Deep Heart

“All officers and directors of the organization are members of the same family. The organization is entirely volunteer-run; no officer or director receives compensation as an employee or independent contractor, and no stipends, fees, or other forms of remuneration are provided. The organization does not engage in any financial transactions with any officer or director, nor with any entity in which an officer or director has a material financial interest. In addition, no family member of any officer or director receives compensation from the organization, and the organization does not conduct business with any family-owned or related entities. Governance decisions are made in furtherance of the organization's charitable mission, and all individuals serve in a purely volunteer capacity without financial benefit. The organization maintains this structure to ensure that all resources are directed toward its exempt purposes and holds to strict no private inurement or private benefit policies.”

“The completed Form 990 is provided to each board member for review prior to filing. Board members are given the opportunity to ask questions, discuss any concerns, and provide feedback. After review, the Form 990 is filed with the IRS. This process ensures that the governing body is fully informed and involved in the submission.”

“All transactions were researched, evaluated, and approved by the Treasurer and/or Administrative Director prior to expenditure to ensure compliance with the policy and to prevent any private inurement or improper benefit to individuals associated with the organization.”

“While no officers, directors, trustees, or key employees currently receive compensation, if such compensation were to be considered in the future, the organization would follow a process that includes review by independent individuals, comparability data, and proper documentation.”

“As a 501(c)(3) public charity, Deep Heart makes its governing documents, policies, and financial statements available to any member of the public upon request. Our contact information is easy to find and provided in all communications, with individuals welcome to reach out via email, phone, mail, or our website to request the aforementioned documents. Additionally, a standard paragraph in our newsletters, mass mailings, updates, and other relevant communications encourages donors to contact us if they wish to receive these documents, ensuring transparency and accessibility.”

“During the tax year, the organization launched a new program focused on supporting children and families experiencing crisis through the creation and distribution of specialized children's books. These books are thoughtfully written and developed by a Deep Heart volunteer to address the emotional challenges faced by children with an incarcerated parent, as well as those navigating foster care placement, family separation, or other destabilizing life events, helping to foster understanding, resilience, and connection. The organization distributes these books to correctional facilities and to partner organizations that serve families affected by incarceration and other crises. Books are either donated or provided at cost to maximize accessibility and program reach. This initiative expands the organization's mission by directly addressing the needs of vulnerable and often underserved populations.”

“Part IX, Line 17 - Travel expenses for 2025 include one-time costs incurred to convert program-use vans into mobile living and office units for nationwide touring operations in furtherance of exempt program services. These one-time conversion costs are expected to reduce future lodging and related travel expenses.”