, 
please contact me at (202) 512-3406 or sebastians@gao.gov. Contact 
points for our Offices of Congressional Relations and Public Affairs 
may be found on the last page of this report. Key contributors to this 
report were Peggy Smith, Assistant Director; Bethany Smith; Nicole 
Dow; and Marci Goasdone. 

Sincerely yours, 

Signed by: 

Steven J. Sebastian: 
Director: 
Financial Management and Assurance: 

[End of section] 

United States Government Accountability Office: 
Washington, DC 20548: 

Mr. Paxton K. Baker: 
Chairman of the Board:
Congressional Award Foundation: 

In accordance with section 107 of the Congressional Award Act, as 
amended (2 U.S.C. § 807), we are responsible for conducting audits of 
the Congressional Award Foundation's (the Foundation) financial 
statements. In our audits of the Foundation's financial statements for 
fiscal years 2010 and 2009, we found: 

* the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material 
respects, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles; 

* a significant deficiency[Footnote 1] in the Foundation's internal 
control over financial reporting; and: 

* no reportable noncompliance with laws and regulations we tested. 

* The following sections discuss in more detail (1) these conclusions; 
(2) our audit objectives, scope, and methodology; and (3) the 
Foundation's comments. 

Opinion on Financial Statements: 

The financial statements, including the accompanying notes, present 
fairly, in all material respects, in conformity with U.S. generally 
accepted accounting principles, the Foundation's assets, liabilities, 
and net assets as of September 30, 2010, and 2009, and the results of 
its activities and its cash flows for the years then ended. 

However, misstatements may occur in other financial information 
reported by the Foundation and not be detected or corrected as a 
result of the significant deficiency in internal control described in 
this report. 

Consideration of Internal Control: 

In planning and performing our audit of the Foundation's fiscal year 
2010 financial statements, we considered the Foundation's internal 
control over financial reporting for the purpose of determining our 
procedures for auditing the financial statements, not to express an 
opinion on the effectiveness of internal control. Accordingly, we do 
not express an opinion on the Foundation's internal control over 
financial reporting. 

However, during our audit of the Foundation's fiscal year 2010 
financial statements, we identified a significant deficiency in the 
Foundation's internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, 
during fiscal year 2010, we found that the Foundation did not have 
comprehensive accounting policies and procedures, and the Foundation 
staff lacked sufficient knowledge of not-for-profit accounting 
requirements. This increased the Foundation's risk of preparing 
financial statements that are not fully accurate, complete, and in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. 

In our previous year's audit of the Foundation's fiscal years 2009 and 
2008 financial statements,[Footnote 2] we reported a material weakness 
in the Foundation's internal control over financial reporting. 
Specifically, we reported that the Foundation lacked sufficient and 
appropriate policies, procedures, and resources to prepare the 
financial statements and accompanying notes accurately, completely, 
and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 
This resulted in the need for material adjustments in finalizing the 
Foundation's fiscal year 2009 financial statements to achieve a fair 
presentation. In a separate report to the Foundation's management, we 
provided further details on the control deficiencies that comprised 
this material weakness, as well as recommendations for corrective 
action.[Footnote 3] Specifically, we recommended that the Foundation: 

* conduct a review of its current accounting policies and procedures 
and update them as necessary, 

* establish and document policies and procedures to ensure that staff 
receive training aimed at developing knowledge and skills in 
accounting and financial reporting for not-for-profit organizations, 
and: 

* institute a management review process for the Foundation's draft 
financial statements that is effective in identifying material 
misstatements. 

In response to our recommendations, during fiscal year 2010, the 
Foundation took a number of actions to address the material weakness. 
Specifically, the Foundation implemented a more effective management 
review of the financial statements. Also, we noted both a 
significantly lower number of adjustments resulting from errors that 
we identified during our audit this year and a significantly less 
dollar impact than those resulting from our fiscal year 2009 audit. 
For example, the errors we found during our audit of the Foundation's 
fiscal year 2009 financial statements resulted in adjustments needed 
to correct the Foundation's overstatement of its net assets of over 
$40,000; in contrast, the errors we found during our audit of the 
Foundation's fiscal year 2010 financial statements resulted in 
adjustments to correct an overstatement to net assets of less than 
$2,000. The significant reduction in both the number and size of the 
adjustments resulting from errors also showed that the Foundation 
improved its process for assuring that revenue and expenses are 
recorded in the proper period, although more efforts are needed in 
this area. 

