Despierta

“Summary of Bylaw Changes for Form 990 Schedule O 990 Summary You can adapt the following paragraph or break it into bullets if your software allows: Despierta completed a governance review and adopted updated bylaws in 2025. The revisions clarify the organizations charitable purposes and 501c3 limitations add explicit language on asset distribution upon dissolution and confirm there are no voting members. The Board section was updated to define board size terms removal and vacancy procedures expectations for attendance the use of committees and advisory committees and the ability to meet and act by electronic means or unanimous written consent. Officer roles Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer and optional Executive Director and their duties terms and removal processes were more clearly defined. The bylaws now include expanded indemnification and advancement-of-expenses provisions for directors and officers along with explicit conflict-of-interest nondiscrimination counter-terrorism due-diligence code of ethics and whistleblower policies. A new transparency and accountability article describes public access to key financial and IRS documents including Form 990 board minutes and policies and restates the December 31 fiscal year.”

“The Board of Directors receive a copy of the 990 before filing along with a pre-recorded video from the Accountant CFO that details the 990 and their fiscal and legal responsibilities in regard to the Nonprofit IRS and the State of North Carolina.”

“Every board meeting board members are required to disclose any potential or perceived conflicts of interest and abstain from voting. Board minutes reflect the disclosure of the conflicts voting members and abstaining members.”

“Despierta has an Executive Team Compensation Policy that the Board of Directors follows to determine evaluation and salary compensation for similar nonprofit organizations and for-profit organizations in determining any type of raise in salary.”

“Our 1023 990 and Audit documents are available for public inspection as required by IRS regulations. We would be delighted to share our Sustainability plan with you and discuss how you can support Despeirta in reaching more individuals in our surrounding communities. We encourage you to get in touch with us visit us in person connect with us on social media or participate in our programs and events. For any inquiries please feel free to contact our Executive Director Juliana Lozano at [email protected] or 704 408-3708.”

“Public Availability of Governing Documents Conflict of Interest Policy and Financial Statements During the tax year | Despierta made its key organizational documents available to the public in the following ways: Despiertas Form 1023 Form 990 and audited financial statements are available for public inspection upon request in accordance with IRS regulations. Members of the public may obtain copies or arrange to review these documents by contacting Despiertas Executive Director Juliana Lozano at [email protected] or 704 408-3708 or by visiting our office during normal business hours. Despiertas governing documents and conflict of interest policy are also available for review upon request through the same contact information. Individuals interested in our mission and operations are further encouraged to visit us in person connect with us on social media or participate in our programs and events to learn more about our work and impact in the surrounding communities.”

“| Explanation:| Despierta cannot sustain operations and our events without our wonderful volunteers. In 2025 volunteers donated a total of 1,898 hours. According to the Independent Sector Research study https: independentsector.org research value-of-volunteer-time Volunteer time is worth $34.79. That is a value of $66,031.42. If you would like to volunteer with us please contact us at 704 408-3708 or [email protected].”

“| Explanation:| Contracted Mental Health Services for all three Despierta programs. $24,325”

“| Explanation:| 2024 Fundraising expense on the 990 EZ $65.00”