Cedar Growth

“The prepared form 990 is reveiwed by the members of the governing body before the return is filed with the irs.”

“In the event any director has a conflict of interest that might properly limit such director's fair and impartial participation in deliberations or decisions of the board of directors, such director shall inform the board of directors as to the circumstances of such conflict. If those circumstances require the nonparticipation of the affected director, the board of directors may nonetheless request from the director any appropriate non-confidential information, which might inform it's decisions. "conflict of interest," as referred to herein, shall include but shall not be limited to, any transaction by or with the corporation in which a director has a direct or indirect personal interest, or any transaction in which a director is unable to exercise impartial judgment or otherwise act in the best interests of the corporation. No director shall cast a vote, nor take part in the final deliberation in any matter in which he or she, members of his or her immediate family, or any organization to which such director has allegiance, has a personal interest that may be seen as competing with the interest of the corporation. Any director who believes he or she may have such a conflict of interest shall so notify the board of directors prior to deliberation on the matter in question, and the board of directors shall make final determination as to whether any director has a conflict of interest in any matter. The minutes of the board of directors meeting shall reflect disclosure of any conflict of interest and the recusal of the interested director.”

“The members of the governing body determine the executive director's and directors' compensation using data on compensation paid by comparable organizations for similar services.”

“The members of the governing body determine the executive director's and directors' compensation using data on compensation paid by comparable organizations for similar services.”

“The organization makes its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public upon request.”

“Our mission is to deliver exemplary services by providing financial education, training, and access to capital to support sustainable business and community development while improving the quality of life within our communities.”

“During the fiscal year, the organization demonstrated significant progress in advancing its mission through various programs and initiatives: community engagement and education: hosted multiple family events and educational workshops, including business plan development and housing classes, which collectively attracted over 100 participants. These efforts provided critical resources and support for community members pursuing homeownership and business development. Support for native entrepreneurs: facilitated the wooruwi business program, delivering specialized training and technical assistance to emerging native entrepreneurs. This included indianpreneurship classes and business plan workshops, attended by dozens of individuals seeking to launch or grow their businesses. Several business loans, including potential forgiveness options, were approved to support local enterprises. Expanded housing counseling services: achieved certification as a hud-approved counseling organization, enabling the organization to provide enhanced housing counseling services. Staff members completed hud certifications, developed counseling work plans, and submitted applications to further the programs reach. Economic development initiatives: supported economic growth by assisting business clients in securing funding and preparing for loan readiness. Developed loan forgiveness guidelines, implemented new operational systems, and provided outreach services to over 40 prospective clients. Grant and funding achievements: secured substantial funding from federal and state sources, including over 3 million in business investment and assistance grants. These funds have been instrumental in expanding program offerings and enhancing organizational sustainability. Team development and organizational progress: onboarded key staff members to strengthen the organizations capacity, including new roles in development and grant management. Conducted a team retreat to foster collaboration and strategic planning, resulting in the finalization of a comprehensive strategic plan for 2023-2025. Outreach and community partnerships: collaborated with tribal and regional organizations to enhance service delivery for native businesses. Presented at industry events, cultivated referral partnerships, and developed a robust curriculum for small business education. Operational improvements: invested in technology and infrastructure to increase efficiency, including it assessments and enhanced project management tools. Established a new conference and education space to better serve program participants. Fundraising success: hosted a highly successful fundraising event, raising significant resources to support the organization's programs while engaging the community in meaningful ways. Through these accomplishments, the organization has made measurable impacts in areas of housing stability, economic empowerment, and community development, furthering its commitment to improving the lives of those it serves.”