Independent Order of Foresters Group Return

“Certain responsibilities associated with the Governance structure as well as the Granting program have been delegated to a range of Foresters employees. Administrative tasks associated with the execution of meetings including the circulation of meeting materials and minutes, financial reporting and documentation retention are performed by the Membership Department's Governance team. The delivery of the Granting program, including program guidelines, reviewing online applications, grant approvals, criteria assistance and coaching, payments administration and tracking, etc. are the duty of the Membership Operations team.”

“Yes, as a Fraternal Benefit Society, Foresters U.S. Branch is a member-based organization.”

“Yes, Foresters U.S. Branch maintains a member-based elected form of leadership.”

“Any decisions by Foresters U.S. Branch are subject to approval by the Foresters International Board of Directors in line with the Constitution.”

“This Form 990 was prepared by staff from the Finance and Membership Departments who are responsible for the management of Branch Trust Bank Accounts and the related Foresters Granting Program. This Form 990 was then reviewed by key Foresters executives, including the signatories on the US Trust Agreements and the US Branch Trust Bank Accounts. Finally, this Form 990 was shared electronically with the voting members of the governing body, providing them with oversight and the ability to provide comments and feedback.”

“All members declaring themselves or nominated for an elected position within the Foresters U.S. Branch Governance structure are required to sign a Volunteer Code of Ethics declaration containing a clear conflict of interest policy. Officers are required to sign this form at the beginning of each term and adhere to the principles throughout their tenure. A number of mechanisms are in place to ensure adherence to the Volunteer Code of Ethics and the associated conflict of interest policy. Processes exist throughout all programs within Foresters U.S. Branch to ensure compliance to the Code and to facilitate the reporting of concerns, including a system of random and triggered audits.”

“Foresters U.S. Branch makes all governing documents and our Code of Ethics (containing a conflict-of-interest policy) available to the public on Foresters.com in the "About Foresters" section under "Corporate Governance." U.S. Branch Group Return financial statements are contained within this Form 990, which is available upon request, as noted in 18 above”