City of Framingham: State Conflict Interest law Prevents City From Fundraising for Charitable Organizations

March 29, 2020March 29, 2020 editor Charitable organizations, City of Framingham, Conflict of interest law

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City of Framingham issued this press release today at about 1:22 p.m.

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FRAMINGHAM – There have been questions asked about the City’s ability to provide financial resources to the generous organizations that are working to address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

M.G.L. 268A of the Conflict of Interest Law, specifically section 23(b) (2) (ii), prevents the City from raising or donating funds for specific charitable organizations.

Instead, the City is working with all of the organizations that are providing food assistance to coordinate the #FeedFramingham effort to help ensure that the needs of those people who are food insecure are met.

Additionally, the City is investigating alternative options that may allow the direct utilization of City funds to assist with food delivery efforts consistent with the Conflict of Interest Law and other applicable laws.

The City will report in a future press release regarding the outcome of this investigation and the additional steps that the City plans to undertake in light of the same.