okay--I am in a pinch and need an answer to this one mucho fast

An organization we support and get CRA credit for our efforts has a program where at risk teens in the inner-city intern with a law firm for a couple of months and learn about the legal system (hopefully inpsiring them to on the "right" side of the law). The organization has asked the bank to participate as jurors--which we have no problem doing so but---the bank wants to know if that participation is CRA credit? LMI kids--learned new skill set to improve their lives- exhibiting this skill set with our assistance.

THOUGHTS!!!!????????????????

You are performing a service that benefits LMI kids, so I say yes.

I won't say I am a CRA guru, but as a community development service this has nothing to do with financial services. I wouldn't be surprised to have such an activity questioned and potentially refused. It serves LMI, but I don't believe that will automatically mean it qualifies. That doesn't mean I wouldn't try or participate in the activity

Andy Z is correct. Any service rendered by the bank, its employees, officers or directors as such must be financial in nature in order to receive credit under CRA. On the other hand, if the bank had made a contribution to the program it would qualify as a CRA "investment".

IMO, a totally stupid part of the reg. But Len is correct.

I agree with everyone that it is a push but I have the following things in my favor (I think): We have in-house counsel and an in-house legal department so it does relate to our financial banking. I have won that arguement before but you have to really explain how it matches up. Second we did contribute $3k of unrestricted funds for educational programs such as this to the organization. I have listed it on my "pushing the envelope" listing and notified the executive team that it is not a slam dunk---which is what they wanted to know. Thank you guys--this is what I needed!!

I remember being taught, as one illustration, that hammering for Habitat wasn't as good for CRA and doing their books. The latter is banking/financial related. Q&As that have come out on these activities also emphasized "financial." The fact that you have a bank attorney sit in the jury box is still hammering.