The Foundation took further steps to address the material weakness we 
reported by purchasing a financial and accounting manual for not-for- 
profit entities to use as a resource in assisting the Foundation staff 
in preparing the Foundation's financial statements and note 
disclosures. In addition, the Foundation's Board of Directors elected 
a new audit committee chairman and Treasurer with expertise in not-for-
profit accounting. 

The actions taken by the Foundation to address the issues we reported 
in our fiscal year 2009 audit report and in our follow-on management 
report have reduced the likelihood that material misstatements could 
go undetected and uncorrected. However, through fiscal year 2010 and 
during the period in which the Foundation prepared its fiscal year 
2010 financial statements, the Foundation continued to lack 
comprehensive accounting policies and procedures. In addition, the 
Foundation's staff had not had training aimed at developing their 
skills and knowledge of not-for-profit accounting requirements. Thus, 
while the Foundation's actions during fiscal year 2010 were sufficient 
to reduce the likelihood of material misstatements to the financial 
statements going undetected and uncorrected such that we no longer 
consider the remaining internal control deficiencies to constitute a 
material weakness, we believe the control deficiencies that remained 
during fiscal year 2010 and through the preparation of the 
Foundation's fiscal year 2010 financial statements constitute a 
significant deficiency in internal control. This significant 
deficiency continued to place the Foundation at risk of preparing 
financial statements and accompanying notes that are not fully 
accurate, complete, and in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles. In December 2010, the Foundation completed a 
review of its accounting policies and procedures and made significant 
revisions. While these revised accounting policies and procedures were 
not in place to assist the Foundation in preparing its fiscal year 
2010 financial statements, they should provide a framework for 
improved financial accounting, reporting, and internal control in 
future years. We plan to evaluate the design and implementation of 
these revised policies and procedures during our fiscal year 2011 
audit. 

Our audit would not necessarily disclose all deficiencies in internal 
control that might be material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. 
We considered the Foundation's significant deficiency in determining 
the nature, timing, and extent of our audit procedures on the 
financial statements and in forming our conclusions. 

We identified other deficiencies in the Foundation's internal control 
that we do not consider to be material weaknesses or significant 
deficiencies, but which nonetheless merit Foundation management's 
attention and correction. We have communicated these matters to 
Foundation management informally and, as appropriate, will also report 
separately to Foundation management on these matters. 

Compliance with Laws and Regulations: 

Our tests of the Foundation's compliance with selected provisions of 
laws and regulations for fiscal year 2010 disclosed no instances of 
noncompliance that would be reportable under U.S. generally accepted 
government auditing standards. However, the objective of our audit was 
not to provide an opinion on overall compliance with laws and 
regulations. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. 

Objectives, Scope, and Methodology: 

The Foundation's management is responsible for preparing the annual 
financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles, establishing and maintaining the Foundation's 
internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable 
assurance that the control objectives established in GAO's Standards 
for Internal Control in the Federal Government[Footnote 4] are met, 
and complying with applicable laws and regulations. 

We are responsible for planning and performing the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance and provide our opinion about whether the 
Foundation's financial statements are presented fairly, in all 
material respects, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles. We are also responsible for (1) obtaining a 
sufficient understanding of internal control over financial reporting 
to plan the audit and (2) testing compliance with selected provisions 
of laws and regulations that have a direct and material effect on the 
financial statements. 

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, we: 

* examined, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements; 

* assessed the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by Foundation management; 

* evaluated the overall presentation of the financial statements and 
notes; 

* obtained an understanding of the Foundation and its operations, 
including its internal control over financial reporting; 

* assessed the risk that a material misstatement exists in the 
financial statements; 

* tested relevant internal controls over financial reporting for the 
purposes of planning and performing our other audit procedures; 

* tested compliance with selected provisions of the Congressional 
Award Act, as amended; and: 

* performed such other procedures as we considered necessary in the 
circumstances. 

