Whale Foundation Inc

“After the Form 990 is drafted and reviewed by the organizations outside accountant, then reviewed by the Executive Director (responsible for the bookkeeping) in detail along with the detailed workpapers. It is then sent to the entire Board of Directors for their review before being finalized and e-filed.”

“The organization has a written Conflict of Interest policy. It is reviewed and signed annually by members of the Board, as well as new board members if installed mid-year. Any potential conflicts of interested are documented. If board members have a conflict, they are excused from voting on any related matter.”

“The compensation of the organizations sole employee, the Executive Director, is reviewed and voted upon annually by the Board of Directors at the time of the annual budget approval, along with comparisons to compensation levels at organizations of a similar size. Board members serve without compensation, as volunteers.”

“The organizations governing documents, conflict of interest policy and financial statements are made available to the public upon request.”

“PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS - MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT: The Whale Foundation offers free, confidential counseling services to individuals in the Grand Canyon river guiding community to address some of the challenges and uncertainties facing many river guides. In recent years, our clients have seen professional counselors for help with: family/interpersonal issues, substance abuse concerns, anxiety and depression, grief or loss, on river and work related issues and transition issues.”

“PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS - MEDICAL/PHYSICAL HEALTH SUPPORT: The Whale Foundation offers an annual health fair with physical health screenings, in addition to health insurance stipends for individuals. The annual Health Fair is held each year at the Guide Training Seminar in Marble Canyon and is free to the guiding community, open to all who attend the GTS. Grand Canyon River Guides hosts the GTS the last weekend of March, and a full cadre of health professionals participate in a number of health screenings. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS - EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT: Since 2004, the Whale Foundation has offered annual educational scholarships, named in honor of iconic river guide Kenton Grua, to Grand Canyon river guides seeking to further their education outside of the field of guiding, whether for a degree, certification or course. In 2023, the organization awarded scholarships of between $1,000 to $2,000 each to eight guides, totaling $12,500. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS - OUTREACH/OTHER PROGRAMS: The organization continued to maintain its website and improve the information available to its constituents. The organization continued its JEDI work, holding another Point Positive workshop for the guiding community in March 2023.”