Highlands Council

“The president, treasurer and finance manager will review the form 990. The president will sign and a final copy will be sent to board members for their records before filing with irs.”

“The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect the interests of highlands council when contemplating entering into a transaction that might benefit the private financial interests of any interested person (director, principal officer or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers). Per the policy, the interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and all material facts to the directors and members of committees considering the proposed transaction. Such directors or committees decide if a conflict of interest exists and reviews the conflict of interest. After disclosure and any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain the names of the persons with an actual or potential conflict of interest, the names of the persons present and the content and record for discussions and votes relating to the transaction. Each director and officer shall periodically sign a statement that affirms that they have received a copy, understand and agree to comply with the conflict of interest policy.”

“The council allows their members to access governing documents and annual budget via their website. Any other financial information and the conflict of interest policy is available to members upon request. Non-members may request information via written request.”

“Highlands council uses community volunteers to help staff its major events. Two events per year require approximately 100 volunteers and 350 hours per event. Highlands council publishes a monthly newspaper with volunteer contributors/writers. It averages about 12 volunteers and 100 hours per year. The highlands council board of trustees consists of 7 members at about 360 hours per year and a youth board of 12 members with 180 hours per year. Committees include a communications committee of 3 at 30 hours per year and a garden committee of 7 with 170 hours per year. All community garden members (approximately 100) must also volunteer 8 hours per year to the garden for a total of 800 hours.”

“The organization's solicitations consist of correspondence with sponsors of events. The sponsorship correspondence does not expressly state that contributions are not deductible as charitable contributions. When the organization is asked by a sponsor, the organization states that it is exempt under internal revenue code section 501(c)(4) and thus contributions are not deductible charitable contributions, however they should consult with their own tax advisors. The organization plans to add a statement that such contributions are not tax deductible charitable contributions in all future solicitations.”