Nature Forward

“The Organization members support its vision of creating a larger, more diverse community of people who treasure the natural world and work to preserve it. Member support enables the Organization to deliver high quality environmental education for all ages and lead community outreach and advocacy work to protect and restore clean streams, healthy habitats, and special natural places in the DC metro region. In compliance with the Organizations bylaws, all members are entitled to vote at the annual meeting of the members.”

“Board members are nominated by the governance/nominating committee and elected by members at the Organizations annual meeting. Board members are elected for staggered three year terms, with a two-term limit.”

“Members of the Organization elect new board members each year at the annual meeting. The bylaws can be amended only by member vote.”

“The Form 990 is prepared by an independent accounting firm and then reviewed in detail by the the Organizations Treasurer and a working group of the Finance Committee and senior management, and presented to the Board of Directors before filing.”

“Upon joining Nature Forwards Board of Directors and/or its committees, and annually thereafter, members sign and date a conflict of interest disclosure statement. This statement is given to the board president by board members and committee members. Disclosure of actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest is a normal, routine practice at board, committee and staff meetings. If a board member or committee member makes a conflict of interest disclosure, it is documented in the meeting minutes. Select salaried staff also sign and date a disclosure statement in accordance with Maryland state law.”

“The process for determining the executive directors compensation was negotiated at the time of hire and documented through the executive directors employment agreement that required an annual performance review by the Board of Directors.”

“The compensation of other key employees is approved annually through the budgeting process. Every few years, comparability data and market trends in the non-profit community are used to ensure that salaries of other key employees are in line with regional sector norms. This data, along with tenure and performance, are used to review and adjust compensation on an annual basis.”

“The IRS Form 990 and audited financial statements are posted on the website and are available upon request. Other organizational documents are available upon request.”

“The Nature Forward finance committee provides oversight of selection of an independent audit firm.”

“Consulting and Contract Services $1,387,262”