Dannon Project

“Prior to submission, The Dannon Project follows a formalized multi-level review process to ensure the accuracy and completeness of its annual Form 990 filing. The process is as follows: Preparation and Compilation: The organization's Accounting Manager, under the supervision of the Vice President of Operations, compiles financial data from the general ledger, grant accounting reports, and supporting schedules. All program, contribution, and grant information is verified against internal financial statements, the audited financial report, and applicable Uniform Guidance requirements. Internal Review: A draft Form 990 is reviewed in detail by the Executive Director, Operations Manager, and Accounting Manager to verify accuracy of financial reporting, narrative content, and compliance with IRS and federal grant standards. This includes cross-checking all grant amounts, program service expenses, and narrative consistency with board-approved financial statements. External Oversight: Upon completion of internal review, the draft is provided to the Board of Directors' Finance Committee for independent review. Committee members are given sufficient time to examine the return, ask questions, and request clarifications from management and the external accounting consultant prior to filing. Board Approval: Following the Finance Committee's recommendation, the full Board of Directors formally reviews and approves the Form 990 at a scheduled board meeting before it is filed with the Internal Revenue Service. The approval and discussion are documented in the board meeting minutes. Public Disclosure: A copy of the final, filed Form 990 is maintained in the organization's permanent records and made available for public inspection upon request in compliance with §6104(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. This structured review process ensures transparency, fiscal integrity, and accountability in the organization's financial and operational reporting.”

“The Dannon Project maintains a comprehensive, written Conflict of Interest Policy that applies to all members of the Board of Directors, officers, key employees, and individuals with financial decision-making authority. The policy is designed to ensure that all organizational decisions are made in the best interest of the organization and the populations it serves, consistent with 26 C.F.R. §1.501(c)(3)-1 and Uniform Guidance requirements under 2 C.F.R. §200.318(c). Annual Disclosure Process: Each officer, director, and key employee is required to complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form annually and upon any material change in circumstances. These disclosures identify any business, familial, or financial relationships that could create or appear to create a conflict of interest with The Dannon Project's mission or operations. Review and Oversight: Completed disclosure forms are reviewed by the Board Secretary and the Executive Director (or designee) for potential conflicts. Any disclosed interest is presented to the Board's Governance and Finance Committees, which determine whether a conflict exists and, if so, prescribe the appropriate recusal or mitigation procedures. Monitoring and Enforcement: The organization regularly and consistently enforces compliance by: Requiring written acknowledgment of the policy by all covered individuals each year. Recording recusals in meeting minutes when a member abstains from discussion or voting on a matter where a potential conflict exists. Including conflict-of-interest review as a standing item on the Board's annual agenda. Auditing compliance as part of the organization's annual financial and internal control review process. This structured approach ensures that The Dannon Project maintains the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fiduciary accountability in all governance and operational matters.”

“The Dannon Project maintains a structured, transparent, and compliant process for establishing executive and key employee compensation. This process ensures reasonableness, alignment with market benchmarks, and compliance with IRS intermediate sanctions regulations (IRC §4958) and 2 C.F.R. §200.430 regarding compensation reasonableness for federally funded organizations. 1. Oversight and Independence: Compensation for the Executive Director (Chief Executive Officer) and other key management officials is reviewed and approved annually by the Board of Directors' Compensation Committee, which is composed entirely of independent voting members who have no family or business relationships with the compensated individuals. 2. Use of Comparability Data: The Compensation Committee utilizes independent salary data and comparability studies from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the National Council of Nonprofits, and relevant Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) regional compensation benchmarks. For federally funded positions, additional comparability is drawn from U.S. Department of Labor O*NET wage data and peer nonprofit salary surveys of organizations with similar size, scope, and funding portfolios. 3. Contemporaneous Documentation: All compensation deliberations, supporting data, and final decisions are documented contemporaneously in meeting minutes and retained in accordance with the organization's document retention policy. Minutes reflect the comparability data reviewed, the decision reached, and confirmation that no member of the approving body had a conflict of interest. 4. Review Frequency and Applicability: The compensation review process was most recently conducted in Fiscal Year 2024 for the following positions: Executive Director (Chief Executive Officer) Vice President of Operations Accounting Manager (Key Employee) Program Director (Key Employee) Adjustments, if any, are approved only upon the full Board's ratification. 5. Compliance and SHRM Membership: The Dannon Project's HR and administrative staff maintain active SHRM membership and follow SHRM Professional Standards of Practice, ensuring that compensation reviews reflect current HR and nonprofit governance standards. This process provides a defensible, transparent, and equitable framework for compensation decisions that comply with both federal cost principles and IRS guidelines for reasonableness.”

“The Dannon Project is committed to maintaining full transparency and public accountability in its governance and financial operations. In accordance with IRS regulations under Section 6104(d) and best practices for charitable organizations, the following procedures are in place to ensure public access to key organizational documents: Governing Documents and Policies: The organization's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Conflict of Interest Policy are maintained on file at the administrative office and are made available for public inspection upon written request or by email. Requests can be directed to the Operations Manager or via the organization's contact page on its official website. Financial Statements and Form 990 Filings: The Dannon Project's audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 are prepared and filed electronically through efile990.org, ensuring compliance with federal e-filing requirements. Once accepted by the IRS, the completed Form 990 is made available to the public through: The efile990.org public portal, The IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) database, and Upon written request directly to the organization's office. Access Procedures: The organization honors all reasonable requests for copies of its governing documents, Conflict of Interest Policy, and financial statements within a reasonable time frame, either electronically or in print, consistent with IRS disclosure regulations. Commitment to Transparency: The Dannon Project proactively shares financial highlights and program outcomes with funders, government partners, and the community through its annual report, presentations, and grant compliance submissions. This practice reinforces transparency, donor confidence, and compliance with federal and state nonprofit disclosure requirements. These practices collectively ensure that the organization's governance, policies, and financial integrity remain accessible and transparent to the public and all stakeholders.”