A Long Island nonprofit hosted and promoted a fundraiser for a Democratic state lawmaker’s campaign in what appears to be a violation of federal rules governing tax-exempt organizations, according to findings reviewed by The Post.
Long Island Youth Development Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, held an Oct. 3 event for Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay (D-Suffolk County). A social media post promoting the gathering urged 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 stated.
The nonprofit is led by Dr. Yanping Yu, who published the post as Kassay secured a substantial state grant for the organization.
The accompanying flyer featured Kassay’s campaign logo and said that “donations [were] appreciated but not required.” Ticket prices ranged from $50 to $500, and the flyer included a link to Kassay’s campaign donation page along with a campaign email address.
“Thanks to New York State’s public financing program, in-district donations can be matched up to 12 times!” the flyer said.
Kassay is participating in the state’s campaign-matching program, under which donations of less than $250 can generate a matching contribution of up to $250 from state funds.
The flyer invited attendees to a reception featuring Yu and Suffolk County lawmaker Jonathan Kornreich.
Federal law strictly bars 501(c)(3) nonprofits from engaging in political activity, including soliciting contributions for or on behalf of a political candidate. Violations can lead to fines or the loss of an organization’s tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.
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“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 has donated $2,500 to Kassay since September 2025, while Kassay has appeared at several events for Yu’s nonprofit, according to posts on Yu’s social media accounts.
Kassay has also honored Yu with official proclamations and recognitions, including a “Women of Distinction” award and a designation as a “Women’s History Month honoree.” Social media posts show the pair together in Albany earlier this year.
Kassay’s office and the nonprofit did not respond to requests for comment.
The Instagram post was deleted Tuesday after The Post contacted Kassay’s office seeking comment.
Kassay is seeking a second two-year term representing the Assembly’s Third District in Suffolk County. She faces Republican Will Sussman in the Nov. 3 election.
Sussman said he welcomed 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,” Sussman said. “I look forward to a full investigation by the attorney general.”
State lawmakers earn $142,000 annually.