Cause for Paws - Lincoln

“No review was or will be conducted.”

“No documents available to the public.”

“Nondeductible expense = -$96”

“Cause For Paws Lincoln is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity with the mission of helping domesticated Dogs & Cats live a long, happy and healthy life. We help other Animal Rescue groups with support and monetary donations. We also help low income individuals get quality health care for their pets.Our retail operation and support for animals requires all involved to work as a team towards the goals we set. We must work with the public and others in a professional and compassionate manner. Within our operation itself each individual from the President to the newest volunteer must conduct themselves in a positive, kind and considerate manner. How we treat each other reflects directly upon ourselves and the public we serve.Honesty, transparency and decency must be practiced in every aspect of our operation and any malicious or self-serving behavior cannot be tolerated.There is no room for discrimination, harassment or indecent behavior towards any member of our organization. No one should be subjected to a hostile work environment based on their race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs or any other trait that makes us all different. Everyone must behave in a manner that uplifts our co workers and the people we interact with.There will inevitably be times or circumstances that may be stressful or call someones behavior or actions into question. Any such circumstance or event must be handled in a calm, non-confrontational manner out of public view as to not tarnish a happy environment that makes our operation flourish. Dishonest and dis-respectful conduct must not affect our most important assets, our coworkers and the customers and donors that are the life blood of our operation. Every one of us must not wish ill will towards the organization in public or private. Harmful or negative comments in real time or on social media directed at Cause For Paws can have disastrous consequences. Even our conduct outside and regardless of Cause For Paws can reflect poorly on the operation. Any volunteer that refuses to comply with the spirit of this document may be expelled by the on duty manager at any time. Contractors & any member of the board of directors are also subject to expulsion. Board members will be governed by the bylaws and any other policies in effect.”

“It is important for Cause for Paws - Lincoln directors, officers, and staff to be aware that both real and apparent conflicts of interest or dualities of interest sometimes occur in the course of conducting the affairs of the corporation and that the appearance of conflict can be troublesome even if there is in fact no conflict whatsoever. Conflicts occur because the many persons associated with the corporation should be expected to have, and do in fact generally have multiple interests and affiliations and various positions of responsibility within the community.In these situations a person will sometimes owe identical duties of loyalty to two or more corporations. The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect the corporations taxexempt interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the corporation or might result in a possibleexcess benefit transaction. The policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.Conflicts are undesirable because they potentially or eventually place the interests of others ahead of the corporations obligations to its charitable purposes and to the public interest.Conflicts are also undesirable because they often reflect adversely upon the person involved and upon the institutions with which they are affiliated, regardless of the actual facts or motivations of the parties. However, the long-range best interests of the corporation do not require the termination of all association with persons who may have real or apparent conflicts that are harmless to all individuals or entities involved.Each member of the board of directors and the staff of the corporation has a duty of loyalty to the corporation. The duty of loyalty generally requires a director or staff member to prefer the interests of the corporation over the directors/staffs interest or the interests of others. In addition, directors and staff of the corporation shall avoid acts of self-dealing which may adversely affect the tax-exempt status of the corporation or cause there to arise any sanction orpenalty by a governmental authority.In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.ARTICLE IIDEFINITIONS2.1 Interested PersonAny director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.2.2 Financial InterestA person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, thorough business, investment, or family:(a) An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the corporation has a transaction or arrangement,(b) A compensation arrangement with the corporation or with any entity or individual with which the corporation has a transaction or arrangement, or(c) A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the corporation is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial. A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.ARTICLE IIIPROCEDURES3.1 Duty to DiscloseIn connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given t”

“I have read the attached conflicts of interest policy and agree to comply fully with its terms and conditions at all times during my service as a contractor and / or a Cause for Paws Lincoln Board member. If at any time following the submission of this form I become aware of any actual or potential conflicts of interest, or if the information provided below becomes inaccurate or incomplete, I will promptly notify the Cause for Paws - Lincoln Board of Directors in writing.Disclosure of Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest if any, attach additional pages if necessary.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I acknowledge and agree that my selection for service on the Board and the opportunities made available to me by serving on the Board constitute good and valuable consideration for entering into this agreement, the receipt and sufficiency of which I hereby acknowledge.Name: & Position. Please print then sign belowName______________________________________Positon_______________________________________________________________________Signature: _____________________________________”

