The Giving Circle

“Prior to filing, a draft form 990 is reviewed by members of the board. After all comments and questions have been sufficiently resolved the draft form 990 is finalized and filed.”

“The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect the interest of the giving circle when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the company or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations. Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person: a. Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy, b. Has read and understands the policy, c. Has agreed to comply with the policy, and d. Understands the company is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes. In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement. After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.”

“The organization does not make its governing documents and financial statements available to the public. The form 990 is available to the public upon request for the same period of disclosure as set forth in section 6104(d). In addition, the form 990 without schedule b is available via guidestar and the massachusetts attorney general's website.”

“There were an estimated 136 volunteers, totaling approximately 664 volunteer hours for the year. The services provided were: serving on the giving circle board, serving on the review committee to grant funds to qualified recipients, supporting holiday volunteer efforts, and planning/organizing for the fall festival and golf fundraising events.”