CMU and Eide Bailly seek to increase financial literacy and community service through campus Tax Assistance Program
Perhaps the most famous quote about financial literacy is the injunction by Williams Lowndes who said, “Watch the pennies and dollars will take care of themselves.” The Colorado Philanthropy Committee of accounting firm Eide Bailly knows that financial literacy and community service are critical for the future economy of the nation. This knowledge is why the company finds small ways to make a large impact on the future of numerical literacy in the communities where the company services their clients. On December 12, CMU Professor of Accounting Geoffrey Gurka, PhD, announced that the company was continuing its longstanding commitment to the Tax Assistance Program (TAP) by donating the funding necessary to purchase new computers needed for the rapidly growing TAP program.
“The Tax Assistance Program is where our students touch the community by serving those who need help when it comes to filing their taxes and complying with the IRS code,” said Gurka. “Financial literacy is something that people who acquire it take for granted, often forgetting that many people in the community lack the skills to file taxes and structure their finances. CMU's TAP helps in that regard.”
Eide Bailly supports the program through a committee that the company designed to take a comprehensive, state-wide look at community need.
“Our Colorado Philanthropy Committee at Eide Bailly isn’t just about writing checks, its about connecting with the community by following up on financial contributions with our time, energy and efforts,” said Kathy Cantu, who is a senior tax manager in the company’s Grand Junction office.
Cantu plans to join students at CMU during the tax season to observe how the new equipment is helping students and community members and will also volunteer her time in support of those who need help.
“Eide Bailly’s philanthropy extends beyond the world of finance including Habitat for Humanity, the Make A Wish Foundation and other high profile partnerships,” said Cantu. “My favorite contributions are those that support that which I know best and in this case TAP helps people file their tax returns, which can be ominous and confusing if you do not have the skills and knowledge to do so. The TAP program at CMU is really something we are proud of.”
In addition to supporting TAP, Eide Bailly supports numerous CMU interns, employs a number of CMU alumni and sponsors a wide range of events like the annual Steak and Crab festival supporting CMU student-athletes.
For more information about supporting the CMU TAP program community members may email [email protected].