American Brain Foundation

“The Foundation's Executive Committee includes the Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and no more than three other members of the Board as appointed by the Chair. The Chair of the Board is the Chair of the Executive Committee. Between meetings of the Board, the Board's power is delegated to the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee reports its activity to the Board.”

“The CFO undertook extensive review of the draft Form 990 as initially prepared by the Senior Accountant. Their review was thereafter augmented by exempt organizations Tax/Legal Counsel. This Form 990 was then presented to the Audit Committee by the CFO and other members of the management team. The Audit Committee reviewed the Form 990 and identified any agreed upon changes to be made. In line with Minnesota Law, the final Form 990 is presented to and approved by the Board of Directors. The Form 990 is filed subsequent to this process.”

“The Foundation's conflict of interest policy covers individuals serving as an officer, director, committee member, or positions of official responsibility or leadership. All covered individuals are required to complete a relationship disclosure statement annually, or as changes in personal circumstances occur. The statements are reviewed and actions determined according to the Foundation's hierarchy based on position; or by the Executive Committee if a resolution cannot be made. Potential conflicts are handled on an individual basis. Actions taken depend on the severity of the conflict which include no action required, on-going monitoring with appropriate disclosure, or withdrawal from the conflicting relationship. Conflict of interest proceedings are documented in meeting minutes or as appropriate.”

“The American Brain Foundation leases all employees from the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) through a contractual arrangement. This arrangement included, as of 2020, the Foundation's Executive Director being leased through AAN. The ABF's Board of Directors is responsible for hiring and setting the compensation for the Executive Director. The Board employs procedures (use of independent consultant, compensation survey and no involvement of any persons with conflict of interest) and last set compensation amounts in 2020.”

“The Foundation makes the most recent three years audited financial statements and IRS Form 990 available to the public on its website. The Foundation does not make its other governing documents (e.g. articles of incorporation) nor its COI policy available to the public.”

“The American Brain Foundation formally ended the "Crowdfunding for Cures" program in 2020 in order to invest resources in new initiatives.”

“The American Brain Foundation programming expense is driven by the number of research grants awarded in a given year. In some cases, a recipient is not identified for a specific grant, rendering that year's award null and void. In some cases, awards in certain disease areas are granted on a biennial basis. For both of these reasons, the grant programming expense fluctuates from year to year.”