Rockford Education Foundation

“Amended/restated articles of incorporation: -amended the purpose to indicate service area includes geographic boundaries of rockford public schools -amended the distribution of assets upon dissolution from rockford public schools district to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)3 status. -restated voting quorum required for amended the articles or the bylaws. Amended/restated bylaws: -limited the total number of trustees to twenty-five (25) -updated the qualification of board members to require meaningful tie to the education of individuals within the geographic boundaries -added provisions for term limits (chair/vice chair 2 years; others 2 successive terms) -added a provision for conflicts of interest within the bylaws, -added a provision for compensation of trustees, -establishes committees with defined roles (executive committee, finance committee, grant committee, permits appointment of other committees)”

“The rockford education foundation (ref) engages a cpa firm with nonprofit experience to assist with the preparation of the form 990. The finance committee reviews the form 990 prior to filing, and it is made available to all ref trustees.”

“The rockford education foundation's (ref's) conflict of interest policy states that any member of its board of trustees, executive director or staff will disclose to the board chair any personal interests in any matter pending before ref and shall refrain from participation in any discussion or decision on such matter. Any new trustee is given the conflict of interest policy at the time of their election, and the entire board of trustees reviews the policy and disclosures annually.”

“The foundation will make available, upon request, copies of its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and the form 990 and related schedules, as required to be made available.”

“The rockford education foundation (ref) was established in 1991 to provide resources for increased educational opportunities for people of all ages in the rockford community. The ref is an independent, non-profit corporation, governed by a volunteer board of trustees from the community. Teachers, students, and community members with innovative ideas have received grants for wide-ranging, educational purposes. Large and mini grants are awarded twice annually based on the merit of the request and its ability to promote educational excellence. Special grants/endowment grants are reviewed at time of submission and determined case by case, whereas student grants can be reviewed and approved during monthly board meetings. The ref is proud to award educational grants to the rockford community.”

“All lines left blank are not applicable to the organization.”

“The primary program service of the rockford education foundation (ref) is to award grants to educators, students, and community members with the mission to enhance educational opportunities. The organization supports learners of all ages from early childhood (pre-school) through after retirement with the awarding of grants for programming targeting the aging adult community. The ref awards grants to the rockford public schools, parochial schools, and other non-profit organizations that provide educational opportunities in rockford. Although the majority of grants are awarded to the public schools, nearly 1% is awarded to private schools and other non-profits. The organization awards 1% to student initiated grants to benefit their respective school and education whereas the majority of grants are requested by professional educators.”