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A Long Island nonprofit hosted and promoted a fundraiser for a Democratic state lawmaker’s campaign — a move that appears to violate federal laws for tax-exempt entities, The Post has learned.
Registered 501(c)(3) Long Island Youth Development Inc. held an Oct. 3 event for Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Suffolk County), according to a social media post that urged its followers to “do all we can to support her and care for our communities.”
“Join us as we hold a reception to celebrate the contributions Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay has had to the Long Island Youth Development organization and the asian community on Long Island,” the post read.
The nonprofit, headed by Dr. Yanping Yu, made the post as the Democrat secured a large state grant for the organization.
A flyer with the post includes Kassay’s campaign logo and says “donations appreciated but not required.” It lists ticket prices starting at $50 up to $500 and includes a link to a page to donate to Kassay’s campaign as well as a campaign email.
“Thanks to New York State’s public financing program, in-district donations can be matched up to 12 times!”
Kassay is also taking advantage of the state’s campaign matching program, meaning all donations under $250 can trigger a matching $250 from state coffers.
The flyer asks attendees to please join a reception with Yu and Suffolk County lawmaker Jonathan Kornreich.
Nonprofits are strictly prohibited from political activity such as soliciting contributions for or on behalf of a political candidate. A 501(c)(3) can face revocation of its tax exempt status or fines if it violates the Internal Revenue Code.
“It’s clearly participating in a campaign, which is prohibited activity for a 501(c)(3),” Patrick Sternal, counsel at Holtzman-Vogel, told The Post.
Yu herself has donated $2,500 to Kassay since September 2025, and the Assembly member has appeared at several events for her nonprofit, according to her social media accounts.
Kassay has also recognized Yu with official proclamations and honors such as a “women of distinction” award and naming her a “Women’s history month honoree.” Posts show the two together in Albany earlier this year.
Kassay’s office and the nonprofit didn’t respond to a request for comment.
The Instagram post was removed Tuesday after The Post reached out to Kassay’s office for comment.
Kassay, who is seeking a second two-year term to the Assembly’s third district in Suffolk, is facing Republican Will Sussman in the Nov. 3 election.
Sussman said he’s looking forward to a “full investigation” by the state attorney general, whose office oversees nonprofits.
“Even in Albany, most people know that you don’t give out taxpayer money in exchange for donations to your campaign,” Sussman said.
“Rebecca Kassay either doesn’t know the law, or she doesn’t think it applies to her.” I look forward to a full investigation by the Attorney General,” Sussman said.
State lawmakers are paid $142,000 a year.
