Step Up Women'S Network

“Step up engages our internal operations/finance team and finance & audit board committee to thoroughly review our form 990 before it is submitted to ensure that it accurately reflects the financial status of the organization. The form 990 is prepared by an independent certified public accountant. Our form 990 is prepared after establishing a final draft of prior year audited financials; parties involved are windes, our coo, bookkeeper, national board treasurer, and national board finance & audit committee. All voting members of our board of directors have the opportunity to review the form 990 prior to filing. Our national board treasurer, tara farnsworth (cfo of bayshore global management), advised throughout the process and conducted a thorough review of the 990 prior to distribution to the entire board.”

“The conflict of interest policy is reviewed annually and is part of the orientation process for all new staff and board members. Throughout the year as financial opportunities are presented to the organization, the executive director of each office reviews the opportunity to check for conflicts of interest. If none are found to exist, the opportunity is presented to the ceo. If a question arises, the ceo will address the conflict with the board of directors who will make a final assessment. Any director or staff member who may be involved will be recused from the review process.”

“The organization's management makes decisions on compensation for employees within the organization in consultation with the board. The national board is consulted prior to any broad changes in overarching compensation structure.”

“Governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements are available upon request.”

“In march 2020, congress passed the paycheck protection program (ppp), authorizing loans to small businesses for use in paying employees that they continue to employ throughout the covid-19 pandemic and for rent, utilities, and interest on mortgages. Loans obtained through the ppp are eligible to be forgiven as long as the proceeds are used for qualifying purposes and certain other conditions are met. In may 2020, the organization received a loan in the amount of $417,302 through the ppp, which was fully forgiven in july 2021 and included with revenue as of december 31, 2020. In february 2021, the organization entered into a second loan agreement for $253,317, which was fully forgiven in march 2022 and included with revenue as of december 31, 2021”