Society of Professional Journalists Foundation

“The foundation was reclassified from a 509(a)(3) - type 1 to a 509(a)(3) - type 3 organization.”

“The form 990 is prepared by the organization's certified accounting firm. The controller reviews 990 for comparison to the internal financials and answers of questions for accuracy. The executive director then signs and files the 990.”

“The standard of behavior at the society of professional journalists foundation is that all staff, volunteers, and board members scrupulously avoid conflicts of interest between the interests of the society of professional journalists foundation on one hand, and personal, professional, and business interests on the other. This includes avoiding potential and actual conflicts of interest, as well as perceptions of conflicts of interest. The purposes of this policy are to protect the integrity of the society of professional journalists foundation's decision-making process, to enable our constituencies to have confidence in our integrity, and to protect the integrity and reputations of volunteers, staff and board members. Upon or before election, hiring or appointment, an individual willmake a full, written disclosure of interests, relationships, and holdings that could potentially result in a conflict of interest. This written disclosure will be kept on file and an individual shall update it as appropriate. In the course of meetings or activities, an individual shall disclose any interests in a transaction or decision where such individual (including any business or other nonprofit affiliations), his or her family and/or significant other, employer, close associates will receive a benefit or gain. After disclosure, an individual may participate in discussion to respond to questions, but then shall leave the meeting before the final discussion and vote and shall not vote on the question.”

“The organization shares some employees with related organization society of professional journalists (wages are reported on w-2s issued by spj). The executive committee is charged with and performs annual compensation review for the executive director and any deputy executive director position, if applicable.”

“Governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are available on the organization's website and upon request.”

“The organization's board of directors assumes the oversight of the audit and selection of an independent accountant. The selection and review process has not changed from the previous year.”