San Francisco Consumer Action

“Prior to its filing, the 990 is reviewed by the Executive Director and Business Manager. It is circulated among the board of directors after filing.”

“All board members are required to fill out and sign a disclosure form indicating whether or not they have or may have any conflicts of interest. On an annual basis they are asked to affirm that no conflict has arisen. This may be done verbally at a board meeting or in writing.”

“Tax filings are posted on our website and other web sites. Copies are also available upon request or for inspection at our office.”

“Governing documents, the conflict of interest policy and financial statements are available to the public upon request.”

“A long-term (12 year) educational project funded by Capital One came to an end.”

“OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 4: The Trombley BofA Cy Pres Banking Education Project (total expenses: $109,324): This project covers research on bank payment systems, and the issues about using them that impact consumers. Funds from this general cy pres grant also cover the cost of publishing fact sheets on other banking services. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 5: The Credit Card Tying Cy Pres Project ($228,527): This project has produced "Questions and Answers About Secured Credit Cards", a training manual and group leader's guide designed to give community advocates and outreach workers a background on the topic so that they can counsel clients and/or lead workshops for other staff members. It is intended to be used with the brochure titled "Building and Repairing Your Credit with a Secured Credit Card," an easy-to-read introduction to the subject available in Chinese, English and Spanish. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 6: The Financial Literacy Project (total expenses: $106,732): Consumer Action's Financial Literacy Project has produced many fact sheets to help people be aware of their financial rights and options. These fact sheets cover opening a bank account, shopping for savings instruments and resolving complaints against financial institutions. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 7: Smith Cy Pres Debt Collection Education Project (total expenses: $90,123): This project focuses on the many problems consumers around the country experience when they can't pay their bills. The project has researched, written produced and translated two free basic pamphlets on: "Debtors' Rights" and the "The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act". Accompanying these publications is a "Debt Collection Lesson Plan" and a PowerPoint. These materials provide key insights into the rights that people have when they owe money and are being threatened with a lawsuit or wage garnishment. The 22-page "Debtors' Rights" pamphlet includes coverage of "Your rights when you owe a debt", When a debt collector contacts you", "Avoiding debt collection scams", "Avoiding legal actions", "Responding to a law suit", "Preparing for the Hearing" and more. During the year Consumer Action held several training sessions on these materials, to help the staff of community-based organizations to serve their clients who have payment problems. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 8: The Housing Education Project (total expenses: $70,532): The Housing Education Project works to help people become aware of their rights as tenants. It has worked with the federal housing department to make people aware of how to assert their rights when they are victims of housing discrimination. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 9: Other Projects (total expenses: $335,805): In addition to the projects mentioned above, Consumer Action produced a quarterly newsletter on consumer affairs, CA News, which the organization has been printing since 1971. The organization also conducts advocacy by researching current marketplace issues and contacting legislators and regulators about the pro-consumer position on these developments. OTHER PROGRAM SERVICES 10: Other Projects cont'd (total expenses: $335,805): Within the last year Consumer Action also conducted educational projects concerning: internet privacy and securacy, consumer education for veterans, medical privacy issues, and education about contact lens awareness.”