FOLAR BOARD OF DIRECTORS POLICIES & RESOURCES
FOLAR BY-LAWS
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FOLAR POLICIES:
Board Approved and in effect on September 21, 2016, unless otherwise noted.
- Conflict of Interest Policy
- Confidential Reporting of Impropriety, Misuse of Organization’s Resources and Fraudulent or Dishonest Conduct “Whistleblower”
- Funding Solicitation and Donor Privacy
- Gift Acceptance Policy
- Internal Controls
- Limited Advocacy Policy
- Non-Discrimination
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Conflict of Interest Policy
I. Application of Policy
This policy applies to board members, staff and certain volunteers of Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR). All staff and volunteers are covered under this policy if that person has been granted significant independent decision making authority with respect to financial or other resources of the organization. Persons covered under this policy are hereinafter referred to as “interested parties.”
II. Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist when the interests or concerns of an interested party may be seen as competing with the interests or concerns of the organization. There are a variety of situations which raise conflict of interest concerns including, but not limited to, the following:
Financial Interests – A conflict may exist where an interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, directly or indirectly benefits or profits as a result of a decision made or transaction entered into by the organization. Examples include, but are not limited to, situations where:
• the organization contracts to purchase or lease goods, services, or properties from an interested party, or a relative, or business associate of an interested party;
• the organization purchases an ownership interest in or invests in a business entity owned by an interested party, or by a relative or business associate of an interested party;
• the organization offers employment to an interested party, or a relative, or business associate of an interested party, other than a person who is already employed by the organization;
• an interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, is provided with a gift, gratuity or favor, of a substantial nature, from a person or entity which does business, or seeks to do business, with the organization;
• an interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, is gratuitously provided use of the facilities, property, or services of the organization;
Other Interests – A conflict may also exist where an interested party, or a relative or business associate of an interested party, purposefully seeks to obtain a non-financial benefit or advantage that he would not have obtained absent his/her relationship with the organization, or where his/her duty or responsibility owed to the organization conflicts with a duty or responsibility owed to some other organization. Examples include, but are not limited to, situations where:
• an interested party seeks to obtain preferential treatment by the organization for himself, or relative, or business associate;
• an interested party seeks to make use of confidential information obtained from the organization for his own benefit, or for the benefit of a relative, business associate, or other organization;
• an interested party seeks to take advantage of an opportunity, or enable a relative, business associate or other organization to take advantage of an opportunity, which s/he has reason to believe would be of interest to the organization;
III. Disclosure of Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest
An interested party is under a continuing obligation to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest as soon as it is known, or reasonably should be known.
An interested party shall complete a questionnaire (Attachment A, Annual Affirmation of Compliance and Disclosure Statement), to fully and completely disclose the material facts about any actual or potential conflicts of interest. The disclosure statement shall be completed upon his/her association with the organization, and shall be updated annually thereafter. An additional disclosure statement shall be filed at such time as an actual or potential conflict arises.
For board members, the disclosure statements shall be provided to the Executive Director or the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
In the case of staff or volunteers with significant decision-making authority, the disclosure statements shall be provided to any Board of Director’s member and forwarded to the Executive Director or the Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
The Secretary of the Board of Directors shall file copies of all disclosure statements with the official corporate records of the organization.
IV. Procedures for Review of Actual or Potential Conflicts
Whenever there is reason to believe that an actual or potential conflict of interest exists between FOLAR and an interested party, the Board of Directors shall determine the appropriate organizational response. This shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, invoking the procedures described in Section V, below, with respect to a specific proposed action or transaction.
Where the actual or potential conflict involves a contract staff person of the organization other than the Executive Director, the Executive Director shall be responsible for reviewing the matter and may take appropriate action as necessary to protect the interests of the organization. The Executive Director shall report to the Chairperson the results of any review and the action taken. The Chairperson, in consultation with the Executive Committee, shall determine if any further board review or action is required.
V. Procedures for Addressing Conflicts of Interest – Specific Transactions
Where an actual or potential conflict exists between the interests of FOLAR and an interested party with respect to a specific proposed action or transaction, FOLAR shall refrain from the proposed action or transaction until such time as the proposed action or transaction has been approved by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors of the organization. The following procedures shall apply:
• An interested party who has an actual or potential conflict of interest with respect to a proposed action or transaction of the corporation shall not participate in anyway in, or be present during, the deliberations and decision making of the organization with respect to such action or transaction. The interested party may, upon request, be available to answer questions or provide material factual information about the proposed action or transaction.