An entity's internal control over financial reporting is a process 
effected by those charged with governance, management, and other 
personnel, the objectives of which are to provide reasonable assurance 
that (1) transactions are properly recorded, processed, and summarized 
to permit the preparation of financial statements in conformity with 
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and assets are 
safeguarded against loss from unauthorized acquisition, use, or 
disposition and (2) transactions are executed in accordance with laws 
and regulations that could have a direct and material effect on the 
financial statements. 

We did not evaluate all internal controls relevant to operating 
objectives, such as controls relevant to ensuring efficient 
operations. We limited our internal control testing to controls over 
financial reporting. Because of inherent limitations, internal control 
may not prevent, or detect and correct, misstatements due to error or 
fraud, losses, or noncompliance. We also caution that projecting any 
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods is subject to the risk 
that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions 
or that the degree of compliance with controls may deteriorate. In 
addition, we caution that our consideration of internal control may 
not be sufficient for other purposes. 

We did not test compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to 
the Foundation. We limited our tests of compliance to those provisions 
of laws and regulations that have a direct and material effect on the 
Foundation's financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 
30, 2010. We caution that noncompliance may occur and not be detected 
by these tests and that such testing may not be sufficient for other 
purposes. 

We performed our work in accordance with U.S. generally accepted 
government auditing standards. We believe our audit provides a 
reasonable basis for our opinion and other conclusions. 

Foundation's Comments: 

In commenting on a draft of this report, the Foundation stated that it 
agreed: 

that improvements to address internal controls over financial 
reporting have been made over the last year. The Foundation also 
stated that it continues to make significant improvements in this 
area, creating new and improved policies and procedures in 2011, and 
that assessment of its systems and procedures remains an ongoing 
process. 

A complete text of the Foundation's comments is reprinted in appendix 
I. 

Signed by: 

Steven J. Sebastian: 
Director: 
Financial Management and Assurance: 

May 6, 2011: 

[End of section] 

Financial Statements: 

Statements of Financial Position: 

The Congressional Award Foundation: 
Statements of Financial Position: 
As of September 30, 2010, and 2009: 

Assets: 

Cash: 
2010: $126,507; 
2009: $97,835. 

Contributions receivable (note 3): 
2010: $94,025; 
2009: $96,800. 

Accounts receivable: 
2010: $9,840;
2009: $9,531. 

Prepaid expense: 
2010: $32,289; 
2009: $13,181. 

Donated auction items: 
2010: $8,743; 
2009: $1,840. 

Equipment, furniture, and fixtures, net (note 4): 
2010: $8,493; 
2009: $14,649. 

Total assets: 
2010: $279,897; 
2009: $233,836. 

Liabilities and net assets: 

Accounts payable: 
2010: $3,936; 
2009: $13,242. 

Accrued payroll, related taxes, and leave: 
2010: $18,610; 
2009: $15,482. 

Refundable advance: 
2010: $26,142; 
2009: $26,364. 

Deferred revenue: 
2010: $10,601; 
2009: $2,976. 

Capital lease liability (note 5): 
2010: $3,113; 
2009: $9,353. 

Total liabilities: 
2010: $62,402; 
2009: $67,417. 

Net assets: 

Unrestricted: 
2010: $199,945; 
2009: $147,372. 

Temporarily restricted (note 6): 
2010: $17,550; 
2009: $19,047. 

Total net assets: 
2010: $217,495; 
2009: $166,419. 

Total liabilities and net assets: 
2010: $279,897; 
2009: $233,836. 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial 
statements. 

Statements of Activities: 

The Congressional Award Foundation: 
Statements of Activities: 
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2010, and 2009: 

Changes in unrestricted net assets: 

Operating revenue and other support: 

Contributions: 
2010: $313,933; 
2009: $434,049. 

Contributions - In-kind (note 7): 
2010: $80,962; 
2009: $71,757. 

Program and other revenues: 
2010: $437,626; 
2009: $239,105; 

Net assets released from restrictions (note 6): 
2010: $1,496; 
2009: $919. 

Total operating revenue and other support: 
2010: $834,017; 
2009: $745,830. 

