Liberty Hill Foundation

“Form 990 is prepared by the foundation's outside auditor after the completion of the annual audit. The draft form 990 is then reviewed by staff before being forwarded to the audit committee of the board of directors. This committee reviews the form 990 and makes comments or corrections prior to the return being filed. When completed, the form 990 is distributed to the full board of directors, and the audit committee reports to the full board of directors on their review of the form 990.”

“Liberty hill foundation reviews the conflict of interest policy with each board member on an annual basis.”

“The board of directors reviewed salary surveys from various sources and determined the salary for the ceo based on the comparable data and his or her level of experience. The ceo followed the same process for determining the salaries of directors. The information reviewed is documented in the personnel files.”

“Liberty hill foundation makes its audited financial statements available on their website. All other governance documents are available upon request.”

“Liberty hill is first to invest in innovative solutions to some of the country's most intractable social problems. With liberty hill investment, l.a. Social justice leaders pioneered such innovative solutions as a living wage ordinance, a $100 million housing trust fund, a statewide environmental justice policy, a landmark agreement to ban sweatshop products, an aggressive approach to developing the new green economy and unprecedented municipal policies including the nation's most comprehensive community benefits agreement. Liberty hill holds itself accountable for smart strategic investment of its grant funds and other programmatic activities. A recent study (that included liberty hill grantee organizations) concluded that for every $1 invested in local community organizing, los angeles saw $91 in benefits. Liberty hill has nearly 40 years of experience investing in social justice grantee organizations and advancing movements for social change. Liberty hill is widely known for its use of community advisors to help make grant decisions. Our "brain trust" keeps liberty hill's knowledge of communities fresh and close to the ground, allowing the foundation to identify strong leaders who often are not receiving foundation support. Grant evaluations are also informed by site visits, final reports (if the organization is a prior grantee), and the expertise of program officers. Every grant contract includes goals and expectations. Grantees also take advantage of intensive on-the-job training at liberty hill's wally marks leadership institute to help them succeed. If programs fall below expectations, concerns are discussed with grant recipients. If performance does not improve, funding will be reduced or ended. Liberty hill's wally marks leadership institute training programs are carefully monitored with pre- and post- tests to measure the degree to which skills are implemented within organizations and whether organizations are strengthened as a result.”

“Liberty hill foundation advances movements for social change through a unique combination of grants, leadership training, and alliance building. Liberty hill is first to identify community leaders at the frontlines of change. The foundation invests in change-makers and equips them with the skills and relationships they need to build power and advance social justice. For over 35 years, liberty hill is uniquely positioned to bring together forces for change and forge a common agenda for equality and opportunity in los angeles. Liberty hill's motto is change, not charity. Charity is important, but liberty hill creates lasting change by reforming policies, introducing new standards and safeguards, and advancing equality and opportunity for all. Over 80% of revenues goes directly to all program costs. Since 1976, liberty hill has invested more than $56 million in community organizing and community leaders in los angeles. Liberty hill's investment has several hallmarks. Liberty hill is often first to invest in new organizations and new solutions to intractable social problems. A second liberty hill hallmark is investment in community organizing-- the process of bringing people together and helping them realize their power. Through organizing, people change their own lives and learn the power of collective action. Organizing rekindles hope and allows untapped leadership to rise. It transforms the human spirit. Issues come and go, transforming the human spirit lasts a lifetime.”

“Donated services received -12,780. Investment expenses offset against income on financial statements -46,273.”