Kindling Inc.

“The former Chair of the Board of Directors is the mother in law of a Director. At the beginning of 2023, they both served on the Board, and by the end of the financial year, only the Director (son in law) was part of Kindling's governance.”

“As per the Massachusetts Attorney General Office requirements, a financial review is required for Form PC submission because of the revenue for FY2023. The financial review was prepared by an independent financial consulting firm in collaboration with Kindling's bookkeeper and accounting firm. This financial review was only ready November 14, 2024. Kindling's Treasurer did review the financial report. There is insufficient time for the governing body to review this Form 990 before the November 15th deadline.”

“As per our policy, conflicts of interests are disclosed on a regular basis by all Directors, and when potential conflicts arise.”

“Kindling's Chair and Treasurer worked closely to determine an appropriate salary for the CEO, Kindling's only employee. Extensive data was reviewed on compensation of nonprofit leaders and fire safety engineers, as well as on the equivalent value of benefits (as a percentage of salary). A salary was tentatively agreed between the CEO and Board of Directors in January 2023, but the funding was not available to pay this salary. In August 2023, grant funds were secured which allowed payment of Kindling's CEO. However, the previously agreed amount was not affordable considering the grant income. Therefore a reduced salary was agreed between Kindling's CEO and Directors. Kindling has a Director who is an employment lawyer who then drafted a contract and reviewed the compensation package to assure its appropriateness.”

“Kindling has not made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.”

“Kindling expanded its research and program planning this year, preparing for fire experiments and community-based fire risk assessments set for execution in 2024. These initiatives aim to generate data to inform fire safety practices in informal settlements and humanitarian settings. Additionally, we developed educational and advocacy strategies to equip practitioners with tools for improving fire safety standards. These planned services support our mission of 'fire safety for all' by targeting high-risk populations with actionable, evidence-based solutions.”

“The majority of funding is spent on independent contractors from different geographies and disciplines to work together to better understand and address fire safety in vulnerable communities around the world.”

“Net Assets Beginning of Year”