“Document DestructionThe Document Retention and Destruction Policy identifies the record retention responsibilities of staff, volunteers, members of the board of directors, and outsiders for maintaining and documenting the storage and destruction of the organizations documents and records.The organizations staff, volunteers, members of the board of directors, committee members and outsiders (independent contractors via agreements with them) are required to honor the following rules:a. Paper or electronic documents indicated under the terms for retention in the following section will be transferred and maintained by the Vice-President and Treasurer, Darren C. Sturgis.b. All other paper documents will be destroyed after 7 years.c. All other electronic documents will be deleted from all individual computers, data bases, networks, and back-up storage after 10 years.d. No paper or electronic documents will be destroyed or deleted if pertinent to any ongoing or anticipated government investigation or proceeding or private litigation (check with legal counsel or the human resources department for any current or foreseen litigation if employees have not been notified); ande. No paper or electronic documents will be destroyed or deleted as required to comply with government auditing standards (Single Audit Act).Record RetentionType of Document Minimum RequirementAccounts payable ledgers and schedules 7 yearsAudit reports PermanentlyBank reconciliations 2 yearsBank statements 3 yearsChecks (for important payments and purchases) PermanentlyContracts, mortgages, notes, and leases (expired) 7 yearsContracts (still in effect) Contract periodCorrespondence (general) 2 yearsCorrespondence (legal and important matters) PermanentlyCorrespondence (with customers and vendors) 2 yearsDeeds, mortgages, and bills of sale PermanentlyDepreciation schedules PermanentlyDuplicate deposit slips 2 yearsEmployment applications 3 yearsExpense analyses/expense distribution schedules 7 yearsYear-end financial statements PermanentlyInsurance records, current accident reports, claims, Permanentlypolicies, and so on (active and expired)Internal audit reports 3 yearsInventory records for products, materials, & supplies 3 yearsInvoices (to customers, from vendors) 7 yearsMinute books, bylaws, and charter PermanentlyPatents and related papers PermanentlyPayroll records and summaries 7 yearsPersonnel files (terminated employees) 7 yearsRetirement and pension records PermanentlyTax returns and worksheets PermanentlyTimesheets 7 yearsTrademark registrations and copyrights PermanentlyWithholding tax statements 7 years”

“MissionCause for Paws Lincoln is dedicated to supporting animals, communities and people in need. Through direct care, education and financial support, we will use our proceeds to improve the lives of those that need us. We recognize the beneficial bond between humans and animals. We will do what it takes to support our community.VisionWhile our organization is in Lincoln Nebraska special circumstances require that we address problems outside our community and surrounding area. Cause for Paws Lincoln will act in other areas near and far around the globe, if deemed necessary by the members of the organization.Our operationsCause for Paws Lincoln operates a 6000 sq foot retail store in Lincoln, NE. We are a donation-based boutique that sells quality clothing, home goods and pet supplies. This is how we help animals,individuals and communities:1. Partner with veterinary clinics who exemplify the importance of quality care and services at affordable prices, through direct payments, for low-income or hardship owners.2. Intervene in cases involving stray, abused, neglected and/or abandoned pets. Partnering with local,state and federal agencies for guidance and help to ensure a positive outcome.3. Provide support for individuals or families experiencing hardship, domestic violence or abuse.4. Funding efforts to help individuals and animals affected by natural disasters, including traveling to those locations for direct support and aid.5. Designated safe place for individuals needing help(https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/)6. Share accessible tools and resources that foster growth in the communities we have reached.This is who we are. This is why we are compelled to act.We appreciate your support, engagement and partnerships.The Cause for Paws Lincoln Team”

