Future Heights

“Prior to filing, the form 990 is presented to the executive director, board treasurer and finance staff for review and approval. The form 990 is then electronically distributed to the board of directors in advance of filing. The board president signs the 990 (or 8879-eo) and the 990 is electronically filed.”

“Each year, the board members are asked to review the organization's conflict of interest policy. Among other things, the policy makes clear that all decisions of the board, officers, and employees of the organization are made solely on the basis of a desire to promote the best interest of the organization and the public good. The conflict of interest statement requests board members to identify to the best of their knowledge affiliations with organizations that may be potentially related to the financials or other substantive operations of the organization. They are also asked to identify circumstances involving either themselves, or a member of their extended family, that may be construed as a conflict of interest. At the staff level, the organization's personnel also ensure that there are no conflicts of interest when considering the engagement of a new vendor. If a potential conflict is identified, appropriate steps are taken to both assess the nature of the potential conflict and, subsequently, to ensure that the possibility of an actual conflict is mitigated. Such mitigation is managed and the letter and spirit of the conflicts policy are upheld.”

“The executive committee annually evaluates the performance of the executive director. Compensation is based on performance and compared to other area mission-comparable organizations of similar size. The board has adopted the irs-written "rebuttable presumption" checklist which is completed contemporaneous with the performance review. Compensation for staff within the organization is determined by the executive director. The level of compensation is set based on performance and in relation to other area mission-comparable organizations of similar size. This compensation is a component of the budget, which is reviewed and approved by the finance committee and also by the board as a whole.”

“The organization's governing documents, form 1023, form 990 conflict of interest policy and financial statements are made available to the public upon request. The form 990, without schedule b) can also be found on several publicly-accessible websites.”

“Completed 3 homes through the futurehomes rehab program, with 3 more in- process and 7 additional properties that will begin construction soon. While our initial efforts were focused in the area round the high school, futureheights is now working in many neighborhoods in the central city and noble target areas. Began discussions with a potential developer of infill housing on vacant lots in the central city target area. Awarded 11 neighborhood mini-grants to community-building projects in neighborhoods throughout cleveland heights. "trained 17 community leaders through our neighborhood leadership workshop series. Continued to move plans for the noble road corridor forward by working with residents on an early action project, and continuing conversations with the cities of cleveland heights and east cleveland, as well as potential developers. Worked with landscape design firm mksk to create a plan to remake cedar lee mini-park into an enhanced park and community gathering space. Continued to work with cedarbrook society and artist tom masaveg on incremental improvements to the cedar lee mini-park, including additions to the interactive augmented reality mural, and additional plantings and signage. Published monthly issues of the heights observer, which was named the best non-daily newspaper in ohio by the press club of cleveland's 2020 excellence in journalism awards, and published weekly issues of the e-news, providing much-needed community news during the pandemic. Supported locally owned, independent businesses by reaching out to them during the shutdown in march to help them access resources, recognizing them via the annual best of the heights awards, and publicizing their goods and services through the annual heights observer holiday shopping guide. "held several workshops for local businesses on topics such as responsibly reopening and minority business enterprise certification. Held several workshops for local businesses on topics such as responsibly reopening and minority business enterprise certification. Checked-in with senior citizens and other heights residents during the pandemic to let them know that their community his here for them and connect them to resources. Hosted several online community forums and workshops on topics such as, advocating for neighborhood interests during an economic development project and building a just and safe community for all. Posted them on our new youtube channel.”

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