Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust

“ALLEN LAW - PO BOX 444, DEL NORTE, CO 81132cATHY MORIN - PO BOX 444, DEL NOTE, CO 81132”

“The form 990 draft is reviewed in detail by the executive director, associate director, treasurer, and finance committee. Approximately a week prior to filing the form 990, a draft in pdf format is sent to all board members. Comments and corrections are strongly encouraged.”

“In addition to requiring board members, staff, and key consultants to proactively notify the full board of any conflicts, all board members, staff, and key consultants must sign an annual form which a) affirms that they have received a copy of the policy; b) read and understood it; c) agreed to comply with the policy; d) understood that right is a charitable organization and must engage in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes; and e) list all relationships with right vendors, service recipients, funders, employees, and contractors. All potential conflicts are reviewed by the policy committee without the presence of the interested party, and action is taken as needed.”

“The board of directors reviews and approves the executive director's annual salary, with no participation by the executive director or other interested persons. The executive director's salary is established using comparable data for similarly qualified persons in functionally comparable positions at similar nonprofits; consideration of roles and responsibilities of the executive director; and cost of living data. Comparable market data is obtained from salary surveys and form 990s filed by comparable not-for-profit organizations. The executive director also receives reimbursements for routine, reasonable, and documented expenses incurred during the year under an accountable plan. The executive director travels throughout our service area. The organization has a travel policy that requires low-budget travel.”

“A line item budget is approved by the board of directors annually. The board approves the overall salaries and benefit expenses. Discussions and decisions regarding the budget are documented in board meeting minutes. The executive director reviews and approves the salaries of other officers or key employees in accordance with the annual budget approved by the board. The executive director establishes salaries using comparable data for similarly qualified persons in functionally comparable positions at similar nonprofits; consideration of roles and responsibilities of the employee; and cost of living data. Comparable market data is obtained from salary surveys and form 990s filed by comparable not-for profit organizations.”

“We consider requests on a case-by-case basis.”