“The Policy StatementCause for Paws - Lincoln is committed to providing a safe environment for all its employees free from discrimination on any ground and from harassment at work including sexual harassment.Cause for Paws - Lincoln will operate a zero-tolerance policy for any form of sexual harassment in the workplace, treat all incidents seriously and promptly investigate all allegations of sexual harassment. Any person found to have sexually harassed another will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from employment, termination of work contract and expulsion from any board position.All complaints of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and treated with respect and in confidence. No one will be victimized for making such a complaint.Definition of sexual harassmentSexual harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature which makes a person feel offended,humiliated and/or intimidated. It includes situations where a person is asked to engage in sexual activity as a condition of that persons employment, as well as situations which create an environment which is hostile, intimidating or humiliating for the recipient.Sexual harassment can involve one or more incidents and actions constituting harassment may be physical, verbal and non-verbal. Examples of conduct or behavior which constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:Physical conduct Unwelcome physical contact including patting, pinching, stroking, kissing, hugging,fondling, or inappropriate touching Physical violence, including sexual assault Physical contact, e.g. touching, pinching The use of job-related threats or rewards to solicit sexual favorsVerbal conduct Comments on a workers appearance, age, private life, etc. Sexual comments, stories and jokes Sexual advances Repeated and unwanted social invitations for dates or physical intimacy Insults based on the sex of the worker Condescending or paternalistic remarks Sending sexually explicit messages (by phone or by email)Non-verbal conduct Display of sexually explicit or suggestive material Sexually suggestive gestures Whistling LeeringAnyone can be a victim of sexual harassment, regardless of their sex and of the sex of the harasser. Cause for Paws Lincoln recognizes that sexual harassment may also occur between people of the same sex. What matters is that the sexual conduct is unwanted and unwelcome by the person against whom the conduct is directed.Cause for Paws Lincoln recognizes that sexual harassment is a manifestation of power relationships and often occurs within unequal relationships in the workplace, for example between manager or supervisor and employee.Anyone, including employees of Cause for Paws Lincoln, clients, customers, casual workers,contractors or visitors who sexually harasses another will be reprimanded in accordance with this internal policy.All sexual harassment is prohibited whether it takes place within Cause for Paws Lincoln premises or outside, including at social events, business trips, training sessions or conferences sponsored by Cause for Paws Lincoln.Complaints proceduresAnyone who is subject to sexual harassment should, if possible, inform the alleged harasser that the conduct is unwanted and unwelcome. Cause for Paws Lincoln recognizes that sexual harassment may occur in unequal relationships (i.e., between a supervisor and his/her employee)and that it may not be possible for the victim to inform the alleged harasser.If a victim cannot directly approach an alleged harasser, he/she can approach one of the designated staff members responsible for receiving complaints of sexual harassment. This person could be another supervisor, a member of the human resources department, etc.When a designated person receives a complaint of sexual harassment, he/she will: immediately record the dates, times and facts of the incident(s) ascertain the views of the victim as to what outcome he/she wants ensure that the victim understands the organizations procedures”

“Cause for Paws - Lincoln requires directors, officers and employees to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. As employees and representatives of the Cause for Paws - Lincoln, we must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling our responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.Reporting ResponsibilityThis Whistle-blower Policy is intended to encourage and enable employees and others to raise serious concerns internally so that Cause for Paws - Lincoln can address and correct inappropriate conduct and actions. It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees and volunteers to report concerns about violations of Cause for Paws - Lincolns code of ethics or suspected violations of law or regulations that govern Cause for Paws - Lincolns operations.No RetaliationIt is contrary to the values of Cause for Paws - Lincoln for anyone to retaliate against any board member, officer, employee or volunteer who in good faith reports an ethics violation, or a suspected violation of law, such as a complaint of discrimination, or suspected fraud, or suspected violation of any regulation governing the operations of Cause for Paws - Lincoln. An employee who retaliatesagainst someone who has reported a violation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.Reporting ProcedureCause for Paws - Lincoln has an open door policy and suggests that employees share their questions, concerns, suggestions or complaints with their supervisor. If you are not comfortable speaking with your supervisor or you are not satisfied with your supervisors response, you are encouraged to speak with Darren C. Sturgis, Vice - President - Treasurer. Supervisors and managers are required to report complaints or concerns about suspected ethical and legal violations in writing to the Cause for Paws - Lincolns Compliance Officer, Darren C. Sturgis, Vice-President/ Treasurerwho has the responsibility to investigate all reported complaints. Employees with concerns or complaints may also submit their concerns in writing directly to their supervisor or the Executive Director or the organizations Compliance Officer.Compliance OfficerThe Cause for Paws - Lincoln's Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all complaints about unethical or illegal conduct are investigated and resolved. The Compliance Officer will advise the Executive Director and/or the Board of Directors of all complaints and their resolution and will report at least annually to the Treasurer/Chair of the Finance Committee/Audit Committee] on compliance activity relating to accounting or alleged financial improprieties.Accounting and Auditing MattersThe Cause for Paws - Lincoln Compliance Officer shall immediately notify the AuditCommittee/Finance Committee of any concerns or complaint regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls or auditing and work with the committee until the matter is resolved.Acting in Good FaithAnyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false will be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.ConfidentialityViolations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant. Reports of violations or suspected violations will be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.Handling of Reported ViolationsThe Cause for Paws - Lincoln s Compliance Officer will notify the person who submitted a complaint and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation. All reports will be promptly investigated and appropriate corrective action will be taken if warrante”