• The disinterested members of the Board of Directors may approve the proposed action or transaction upon finding that it is in the best interests of the corporation. The board shall consider whether the terms of the proposed transaction are fair and reasonable to the organization and whether it would be possible, with reasonable effort, to find a more advantageous arrangement with a party or entity that is not an interested party.
• Approval by the disinterested members of the Board of Directors shall be by vote of a majority of directors in attendance at a meeting at which a quorum is present. An interested party shall not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present, nor for purposes of determining what constitutes a majority vote of directors in attendance.
• The minutes of the meeting shall reflect that the conflict disclosure was made, the vote taken and, where applicable, the abstention from voting and participation by the interested party.
VI. Conflicts of Interest and Compensation
A voting member of the Board of Directors who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from FOLAR for services is precluded from participating in discussion about, or voting on, matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the FOLAR for services is precluded from participating in discussion about, or voting on, matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
Any voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from FOLAR, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.
VII. Violations of Conflict of Interest Policy
If the Board of Directors has reason to believe that an interested party has failed to disclose an actual or potential conflict of interest, it shall inform the person of the basis for such belief and afford the person an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
If, after hearing the response of the interested party and making such further investigation as may be warranted in the circumstances, the board determines that the interested party has in fact failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.
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Confidential Reporting of Impropriety, Misuse of Organization’s Resources and Fraudulent or Dishonest Conduct “Whistleblower”
It is the policy of Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (Hereafter, FOLAR) to safeguard and protect all of the organization’s resources. Any member of the FOLAR staff, Board of Directors, or volunteers affiliated with the organization with information about known or suspected financial improprieties, misuse of the organization’s resources, or other ethical problems or concerns is responsible for reporting improprieties they observe or suspect to the Executive Director or Board Chairperson.
In the event that the allegations involve the Executive Director or Board Chairperson or if for any reason a concerned individual finds it difficult to report his or her concern to the Executive Director or Board Chairperson, the individual can report it directly to Vice Chairperson.
FOLAR will investigate any possible impropriety, fraudulent or dishonest use or misuse of its resources or property by board, staff, or program participants. Anyone found to have engaged in an impropriety or fraudulent activity is subject to disciplinary action by the FOLAR Board of Directors up to and including termination or dismissal, and civil or criminal prosecution when warranted.
Examples of impropriety, misuse of organization’s resources and fraudulent or dishonest conduct include, but are not limited to:
- Forgery or alteration of documents;
- Pursuit of a benefit or advantage in violation of FOLAR’s conflict of interest policy;
- Misappropriation or misuse of organization’s resources, such as funds, supplies, other assets;
- Authorizing or receiving compensation for goods not received, services not performed or hours not worked;
- Fraudulent financial reporting; and
- Abuse or inappropriate activity with any program participant.
Criteria used to determine whether certain activities or behavior constitute misuse of resources include state and federal laws, and FOLAR’s policies and procedures.
When reporting concerns, the person reporting may choose to do so anonymously via mail or through any other means of communication.
All efforts will be made to protect the confidentiality of those who report financial improprieties and choose to do so anonymously. However, in certain situations, legal requirements make it impossible to keep the individual’s identity confidential.
In accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, no retaliatory organizational action will be taken against those who report truthful information, even if the person incorrectly believes that a violation has occurred.
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Funding Solicitation and Donor Privacy
Solicitations and Acknowledgements:
• FOLAR solicitations and acknowledgements will be accurate, truthful, and candid.
• Solicitation materials and acknowledgements/receipts shall follow all federal and state requirements for solicitations, including, but not limited to:
o Disclaimers, such as those required by State charity regulators;
o Disclosure statements, indicating that the organization is a charitable nonprofit and statement such as those required by state charity regulators;
o Indication of the value of goods or services provided to the donor in exchange for their gift;
o Reporting to the IRS:
Example 1: FOLAR will provide donors who make contributions of noncash property with a value of over $500 to donors so that the donor may attach this form to their taxes.
Example 2: FOLAR should file Form 8282 with the IRS if it sells, exchanges or disposes of property within two years of the donation on or before the 125th day after the organization sells, exchanges or disposes of the property.)
