Alaqua Animal Refuge Inc

“2023 officer and/or board relationships: demetria mcneese has a family relationship with richard mcneese.”

“Form 990 was presented to alaqua animal refuge board members at the monthly board meeting prior to the date of filing. Information was shared with members for feedback and/or discussion.”

“The conflict-of-interest policy is included within the aar bylaws and outlines a formal process to protect the organization's tax-exempt interest when entering into transactions that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the organization. As part of the policy, all officers, directors, and key employees are required to disclose annually interest that could give rise to conflict. Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers annually signs a statement which affirms they: (a) have received a copy of the policy, (b) have read and understand the policy, (c) have agreed to comply with the policy, and (d) understand what a charitable organization must primarily engage in to maintain federal tax exemption. In addition, periodic reviews (which may or may not use outside experts) are conducted as needs arise to ensure the organization operates in a manner consistent with charitable purpose. At a minimum, reviews include compensation arrangements and benefits, partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management corporations based on our written policies and accountability procedures.”

“Line 15a - organization's president, executive director, or top management official alaqua animal refuge bylaws outline compensation guidelines for a voting member of the governing board that receives compensation from the organization which includes the president of the organization. The policy also includes board voting stipulations related to compensation and reasonable compensation criteria. All compensation decisions for high level officers of the corporation are made or approved by the board of directors. Compensation is based on research done on the following factors: type and amount of compensation by those in similar positions; expertise and other pertinent background; size and complexity of our organization; and need of our organization for services of the individual. Periodic reviews are conducted as part of the conflict-of-interest policy and include whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable based on competent survey information and the result of arm's length bargaining. When conducting periodic reviews, the organization may, but need not, use outside advisors. In addition, factors considered in performance reviews of the president include, but are not limited to, ongoing data and reports from the following areas: financial contributions and expenditures; annual fundraising and capital campaign goals; donor management and relations; programs and services goals; community outreach; and local, state, and national partnerships. Line 15b - organization's other officers or key employees our executive director completed his second year at the refuge. This position and those of any future senior level positions will receive annual reviews from either (or both) internal and independent persons based on national strategic leadership models, criteria, benchmarks, and site data compiled from but not limited to alaqua programs and services, strategic goals, budget expenditures, program management, staff performance and retention, and continuous improvement initiatives. This performance review information will also be used as a factor in determining and approving annual compensation.”

“Alaqua animal refuge shares governing documents, the conflict-of-interest policy, and aar financial statements with members of the general public upon request.”

“The organization did not change either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year.”