Earth Conservancy

“The bylaws of earth conservancy reserve certain fundamental decisions to a vote of three members. These decisions include (i) the sale of real estate with a value that exceeds 50,000. (ii) borrowing which exceeds 500,000. (iii) consolidation or merger or (iv) the sale, lease, exchange, encumbrancing or other diposition of: (a) all or substantially all of the non-real estate property assets of the corportation; (b) any single non real estate asset with a value that exceeds 500,000; (c) authorizing voluntary dissolution of the corporation; (d) adopting a plan for the distribution of the assets of the corporation.”

“A copy of the proposed 990 is presented to every member of the board during the first quarter board meeting. During the meeting, the return is discussed and recommendations for modifications are made. After all modifications are made, the tax return is filed timely.”

“In addition to the distribution of the conflict of interest policy, an annual written communication is distributed reiterating that a conflict of interest exists when an individual has a personal interest that may influence him or her when making a decision for the organization. Members of the board are advised that the key is not to avoid all possible conflict of interest situations, but rather to identify potential conflicts of interest on a timely basis. For this reason, the organization periodically requires that a written declaration of affiliation is completed and returned for review by members of the board of directors and management as necessary. Additionally, a written summation of family or business relationships among officers, directors or key employees is obtained.”

“The executive committee of the board of directors is responsible for determining the annual compensation for the ceo. The committee provides written documentation that it has considered; (1) whether adequate capital has been acquired to enable significant accomplishments, consistent with the mission of earth conservancy; (2) whether there is a demonstrated willingness to take reasonable risks to meet mission objectives; (3) whether operating accomplishments have been satisfactory; (4) whether communication and involvement with the board and its committees have been timely and purposeful; and that (5) the compensation is reasonable based upon the level of experience and performance of the individual in relationship to other individuals with comparable responsibilities.”

“The executive committee of the board of directors is responsible for determining the annual compensation for the other officers. The committee provides written documentation that it has considered; (1) whether adequate capital has been acquired to enable significant accomplishments, consistent with the mission of earth conservancy; (2) whether there is a demonstrated willingness to take reasonable risks to meet mission objectives; (3) whether operating accomplishments have been satisfactory; (4) whether communication and involvement with the board and its committees have been timely and purposeful; and that (5) the compensation is reasonable based upon the level of experience and performance of the individual in relationship to other individuals with comparable responsibilities.”

“Earth conservancy's form 990, governing documents, conflict of interest policy and audited financial statements are available for public inspection during earth conservancy's normal operating hours. Additionally, its 990 is available online at www.guidestar.org”

“Earth conservancy is a nonprofit organization committed to the reclamation and return of over 16,000 acres of former coal company-owned land to the region. It collaborates with local communities, government agencies, education institutions, and the private sector to spearhead the creation and implementation of plans that restore the lands economic, recreational, residential, and ecological value.”

“Earth conservancy also provides recreational facilities for the community as well as a garden where residents can grow their own produce. Costs relative to these programs are also included in these expenses. In addition, the cost of land sold for development, 2,880,415, is included in other program services expenses.”