Northland Foundation

“There were no committees with the authority to act on behalf of the governing body. The committees make recommendations to the full board. The committees contemporaneously documented all meetings that were held.”

“The president and the cfo review a draft of the 990 after it is completed. A copy of the 990 is then made available at the next finance committee meeting for review and is open for discussion. The finance committee will then recommend approval at the next board meeting. At that meeting, the 990 will be discussed and approved.”

“The board of trustees, committee members and staff make regular decisions regarding disbursement or assignment of resources from the foundation for business loans, contracts, community and economic development grants and for the ongoing operation of the foundation, and shall represent the entire region fairly. It is imperative that decisions affecting the foundation are not tainted by real or perceived conflicts of interest. Members of the board or committees will not participate in discussing or voting upon any proposal or business agreement in which they have a direct or indirect personal or financial interest. In addition, as soon as a potential conflict of interests becomes apparent, the member must inform the board or committee of the potential conflict of interest. Staff will not promote proposals or initiate business agreements for the foundation that would financially benefit them or members of their family without informing the president. If the potential conflict of interest affects the president, the board shall be notified. Options for resolution if a conflict of interest is determined to exist, options to be employed, at the discretion of the chair and/or president would include, but not be limited to: 1. The board member, committee member or staff member would not be permitted input on the decision. 2. The member in question may respond to specific inquiries regarding the decision, but not participate in making the decision. 3. The member in question shall leave the room while the item is under discussion. Conflict of interest disclosure form board, committee and staff members will also be expected to complete a conflict of interest disclosure form at the end of each fiscal year or upon appointment.”

“The board of trustees conducts an annual assessment of the president which is led by the executive committee. After the assessment, they decide whether to adjust the president's salary based on several factors including performance and comparable data. The board of trustees approves an annual budget that may include adjustments for the entire staff. There are cases based on performance and/or where an employee's responsibilities have changed that the president has authority from the board to make appropriate adjustments in line with the board approved annual budget.”

“The governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are not available to the public at this time.”