N.Y. Advisory Committee States Requirements of Soliciting Institutions

An explanation of the functions of the Advisory Committee on Jewish Charities to the Department of Public Welfare was made in a statement issued by the Committee.

“First,” the statement declared, “the Advisory Committee on Jewish Charities to the Department of Public Welfare of the City of New York was appointed by the Hon. Bird S. Coler, Commissioner of Public Welfare of the City of New York for the sole purpose, as its name indicates, to advise the Commissioner on the applications from Jewish charitable organizations desiring to make public solicitation in New York City, to the end that the public may be protected from fraud and that reliable charitable organizations may be strengthened in their proper appeal for funds.

“Second, the Advisory Committee on Jewish Charities to the Department of Public Welfare of the City of New York does not attempt to either solve the Jewish charitable problem especially with regard to duplication or the competition of existing organizations, nor does it undertake to pass on the need, importance or aim of existing charitable organizations.

“Third, the Advisory Committee on Jewish Charities to the Department of Public Welfare of the City of New York, when requested for an opinion by the Commissioner will recommend to him for permits all Jewish charitable organizations that will comply with the following five essential requirements: (a) That have a legal charter and a Board of Directors; (b) That keep books and records; (c) That will file with the Welfare Department a complete and audited financial report, showing all the income and disbursements of all funds received, at least once in every twelve months; (d) That have annual membership as the basis of their maintenance and support; (e) That where collectors are employed to solicit small donations, their commission or salary does not exceed the maximum of thirty-three and one-third per cent of the amount collected.”

The Committee is composed of Judge Otto A. Rosalsky, chairman: Dr. Samuel Margoshes, vice-chairman; Jonah J. Goldstein, secretary; Judge Aaron J. Levy; Judge Grover M. Moscowitz; Rabbi Herbert S. Goldstein; Bernard Semel; Morris Rothenberg; Samuel Rothenberg and Max Blumberg.