Operating expenses (note 8): 

Salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes: 
2010: $363,947; 
2009: $397,189. 

Program, promotion, and travel: 
2010: $36,075; 
2009: $14,161. 

Fund-raising expense: 
2010: $137,547; 
2009: $89,535. 

Costs of direct benefit to donors: 
2010: $28,862; 
2009: $22,638. 

Gold Award ceremony: 
2010: $78,052; 
2009: $170,835. 

Professional fees: 
2010: $66,953; 
2009: $76,620. 

Depreciation and amortization: 
2010: $6,155; 
2009: $7,165. 

Board of Directors expense: 
2010: $1,338; 
2009: $1,259. 

Administrative and other expense: 
2010: $62,516; 
2009: $58,686. 

Total operating expenses: 
2010: $781,445; 
2009: $838,088. 

Subtotal: 
2010: $52,572; 
2009: ($92,258). 

Changes in temporarily restricted net assets: 

Net assets released from restrictions (note 6): 
2010: ($1,496); 
2009: ($919). 

Decrease in temporarily restricted net assets: 
2010: ($1,496); 
2009: ($919). 

Increase/(decrease) in net assets: 
2010: $51,076; 
2009: ($93,177). 

Net assets at beginning of year: 
2010: $166,419; 
2009: $259,596. 

Net assets at end of year: 
2010: $217,495; 
2009: $166,419. 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial 
statements. 

Statements of Cash Flows: 

The Congressional Award Foundation: 
Statements of Cash Flows: 
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2010, and 2009: 

Cash flows from operating activities: 

Increase (decrease) in net assets: 
2010: $51,076; 
2009: ($93,177). 

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash
from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization: 
2010: $6,155; 
2009: $7,165. 

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash
from operating activities: Write-off of Uncollectible Pledges: 
2010: $1,500; 
2009: [Empty]. 

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash
from operating activities: Bad Debt Expense: 
2010: $200; 
2009: [Empty]. 

Change in operating assets: 

Contributions receivable: 
2010: $1,275; 
2009: $40,600. 

Accounts receivable: 
2010: ($509); 
2009: $289. 

Prepaid expenses: 
2010: ($19,108); 
2009: ($9,108). 

Donated auction items: 
2010: ($6,903); 
2009: ($1,840). 

Change in operating liabilities: 

Accounts payable: 
2010: ($9,306); 
2009: $7,478. 

Accrued payroll, related taxes, and leave: 
2010: $3,128; 
2009: $1,312. 

Refundable advance: 
2010: ($222); 
2009: $26,364. 

Deferred revenue: 
2010: $7,625; 
2009: $2,976. 

Net cash provided/(used) in operating activities: 
2010: $34,911; 
2009: ($17,941) 

Cash flows from financing activities: 

Principal payments under capital lease obligation (note 5): 
2010: ($6,239); 
2009: ($4,915. 

Net cash provided by financing activities: 
2010: ($6,239); 
2009: ($4,915). 

Net increase (decrease) in cash: 
2010: $28,672; 
2009: ($22,856). 

Cash, beginning of year: 
2010: $97,835; 
2009: $120,691 

Cash, end of year: 
2010: $126,507; 
2009: $97,835. 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial 
statements. 

Notes to Financial Statements: 

The Congressional Award Foundation: 
Notes to Financial Statements: 
For the Fiscal Years Ended September 30, 2010, and 2009: 

Note 1. Organization: 

The Congressional Award Foundation (the Foundation) was formed in 1979 
under Public Law 96-114 and is a private, nonprofit, tax-exempt 
organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code 
established to promote initiative, achievement, and excellence among 
young people in the areas of public service, personal development, 
physical fitness, and expedition. New program participants totaled over
4,000 in fiscal year 2010. During fiscal year 2010, there were 
approximately 28,700 participants registered in the Foundation’s Award 
program. Public Law 111-200, enacted on July 7, 2010, reauthorized the 
Congressional Award Foundation through September 30, 2013. 

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: 

A. Basis of Accounting: 

The financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of 
accounting in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles applicable to not-for-profit organizations. 

