Natureserve

“Constituent members include NatureServe's network of 64 biodiversity information centers, consisting of organizations utilizing NatureServe's standard methodology, approving the objectives of NatureServe, and serving in the role of using science to inform conservation action. These members have the right to vote for representatives to their section council, to vote for the section representatives to the Board of Directors, and to vote on resolutions at meetings of the membership.”

“Three seats on the Board of Directors are selected by the constituent members to represent the two section councils: one seat for the Canadian section and two seats for the United States section.”

“Upon receipt of a draft form 990 from its accounting and tax firm, the organization provides copies to the audit committee of the Board of Directors to review, upon satisfactory review with the organization management and the audit committee, the final form 990 is provided to the full Board for comment in a timely fashion and then filed with the IRS.”

“Each member of NatureServe's Board of Directors and each of its corporate officers annually signs a statement disclosing any and all real, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. In case of any Board member or corporate officer disclosed conflict, the Board (absent the member in question if needed), determines how to resolve the conflict; including: (1) whether the Board member or corporate officer should be removed from the discussion of the matter; and (2) whether the relationship with the individual or entity presenting the conflict should be terminated.”

“In early 2024, NatureServe conducted a review of CEO and Executive Director compensation as part of its commitment to nonprofit best practices and responsible stewardship. Guided by the organization's internal Compensation Increase Framework, this review included an evaluation of market data from peer nonprofits and executive compensation surveys to ensure salaries remained reasonable and aligned with industry standards. A recommended adjustment was presented to the Executive Committee, composed entirely of independent directors, which considered the data alongside organizational performance and financial health. Their deliberations and recommendation were documented in accordance with IRS guidelines for establishing reasonable compensation. The Executive Committee's recommendation was then reviewed and formally approved by the independent members of the full Board of Directors. NatureServe also applies this compensation framework to other key staff, using current market data and performance-based criteria to guide decisions around salary adjustments and cost-of-living increases. All compensation decisions are carefully documented, reflecting the organization's commitment to transparency, fairness, and sound governance practices.”

“The organization has a public disclosure policy which states that the organization's governing documents, conflict of interest policy, form 990 and financial statements are to be made available to the public upon written request. Form 990 and financial statements are also available on the organization's website.”

“Provision for credit losses -885.”