Firstspark Inc.

“All persons elected as directors shall be residents of virgina. (formerly required residence in southeastern virginia) directors are expected to attend all board and committee meetings unless their absence is excused by the chair of the board or committee chair. Failure to attend a majority of the board and committee meetings in any fiscal year shall be reason for removal from the board. Email voting shall be permitted as specially authorized by chair of the board or chair of a committee with finite closing date and time stated for voting. Directors must attend in person at least half of the meetings held annually in order to participate offsite by means of telephone or other communications. Attendance by telephone or other communications shall be accounted and recognized for purposes of reaching a quorum. Audit and finance committee is authorized to provide oversite of the financial affairs of the corporation including investments, budgeting and reserve, oversee the review of the audited financial statements as well as the corporation's internal controls, risk management, any legal and regulatory requirements and to provide direction for the board on fiscal and audit responsibilities. Board governance committee is authorized to ensure that the board members, both individually and collectively, have the competencies necessary to perform their tasks as board members. The committee would lead the corporation toward achieving its strategic goals and outcomes, promoting board participation, recruitment, development and growth. The committee also ensures governance best practices are followed and regularly evaluates the effectiveness of the board and its committees. Any officer or agent may be removed, with or without cause, at any time when two-thirds of the board members, in their absolute discretion, shall consider that the best interests of the corporatuon would be served thereby. The secretary shall supply board members with the conflict of interest policy on an annual basis which shall be acknowledged by all members in writing.”

“Form 990 is reviewed by the treasurer and then sent to the board of directors before filing.”

“Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers has to annually sign a statement that he/she has read, understands, and agrees to comply with the conflict of interest policy. Periodic reviews shall be conducted. Reviews shall include the following subjects: 1. Whether compensation arrangements and benefits once implemented are reasonable, based on competent survey information, and are the result of arm's length bargaining. 2. Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations conform to the organization's written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.”

“The executive director's intitial compensation was approved by a grant agreement. The board of directors will set the rate of compensation for future years based upon performance review and research done on reasonable rates of pay for comparable positions in other organizations and in other smart beginnings coalitions.”

“Personnel policy requires board approval of any full-time employee. Factors considered in setting rates of compensation are: work experience of the individual; research done on reasonable rates of pay for comparable positions in other businesses and organizations; and rates of compensation allowable under budget guidelines of grants and contracts.”

“Governing documents and financial statements are made available upon request.”

“Board members are volunteers.”

“Other programs including improving early childhood workforce, connecting families and caregivers, promoting social-emotional skills and the collective impact initiative.”