Hope Creates

“Hope Creates amended the Bylaws to provide for board members to continue on the board after serving 2 three year terms that allows for a director to serve for a term of one year at a time (Article II Section 2). Additionally, the Bylaws were amended to provide for Emeritus board members, who may be invited to stay on the board in an advisory capacity (nonvoting) for a 3 year term (Article II Section 17).”

“All members of the board are provided with a draft copy of form 990 for approval prior to filing. In addition, Patrick Rohrkaste, Treasurer, is a retired CPA with over 42 years experience in public accounting with over 30 years experience serving nonprofit organizations. Patrick has conducted meetings with the finance, executive and full board to review the annual audit and form 990 to ensure that the board members are familiar with the underlying details related to the filing.”

“Board members are required to annually sign and verify any conflicts of interest.”

“The board monitors compensation for all positions, including the executive director. The board evaluates comparable data from guidestar.org and other compensation studies for nonprofits to ensure that compensation packages are reasonable and the amounts are approved in our annual fiscal year budget.”

“Our governing documents are made available to the public upon written request. Our website posts the annual audited financial statements and the most recently filed IRS form 990.”

“Hope Creates CPA firm (Randle & Associates) filed an extension on November 15, 2024 on the normal due date. The actual filing of this return will be made before 12/31/2024, and accordingly, no late filing fees are applicable since a valid efiled extension was filed on our behalf.”

“Effective January 2024, Hope Creates hired a new accounting firm to maintain the general ledger and QuickBooks. Prior to this date, Hope Creates accounting was provided by the previous accounting firm at no charge (inkind accounting).”

“Hope Creates amended the Bylaws to provide for board members to continue on the board after serving 2 three year terms that allows for a director to serve for a term of one year at a time (Article II Section 2). Additionally, the Bylaws were amended to provide for Emeritus board members, who may be invited to stay on the board in an advisory capacity (non-voting) for a 3 year term (Article II Section 17).”

“Effective October 1, 2023, Hope Creates implemented a new employee benefit program (non-taxable) for employees working greater than 32 hours per week. The QSE HRA (Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement) plan provides eligible employees with up to $300 per month for reimbursement of health, dental and vision premiums and out of pocket costs. Effective July 2024, the monthly amount was increased to $500 per month per eligible employee for the new fiscal year.”

“Professional and contract services includes grant writing and other program support from several providers, including Let's Build Hope.”