The Royal Ethiopian Trust Inc

“The board of directors reviews form 990 before form 990 is filed.”

“If a responsible person is aware that the organization is about to enter into any transaction or make any decision involving a conflict of interest, (a "conflicting interest transaction"), such person shall: (i) immediately inform those charged with approving the conflicting interest transaction on behalf of the organization of the interest or position of such person or any party related to such person; (ii) aid the persons charged with making the decision by disclosing any material facts within the responsible person's knowledge that bear on the advisability of the organization entering into the conflicting interest transaction; and (iii) not be entitled to vote on the decision to enter into such transaction. Approval of conflicting interest transactions. The organization may enter into a conflicting interest transaction provided either: the material facts as to the responsible person's relationship or interest and as to the conflicting interest transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of directors or to a committee of the board of directors that authorizes, approves or ratifies the conflicting interest transaction, and the board or committee in good faith authorizes, approves or ratifies the conflicting interest transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors on the board or committee, even though the disinterested directors are less than a quorum; or the conflicting interest transaction is fair as to the organization.”

“Governing documents are availabe for viewing upon written request.”

“The royal ethiopian trust (ret) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the legacy of his imperial highness prince ermias sahle-selassie and fostering the well-being of the ethiopian people. Rets mission is to safeguard, raise awareness of, and fortify ethiopian culture and unity. This mission is carried out through four core programmatic pillars: 1. Empowering ethiopias future supporting the intellectual and moral growth of ethiopian youth through scholarships, mentorship, and access to educational programs. 2. Fostering ethiopian entrepreneurship encouraging economic development through microfinance, training, and local business support. 3. Preserving ethiopias imperial heritage promoting national pride and historical awareness by recovering, preserving, and exhibiting significant cultural and historical artifacts. 4. Supporting the ethiopian crown upholding the ethiopian monarchy as a unifying symbol of ethiopias identity and cultural integrity.”

“Program highlights and accomplishments 2024 in may 2024, ret completed the acquisition of the shield of magdala, a significant ethiopian artifact taken during the 1868 british expedition to magdala. The shield was purchased for 6,440.81 through board member nicholas melillo and represents a landmark achievement under rets cultural preservation pillar. Following its acquisition, ret organized a public cultural event at the toledo museum of art in october 2024. This event featured presentations by his imperial highness prince ermias sahle selassie and dr. Alula pankhurst, engaging museumgoers and the ethiopian diaspora in discussions on heritage preservation and restitution. After the event, the shield was successfully returned to the ethiopian national museum in addis ababa, where it now resides as a symbol of ongoing heritage restoration. Project ethiopia (july 18, 2024 5,000): ret funded the creation of a revolving micro-loan fund for rural farmers in the dangla region of northwest ethiopia. Loans are distributed through local credit associations at 5% interest (compared to 20%+ from other institutions), primarily benefiting women. This initiative supports agricultural improvements, financial resilience, and economic independence. Addiscoder (sept 5, 2024 2,500): ret contributed to this free residential coding program for ethiopian high school students. In partnership with the ethiopian ministry of education, addiscoder provides four weeks of algorithm and computer science training at no cost to participants. Wonfel aid (sept 23, 2024 3,000): ret supported the wonfel amhara emergency fund and scholarship initiatives. This program activates the ethiopian diaspora to mobilize resources for community resilience and educational advancement, particularly in response to humanitarian needs in the amhara region. Adheno integrated rural development (oct 7, 2024 2,700): ret provided an unrestricted grant to adheno, an ethiopian rural development ngo. Funds were used to support projects in food security, environmental conservation, emergency response, and student aid for low-income families. Conclusion in 2024, the royal ethiopian trust made significant progress toward its foundational goals. Through successful fundraising, targeted community investment, and the historic repatriation of a national artifact, ret reinforced its commitment to preserving ethiopias heritage while investing in its future. These efforts reflect our enduring mission: to empower, preserve, and unite through culture, education, and purpose.”