B. Contributions Receivable: 

Unconditional promises to give are recorded as revenue when the 
promises are made. Conditional promises to give are recorded as 
revenue when the conditions on which the promises have been made are 
substantially met. Contributions receivable to be collected within 
less than one year are measured at net realizable value. The 
Foundation expects to receive all of the contributions receivable within
one year. 

C. Equipment, Furniture, and Fixtures and Related Depreciation: 

The Foundation capitalizes equipment, furniture, and fixtures with an 
individual asset acquisition cost of more than $2,500. Assets are 
stated at cost, and depreciation is computed using the straight-line 
method over estimated useful lives of 5 to 10 years. Expenditures for 
major additions and betterments are capitalized and expenditures for 
maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Upon 
retirement or disposal of assets, the cost and accumulated 
depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and the resulting gain 
or loss is included in revenue or expense, as appropriate. Donated 
equipment is recorded at fair value. 

The capital lease liability represents the lesser of the net present 
value of future lease payments or the fair value of the asset 
acquired. Amortization of the capital lease is included in 
depreciation expense. 

D. Classification of Net Assets: 

The net assets of the Foundation are reported as follows: 

* Unrestricted net assets represent the portion of expendable funds 
that are available for the general support of the Foundation. 

* Temporarily restricted net assets represent amounts that are 
specifically restricted by donors or grantors for specific programs or 
future periods. 

The Foundation has no permanently restricted net assets. 

E. Revenue Recognition: 

Contribution revenue is recognized when received or promised and 
recorded as temporarily restricted if the funds are received with 
donor or grantor stipulations that limit the use of the donated assets 
to a particular purpose or for specific periods. When a stipulated 
time restriction ends or purpose of the restriction is met, 
temporarily restricted net assets are reclassified to unrestricted net 
assets and reported in the statement of activities as net assets 
released from restrictions. 

Deferred revenue, equal to the fair value of a ticket to a fund-
raising event, is recorded for amounts received during the current 
fiscal year to be used during the next fiscal year. The contribution 
portion paid, in excess of the fair value of the ticket for the fund-
raising event, is recorded as a refundable advance for funds received 
the fiscal year before the event takes place. After the event takes 
place, the deferred revenue and refundable advances are recorded as 
contributions. 

F. Functional Allocation of Expenses: 

The costs of providing the various programs and other activities have 
been summarized on a functional basis as described in note 8. 
Accordingly, certain costs have been allocated among the programs and 
supporting services benefited. 

G. Estimates: 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. 
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make 
estimates and assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and 
disclosures. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those 
estimates. 

Note 3. Contributions Receivable: 

At September 30, 2010 and 2009, promises to give totaled $94,025 and 
$96,800, respectively; no promises to give were temporarily restricted 
by the donors. All amounts were due within one year. All but $11,275 
of the $94,025 receivable at September 30, 2010, was received by April 
26, 2011. 

Note 4. Equipment, Furniture, and Fixtures: 

Equipment, furniture, and fixtures as of September 30, 2010, and 2009, 
are shown in the schedule below. 


Computer software: 
September 30, 2010: $25,868; 
September 30, 2009: $25,868. 

Equipment - capital lease (note 5): 
September 30, 2010: $20,129; 
September 30, 2009: $20,129. 

Furniture and equipment: 
September 30, 2010: $76,576; 
September 30, 2009: $76,576. 

Contributed equipment: 
September 30, 2010: $15,100; 
September 30, 2009: $15,100. 

Accumulated depreciation: 
September 30, 2010: ($115,356); 
September 30, 2009: ($113,477). 

Accumulated amortization - capital lease: 
September 30, 2010: ($13,824); 
September 30, 2009: ($9,547). 

Equipment, furniture, and fixtures, net: 
September 30, 2010: $8,493; 
September 30, 2009: $14,649. 

Equipment under capital lease is pledged as collateral under the terms 
of the lease agreements. 

Note 5. Capital Lease Liability: 

The Foundation has an existing capital lease for computer equipment in 
the amount of $20,129 (see note 4). 

The following is a schedule (by fiscal year) of future minimum lease 
payments under capital leases together with the present value of the 
net minimum lease payments for the 1-year period remaining, net of 
interest, as of September 30, 2010. 