Acceptance of Donated Gifts:
• FOLAR solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission and that support its core programs and/or related special projects.
• Donations will generally be accepted from individuals, partnerships, corporations, foundations, government agencies, or other entities, without limitations unless acceptance of gifts from a specific source is inconsistent with the mission of FOLAR.
• In the course of its regular fundraising activities, FOLAR may accept donations of the following: money, securities, real property, and personal property.
• Certain types of gifts must be reviewed prior to their being accepted because they may create liabilities or impose special obligations on FOLAR. The types of gifts that will require review, and the review process, are as follows:
● Gifts of real property – land and/or buildings may only be accepted upon careful review and approval of the Board of Directors or its designated committee;
● Gifts of personal property – personal property such as automobiles, furniture, business equipment, may only be accepted upon approval of the Executive Director or the Board of Directors or its designated committee;
● Gifts of securities, insurance, trusts, annuities, bequests, retirement plans, stocks, bonds, or other securities may only be accepted upon approval of the Board of Directors or its designated committee;
● Restricted gifts – gifts that may only be used for restricted purposes may only be accepted upon approval of the Board of Directors;
● Unusual gifts – gifts that are out of the ordinary, such that they differ significantly from the amounts or types of gifts that are routinely received by the organization, may only be accepted upon approval of the Board of Directors.
• FOLAR may elect to refuse gifts of cash, securities, real estate or other items of value if there is reason to believe that such gifts are incompatible with the mission of the organization, conflict with its core values, or would create a financial, administrative, or programmatic burden. The Executive Director is directed to refer questionable gifts to the Executive Committee for guidance on a case-by-case basis.
• FOLAR may elect to refuse gifts of any type if the potential gift poses a conflict of interest – including but not limited to real conflicts of interests, appearances of conflicts of interest, or perceived conflicts of interest.
Restricted Gifts and Honoring the Intention of Donors
• FOLAR follows, where applicable, the Donor Bill of Rights (developed by American Association of Fund Raising Counsel, Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals).
• When funds are accepted with restrictions, restrictions will be honored. If restrictions cannot be honored, gifts will be returned to the donor.
• Requests by donors to remain anonymous have their names removed from mailing lists, or to restrict appeals will be honored. Information about donors that donors wish to remain confidential including contact information and amount of gifts, may be held in confidence upon request. Donors will not be subject to excessive pressure when solicited for contributions.
Working with Outside Fundraisers
• FOLAR does not pay fundraisers based on a percentage of the amount raised or other commission formula.
• FOLAR only hires fundraisers and fundraising counsel who are properly registered with all applicable state authorities.
Monitoring All Fundraising Activities
• FOLAR’s Board of Directors and/or Executive Director will approve all fundraising activity conducted by any staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, board members, and others soliciting on behalf of the organization.
On occasion, FOLAR may find it necessary to retain legal counsel to assist with issues related to accepting gifts to review transactions, contracts, agreements, restrictions, and address actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest. Donors may engage their own legal or tax counsel as they explore gifts but this counsel must not be FOLAR’s legal counsel.
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Gift Acceptance Policy
Policy Approved by the FOLAR Board of Directors February 2022
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, Inc. (FOLAR) is a Virginia not-for-profit charitable corporation classified under IRS Section 501(c)(3), FEIN 30-0289556. As the only regional nonprofit dedicated to conserving and protecting the Appomattox River for all to enjoy, FOLAR welcomes the interest of donors in pursuing this mission.
FOLAR strives to uphold the highest ethical standards in its governance, programs, management, communications, and relationships. FOLAR Board Members complete a Conflict of Interest form each year. We are transparent and respectful in our financial dealings and safeguard our donors’ privacy. FOLAR has a GuideStar Gold Seal of Transparency and adheres to the standards set in the national Donors’ Bill of Rights.
Contributions to FOLAR are tax-deductible as permitted by law. FOLAR encourages all prospective donors to seek the assistance of personal legal, financial, and tax advisors in matters relating to their gifts, gift agreements, and the resulting tax and estate planning consequences.
The following are board approved policies and guidelines which govern acceptance of gifts made to FOLAR for the benefit of any of its operations, programs, or services.
