Free Press Action Fund

“No committee has authority to act on behalf of the governing body.”

“Generally, an electronic copy of the form 990 is distributed to all members of the audit oversight committee (chair, treasurer, and assistant treasurer) which reviews it and the organization's financial statements during a meeting with the certified public accountant retained to prepare these documents. Once the audit oversight committee is satisfied with the accuracy of the information presented, a copy of the form 990 is sent to all board members prior to filing. Each year the entire governing body is offered the opportunity to meet with the organization's certified public accountant to review the audited financial statements and to discuss the financial management practices of the organization. This is an optional meeting designed to allow the governing body direct access to the cpa.”

“All officers, directors, trustees, and key employees are required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts. Signed documents are collected at the annual meeting of the governing body. If a real or perceived conflict is reported the procedures in the policy are followed.”

“Each position at free press action fund has a pay range. Ranges are determined after review of comparability data, including compensation information received directly from peer organizations, compensation data from the federal government pay scale, and research on non-profit compensation conducted by guidestar, regional employer associations, and job postings. Management includes compensation data for all staff, including the executive director and key employees, in the annual budget that is reviewed and approved by the board of directors in advance of each fiscal year. A detailed memo outlining the organization's values around compensation, the highest and lowest paid employee and how compensation changes within any fiscal year is provided along with the budget. The board approves the budget in advance of each fiscal year. Compensation changes during any fiscal year are at the discretion of management, and must remain within the board approved budget. Mid-year changes to the ceo's compensation, if any must be reviewed and approved by the board of directors.”

“Free press action fund will provide copies of governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements upon request and within 10 business days of any request.”

“Program work includes: education, organizing and mobilizing our members to advocate for better media, open technology and a healthier democracy. Areas of focus include network neutrality, online privacy, corporate and government surveillance, journalism, public media, media consolidation and media diversity, and government transparency and accountability. Accomplishments include: 1) continued to build a strong citizen movement for better media in the u.s by providing education, resources and networking opportunities for our members. Provided regular and timely information to members via email, website, social media and direct mail. Worked with more than 250 organizations and more than 500,000 individuals to oppose efforts to safeguard an accessible, affordable, and open internet. Our members took action more than 1 million times to sign petitions and make phone calls to their elected leaders in washington. Secured financial support from more than 14,976 unique donors. 2) internet: promoted policies that protect consumers, ensure universal access and encourage competition and innovation in the broadband marketplace. Educated consumers about pricing, competition, and service practices in the cable and wireless services industry. Worked to defend the 2015 fcc's network neutrality rulings in the courts, in congress, and in the media and worked to prevent the 2017 reversal of net neutrality. Organized 1,300 public events nationwide. Advocated for a more comprehensive approach to restoring americans' online privacy, including promotion of strong racial-justice analysis when assessing impacts of corporate and government surveillance. 3) journalism: worked to prevent further consolidation of media ownership and to promote policies that support pluralism and diversity. Exposed the negative impact of marginalization and suppression of independent voices. Promoted competitive, diverse and independent local media. Advocated for policies that sustain journalism. Exposed threats to journalists and freedom of expression. Promoted passage of legislation that could bring millions of dollars in new investment to local news gathering and civic technology in new jersey. 4) media control: worked to prevent further consolidation of media ownership and to promote policies that support pluralism and diversity. Promoted competitive, diverse and independent local media. Advocated in congress for retention of regulations that limit how many broadcast stations and newspapers an entity can own and opposed all efforts to loosen the limits.”

“Other professional services: program service expenses 245,009. Management and general expenses 1,443. Fundraising expenses 16,881. Total expenses 263,333.”

“The organization's chair, treasurer and chief operating officer assume responsibility for oversight of the audit of the financial statements and selection of an independent accountant. The process has not changed from the prior year.”