Years ending September 30: 2011: $3,337. 

Less the amount representing interest: ($224). 

Present value of net minimum lease payments $3,113. 

Note 6. Temporarily Restricted Net Assets: 

Temporarily restricted net assets as of September 30, 2010, and 2009 
were available for the following programs and future periods: 

Puerto Rico Council development: 
September 30, 2010: $14,893; 
September 30, 2009: $14,893. 

Nevada Council development: 
September 30, 2010: $2,657; 
September 30, 2009: $4,154. 

Total net assets temporarily restricted for use: 
September 30, 2010: $17,550; 
September 30, 2009: $19,047. 

Net assets released from restrictions during the years ended September 
30, 2010, and 2009, were as follows: 

Puerto Rico Council development: 
2010: $0; 
2009: $131. 

Nevada Council development: 
2010: $1,496; 
2009: $788. 

Total temporarily restricted net assets released for use: 
2010: $1,496; 
2009: $919. 

Note 7. In-kind Contributions: 

During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Foundation received in-kind 
(non-cash) contributions from donors. In-kind contributions are 
accounted for as contribution revenue and as operating expenses, in 
the period goods and services are provided. 

The values of the in-kind contributions recognized were $80,962 and 
$71,757 for fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. These non-cash 
contributions are as follows: 

Professional services: Legal: 
2010: $40,000
2009: $35,548. 

Professional services: Accounting--Tax preparation: 
2010: $1,500; 
2009: $500. 

Donations relating to fund-raising: 
2010: $28,838; 
2009: $29,731. 

Donations relating to program: 
2010: $10,624; 
2009: $5,978. 

Total in-kind contributions: 
2010: $80,962; 
2009: $71,757. 

During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Foundation employed the 
services of unpaid interns. However, amounts for the intern services 
are not included in these financial statements because the value of 
the services is not readily determinable. 

In addition, Section 106(e) of the Congressional Award Act, as 
amended, provides that "the Board may benefit from in-kind and 
indirect resources provided by the Offices of Members of Congress or 
the Congress." Resources so provided include use of office space, 
office furniture, and certain utilities. In addition, section 102 of 
the Congressional Award Act, as amended, provides that the United 
States Mint may charge the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund for the 
cost of striking Congressional Award Medals. The costs of these 
resources cannot be readily determined and, thus, are not included
in the financial statements. 

Note 8. Expenses by Functional Classification: 

The Foundation has presented its operating expenses by natural 
classification in the accompanying Statements of Activities for the 
fiscal years ending September 30, 2010, and 2009. Presented below are 
the Foundation's expenses by functional classification for the fiscal 
years ended September 30, 2010, and 2009. 

Program activities: 
2010: $417,500; 
2009: $521,312. 

Fund-raising activities: 
2010: $194,762; 
2009: $142,369 

Costs of direct benefit to donors: 
2010: $28,862; 
2009: $22,638. 

Administrative activities: 
2010: $140,321; 
2009: $151,769. 

Total: 
2010: $781,445; 
2009: $838,088. 

Note 9. Employee Retirement Plan: 

For the benefit of its employees, the Foundation participates in a 
voluntary 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan, which was activated on 
August 27, 1993. Under the plan, the Foundation may, but is not 
required to, make employer contributions to the plan. There were no 
contributions to the plan in fiscal years 2010 and 2009. 

Note 10. Related Party Activities: 

The Foundation engaged in numerous transactions with related parties 
during fiscal years 2010 and 2009. 

During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the Controller, through his 
professional tax business, prepared the Foundation’s annual Internal 
Revenue Service Form 990 information returns. His firm was compensated 
$0 and $1,500 during fiscal years 2010 and 2009, respectively. 

During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the National Director utilized her 
credit card to purchase items for the Foundation. All amounts paid by 
the National Director were reimbursed. 

The following in-kind contributions were made by related parties and 
are included in note 7: 

* During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, an ex officio director of the 
board provided pro bono legal services to the Foundation. The value 
for fiscal years 2010 and 2009 was $40,000 and $35,548, respectively. 

