Project Link Inc

“Project LINK has a Board of Trustee as it's members. The Board of Trustees has seven members.”

“Project LINK operates on its bylaws. The Board of Trustees members have the right to do the following: Vote at a meeting of the members, elect members of the governing body, receive notice of members meetings, Add items to the agenda of members meetings, Request the executive director to call a meeting of the members and to call a meeting themselves if the executive directors fail to, Elect directors and remove them from the board, Approve or confirm by-laws, Examine corporate records (i.e. minute book), Receive financial statements and accountant/auditor's report, appoint the accountant/auditor, approve major or fundamental changes to the organization. (e.g. change the purposes of the corporation)”

“Yes, the board of trustees are very engaged in the process and the programs for the agency. Project LINK's board take the duty of care requirements seriously. The members view and approves the organization's annual Internal Revenue Service (IRS) 990 form, during the last board meeting of each year. The Board works collaboratively to properly review the Form 990. The board treasurer assists with organizational paperwork. Each board member receives a paper copy for their records.”

“Yes, our compliance policy, is designed to help Project LINK function to the best of its ability. The organization has written standards of conduct and performances that help each volunteer staff member and board of trustees understand their role within the organization and the duties they're expected to perform. We have a policy manual that is reviewed and updated yearly. The Board of Trustees has established a committee that meets quarterly and oversees the guidelines and procedures used to maintain the organization's adherence to laws, regulations, industry standards, and other rules. The designated committee members are responsible for operating and monitoring the compliance guidelines. The board participants in regular, effective education and training programs offered by nonprofit leadership workshops. The board committee is responsible for receiving complaints and procedures to protect the anonymity of complainants and protect whistleblowers from retaliation. The board of trustees have established a system to respond to allegations of improper/ illegal activities and enforcement of appropriate disciplinary action against volunteers who have violated compliance policies, statutes, regulations, or federal requirements. The investigation and remediation of identified systemic problems and policies to deal with terminated and disciplined volunteers. The committee reports directly to the governing body. Our internal audits are utilized to monitor compliance and reduce identified problem areas.”

“Project LINK's annual process for determining compensation are as follows: The Board of Trustees annually evaluate the finances and determine if the organization will compensate volunteer staff and/or the Executive Director and ask for input on matters of performance and compensation. Board Approval. The executive committee obtains information to make a recommendation to the full board for the type and amount of stipends for volunteers, interns, and the executive director based on a review of comparability data. Project LINK is a volunteer-based organization, the executive director performs services typically associated with volunteer work; doesn't displace any regular employees; activity is less than full-time; and the services are truly voluntary, and not performed because of any pressure or coercion. The law allows a volunteer to be paid expenses, reasonable benefits, and/or a nominal fee to perform services. Any stipends to volunteers or executive director are considered nominal and it's not a substitute for compensation or tied to productivity and does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of what Project LINK would pay to hire full-time employees for the same services.”

“Project LINK's Conflict of interest policies, financial statements, disclosure, monitoring and enforcement. We have adopted a conflict-of-interest policy; Regularly monitor compliance with the policy in our quarterly meetings; and in a questionnaire we ask everyone covered by the policy to disclose, on an annual basis, any relationships with people doing business with the organization that could give rise to a conflict of Interest. As part of the annual process, the organization provides each person covered by the conflict-of-interest policy with a copy of the policy and offer individuals the opportunity to ask questions about the policy. Our conflict-of-interest policy define what constitutes a conflict of interest; Identify the individuals within the organization covered by the conflict-of-interest policy: Provide a means for the individuals to disclose information that help identify conflicts of interest; and Outline the procedures to be followed in managing conflicts of interest. At least once a year, the board of trustees distribute a certification and disclosure form to its members in which each respondent should certify that he or she: Has received a copy of the conflict-of-interest policy; Has read and understands the policy; Has agreed to comply with the policy; and understands the purpose of the organization in order to maintain our federal tax exemption, it must engage primarily in activities that accomplish one or more of our exempt purposes. Our members certify that he or she has no actual or possible conflict of interest to report; or Describe any relationships, transactions, or other circumstances, including those of family members, that could result in a conflict between the organization's interests and his or her personal financial or other interests. The members complete and sign the certification and disclosure form, which is retained in the organization's files. To properly monitor and enforce a conflict-of-interest policy, Project LINK is diligent in reviewing the annual disclosure forms submitted by members, and in compiling and maintaining a list of potentially conflicted entities and individuals. Proposed transactions can then be matched against the list as a means of identifying possible conflicts. The board committee chair and executive director is ultimately responsible for maintaining the list and screening for possible conflicts of interest. In addition, the organization undertakes a periodic review of transactions involving any significant expenditure of organizational funds to ensure any compensation paid continues to be reasonable. If a possible conflict is identified with respect to a proposed transaction, the organization is committed to following the procedures set out in its conflict-of-interest policy for determining whether an actual conflict of interest exists, and the procedures for addressing the conflict of interest. If a conflict-of-interest is identified, the person with the potential conflict with respect to a transaction should disclose such potential conflict. 2. The person should not participate or be present at any meeting during which the discussion of the possible conflict of interest takes place. 3. The chair of the board should, if appropriate, appoint a committee of the board made up of disinterested directors to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction. 4. If a more advantageous transaction is not reasonably available, the governing board or committee should determine, by a majority vote of the disinterested members, whether the transaction is in the organization's best interest and is fair and reasonable. The organization should also document, through well-kept minutes, any decisions related to transactions involving an actual or possible conflict of interest. Finally, the organization is diligent in taking appropriate disciplinary and corrective action if a person who is covered by the conflict-of-interest policy fails to disclose an actual or possible confli”

“Yes, Project LINK started a mental health program that addressed the needs of middle school students and their families suffering from pandemic related concerns. We partnered with school social workers and USF social work interns to meet the demand of community request. The services were offered at no cost to the families because we received a mental health grant to meet the mental health crisis.”

“Yes, Project LINK ceased in-person service due to COVID-19 concerns. Some of the programs and services was conducted via on-line or PPE had to be worn in a fully sanitized approved location for necessary in person meetings. Many schools did not permit on campus volunteers or visitors which limited program deliverables. The organization utilizes volunteers, college, and university interns that need hours for graduation requirements. The pandemic interrupted our service model.”

“Other expenses include community and Parent Workshop Expenses $19,634, Back To School Event website maintenance hosting and maintenance fees $4,136, Storage Unit fees to hold medical and school supplies $3,700, COVID-19 related activities, telehealth services, PPE equipment and supplies, pandemic educational materials $86,000”