The executive director of a state agency is asked to give a luncheon speech about agency innovations at a business conference. After the speech, the sponsor of the conference sends the executive director a check for $500 along with a note explaining that this is in consideration for speaking at the conference. May the executive director accept the check?

No, this is a prohibited honorarium.

Yes, the executive director may accept the payment because he gave the speech during his lunch hour and not during work time.

Yes, the executive director may accept the check and then pass it on to charity.