* During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, the controller, through his 
professional tax business, provided tax preparation services that 
amounted to $1,500 and $500 during fiscal years 2010 and 2009, 
respectively. 

* During fiscal year 2010, a board member, through his company, provided
services relating to the annual poker tournament. The value for fiscal 
year 2010 was $4,100. 

* During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, a board member did not request
reimbursement of expenses the board member incurred for participants to
attend Mississippi and Washington, D.C., ceremonies. The value for 
fiscal years 2010 and 2009 was $3,400 and $2,900, respectively. 

* During fiscal years 2010 and 2009, a board member, through his 
company, provided filming of the Gold Award Ceremony. The values for 
fiscal years 2010 and 2009 were $3,000 and $3,079, respectively. 

* During fiscal year 2010, a board member, through his company, provided
services relating to the Gold Award program. The value for fiscal year 
2010 was $1,400. 

* During fiscal year 2010, a board member, through his company, provided
services relating to the annual poker tournament. The value for fiscal 
year 2010 was $550. 

* During fiscal year 2010, a board member, through his company, provided
services relating to the annual poker tournament. The value for fiscal 
year 2010 was $500. 

Note 11. Subsequent Events: 

In connection with the preparation of the financial statements, the 
Foundation has evaluated subsequent events after the date of the 
statement of financial position of September 30, 2010, through May 6, 
2011, the date on which the Foundation’s financial statements were 
available to be issued. 

The Foundation established a corporate credit card with a credit limit 
of $20,000 in January 2011. This credit limit is collateralized by a 
Certificate of Deposit with a face value of $20,000. No other 
subsequent events were noted that required adjustment to or a 
disclosure in the notes to the financial statements. 

[End of section] 

Appendix I: Comments from the Congressional Award Foundation: 

Congressional Award: 
379 Ford Office Building: 
Washington, DC 20515: 
(202) 226-0130: 
Fax: (202) 226-0131: 
Mailing address: 
Post Office Box 77440: 
Washington, DC 20013: 

May 6, 2011: 

Mr. Steven Sebastian: 
Director, Financial Management and Assurance: 
U.S. Government Accountability Office: 
441 G Street, N.W. 
Washington, DC 20548: 

Mr. Sebastian, 

This letter is in response to your audit report of the Congressional 
Award Foundation's statements of financial position as of September 
30, 2010 and 2009. 

We are pleased that the GAO found the fiscal year 2010 financial 
statements to be presented fairly and that there were no reportable 
instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations. We agree with 
your assessment that improvements have been made over the last year to 
properly address internal controls over financial reporting. "The
Foundation continues to make significant improvements in this area, 
creating new and improved policies and procedures in 2011. 

As we continue to experience growth in program participation among 
youth, assessment of our systems and procedures remains an ongoing 
process to deliver the program in the best possible manner. We 
appreciate the feedback and guidance of the GAO for this opportunity 
to strengthen the Foundation and its operations to yield the best 
possible results. 

Sincerely, 

Signed by: 

Erica W. Heyse: 
National Director: 

Signed by: 

Ed Blansitt: 
Audit Chairman: 

[End of section] 

Footnotes: 

[1] A deficiency in internal control exists when the design or 
operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the 
normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or 
detect and correct misstatements on a timely basis. A material 
weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in 
internal control such that there is a reasonable possibility that a 
material misstatement of the entity's financial statements will not be 
prevented, or detected and corrected on a timely basis. A significant 
deficiency is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in 
internal control that is less severe than a material weakness, yet 
important enough to merit attention by those charged with governance. 

[2] GAO, Financial Audit: Congressional Award Foundation's Fiscal 
Years 2009 and 2008 Financial Statements, [hyperlink, 
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-646] (Washington, D.C.: May 14, 
2010). 

[3] GAO, Management Report: Opportunities for Improvements in the 
Congressional Award Foundation's Internal Controls and Accounting 
Procedures, [hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-10-964R] 
(Washington, D.C.: September 9, 2010). 

[4] GAO, Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, 
[hyperlink, http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO/AIMD-00-21.3.1] 
(Washington, D.C.: November 1999). 

[End of section] 

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