Masonic and Eastern Star Home of the District of Columbia Charities

“All members of the masonic lodges and the order of the eastern star chapters in the district of columbia are members of the organization.”

“Two representatives are chosen from each eastern star chapter in the district of columbia and one representative is chosen from each masonic lodge in the district of columbia. In addition, six (6) representatives are chosen by the grand lodge of masons in the district of columbia and six (6) representatives are chosen by the grand chapter of the order of the eastern star in the district of columbia. These representatives are the voting members of this organization at its annual meeting each year. At this annual meeting the representatives will elect the directors for the board of directors and the officers of the organizaiton for the coming year.”

“Changes to governing documents and budget approval are voted upon by the representatives at the organizations annual meeting.”

“A draft copy of the form 990 is prepared, based on our independent audit, by a cpa and is given to both the cfo and the executive director. The return is reviewed by both. Upon approval, the cpa finalizes the return and files it electronically. Whenever possible, the form 990 is also presented to the board of directors before filing. However, if the tax return is due before the next scheduled board meeting, the return is filed timely and is then presented to the board at their next meeting.”

“Each assembly member is requried to fill out a questionnaire annually. Anyone found to be not in compliance is given the opportunity to conform, depending upon the severity of the non-compliance. Anyone found not in compliance after that is removed from positions of authority within the organization.”

“The organization follows the guidelines established by the society of association executives for level of education and experience required. A review is conducted by the compensation committee of the pay scales within the state of maryland to determine targeted salary and other compensation. It has been determined that current compensation is below average, but is acceptable to all concerned.”

“The compensation review policy is the same for other officers as it is for top management. Under irs rules and/or regulations there are no key employees. This is predominately a volunteer organization.”

“The organization keeps a public copy available at its headquarters of (1) its original form 1023 application for the recognition of exemption; (2) form 990 for the three (3) most recent years after the form was required to be filed or, if later, when it was actually field; and (3) its form 990-t for the same three (3) year period, when required to be filed. Financial statements are also available at its headquarters upon request. The organizations conflict of interest policy is also available, upon request, at its headquarters.”