API Chaya

“During 2019, api chaya management suspected and verified some fraudulent transactions relating to client assistance. The total amount is unknown as we were unable to reach some of the clients whose assistance we called into question. The employee responsible for these transactions was terminated. Additional controls were implemented in 2019. Auditors and funders were made aware of the circumstances. We continue to be in good standing with our contracts.”

“There are no committees with authority to act on behalf of the board of directors. All report to the full board.”

“The form 990 is reviewed by the finance committee of the board and presented to the full board at completion. The full board has an opportunity to question and review the form 990.”

“Per the bylaws of api chaya, article ii, section 6: applicants for the board must self-disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest, including providing contract services to the organization, having a family member on the staff of the organization, or serving on a board for a competing organization or an organization working against the goals of api chaya. Board members must certify on an annual basis whether they have any known actual or potential conflicts of interest and must timely disclose any known actual or potential conflicts of interest as they arise. The board shall take action to resolve any actual or perceived conflict of interest. The bylaws, including this policy, is shared with all board members when they join the board of api chaya and specifically asking about conflicts of interest is a part of the interview process during recruitment of new prospective board members. If and when potential or known conflicts of interest arise, the board gathers appropriate and necessary information about the conflict and determines the appropriate level of engagement for that board member on the issue/transaction in question, including the option of requesting the board member recuse themselves from decision-making on that issue.”

“In 2018, api chaya developed a salary step scale to determine the wages of all staff, including the previous executive director, joanne alcantara, based on cost of living data and appropriate comparability data on wages in the nonprofit sector for similar roles in like-sized organizations. This salary step scale was reviewed and formally adopted by the board in january 2019. The scale system provides a point structure that helps determine what step an employee will start at based on their job position and their experience, education, and familiarity with the organization. Each step has a designated salary level and employees move up one step each year they are with the organization. There is also a 2% cost of living increase to the entire salary step scale every year. The salary step scale is discussed and reviewed each year as a part of the annual budget approval process.”

“The governing docuements and conflict of interest policy are not available to the public. Financial statements are available upon request.”

“Api chaya has two main program areas: survivor advocacy and community organizing. Api chaya has served thousands of people and worked with dozens of community groups for community organizing and education to prevent gender-based violence and human trafficking.”

“Api chaya empowers survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking to gain safety, connection, and wellness. We build power by educating and mobilizing south asian, asian, pacific islander, and all immigrant communities to end exploitation, creating a world where all people can heal and thrive.”

“No changes from prior year.”