Regional Water Management Foundation

“The foundation has two classes of members: (i) the community foundation class, which consists of 4 directors, and (ii) the public agency class, which consists of 3 directors.”

“The community foundation santa cruz county shall appoint 4 directors. The public agency class defines 2 positions: the executive director of the santa cruz county resource conservation district and the water resources program manager of santa cruz county; or, such other individual as appointed by the public agency steering committee. The 3rd is appointed by the general managers of the water supply agencies then participating in the programs.”

“The form 990 is prepared by an independent tax accountant in conjunction with the foundation's fiance and accounting staff. A draft form 990 is then reviewed by the treasurer; adjustments are made, as necessary. A complete copy of the form 990 was then provided to all voting members of the governing body after filing with the internal revenue service.”

“The foundation is committed to the highest ethical standards in all policies, procedures, and programs. The ability of the foundation to carry out its mission is enhanced by the involvement of the board of directors, volunteers committee members, and staff in the philanthrophic life and economic affairs of santa cruz county. Given the role of the foundation in serving the entire county, it is to be expected that from time to time board members, volunteer community members or staff may also have relations with existing or proposed recipients of grants, vendors or service providers. To foster public confidence in its integrity and to reflect the foundation's intention to maintain the highest ethical standards by avoiding any real or perceived conflicts of interest, the board of directors has adopted for use a conflict of interest policy. This policy is available upon request. A summary of key elements include: all board member, volunteer committee members, and staff year are annually required to provide a list of nonprofit and professional philanthropic organizations with which they have relationships, as well as any relationships of immediate family members. They must also disclose any material ownership or investment interest with any entity that has negotiated a transaction with the foundation within the past year or of any transactions known to be currently pending or proposed. This information is collected by the project director and reported back to the board. In all situations in which there is a real or perceived conflict of interest, those individuals must recuse themselves from discussion and decision making that involves the parties in question. This includes the review, discussion or decision of any and all grant proposals as well as the selection or contracting of vendors or service providers. Examples of potential conflicts in regards to the foundation's grantmaking include, but are not limited to, serving as a board member, employee, or consultant to a current or potential grantee; doing business with a current or potential grantee; or having immediate family members serving as a board member of applicant organizations. Anyone with such conflicts must recuse themselves from any discussion or decision involving those parties. If it is unclear whether a conflict of interest exists, the board president will make that determination. Any board member or committee member may recommend that the affected board member or committee member be excused from the meeting while the implications of the affiliation are considered. For all matters before the board where a real or perceived conflict of interest exists, the steps taken under the foundation's conflict of interest policy shall be noted and recorded in the meeting minutes.”

“The foundation does not directly compensate any officers or key employees; rather, these individuals are compensated by community foundation santa cruz county, a related organization (which issues the w-2s). Accordingly, form 990, part vi, section b, line 15a and 15b have been answered "no" as provided by the form 990 instructions.”

“The foundation as part of its due diligence, commitment to transparency and in keeping with the council of foundation's community foundations national standards makes available for public inspection at its office its governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements.”

“The foundation has an audit committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant and this process has remained consistent with prior year.”