Gifts Generally Accepted Without Review
• Cash / Check / Credit Card / Debit Card. Donations are payable to “FOLAR”. We encourage unrestricted gifts, which allows FOLAR to apply your gift to the area of greatest need as identified by the Board of Directors. Donors should specify how they wish their gift to be used in the memo line of the transaction or with an accompanying letter.
• Recurring/Monthly Gifts. FOLAR encourages supporters to set up recurring gifts in any of the forms mentioned above. These gifts can sustain the organization as on-going needs arise. The donor may stop such gifts at will.
• Publicly Traded / Marketable Securities. Securities that are traded on the New York and American Stock Exchanges, as well as other major U.S. and foreign exchanges and the NASDAQ, corporate bonds, government issues, and agency securities may be accepted by FOLAR. The Foundation will sell such securities as soon as possible after the securities have been transferred. In no event will an employee, Board member, advisor, or volunteer working on behalf of the Foundation commit to a donor that a security will be held unless authorized by FOLAR’s Executive Committee. In some cases, marketable securities may be restricted, for example, by applicable securities laws or the terms of the proposed gift; in such instances the decision whether to accept the restricted securities shall be resolved by the process specified below. The value of a gift of securities is the average of the high and low of the stock(s) or bond(s) on the day the transfer is made by the donor to the Foundation. The value of the securities will be the gift value credited to the donor. Donors should consult a personal financial advisor in terms of their own tax and financial goals.
• Qualified Charitable Deduction (QCD) / IRA Rollovers. Once a person is 70 ½ years old, he or she is required to take mandatory distributions from his/her IRA. Up to $100,000 may be given directly to eligible charities like FOLAR without being claimed as income on the donor’s taxes. Donors should consult a personal financial advisor in terms of their own tax and financial goals.
• Bequests and Beneficiary Designations under Revocable Trusts, Life Insurance Policies, Commercial Annuities, and Retirement Plans. Donors are encouraged to make gifts in their will to FOLAR, and to name FOLAR as a full or partial beneficiary under trusts, life insurance policies, commercial annuities, and retirement plans. FOLAR encourages donors to notify us about a bequest so that we may document the donor’s intentions and have a plan in place to carry out their wishes.
• Charitable Lead Trusts & Charitable Remainder Trusts. FOLAR will accept designation as a beneficiary or remainder beneficiary of charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts. FOLAR will not act as a trustee of charitable trusts.
Gifts Accepted Subject to Prior Review
Certain forms of gifts or donated properties may be subject to review prior to acceptance. In some cases, FOLAR will need to reject a generous offer simply because of the organization’s circumstances or stage of development. In every case, FOLAR is deeply grateful for the prospective donor’s generosity and charitable intent. Either the Board Chair or the Executive Director may request that a Gift Acceptance Task Force investigate and consider the wisdom of accepting any gift and report their findings to the Executive Committee or full Board for a final decision. Task Force members shall be appointed by the Chair in consultation with the Executive Committee to represent areas of expertise and the best interests of the organization.
- Examples of gifts subject to prior review include, but are not limited to:
• Tangible Personal Property. FOLAR shall review and determine whether to accept any gifts of tangible personal property considering the following:
• Does the property further the organization’s mission?
• Is the property marketable? How time-consuming will the marketing process be?
• Are there any unacceptable restrictions imposed on the property?
• Are there any carrying costs for the property for which FOLAR may be responsible?
• Is the title/provenance of the property clear?
• Life Insurance. FOLAR will accept gifts of fully paid life insurance where FOLAR is named as both beneficiary and irrevocable owner of the insurance policy.
• Real Estate. All gifts of real estate shall be subject to review. When working with prospective real estate donors, FOLAR may partner with localities and other entities, such as the Appomattox River Soil and Water Conservation District, James River Soil and Water Conservation District, Virginia Outdoors Foundation, and Capital Region Land Conservancy, to fulfill the donor’s philanthropic goals. FOLAR respectfully requests that the donor cover the full due diligence costs and closing costs of the proposed transaction. - Prior to acceptance of any gift of real estate, the prospective donor shall provide to FOLAR:
an initial Phase 1 environmental review by a qualified environmental firm. In the event that the initial review reveals a potential problem, FOLAR may retain a qualified environmental firm to conduct an environmental audit, but the cost of full investigation will be weighed against potential benefits and costs of the gift.
• a title search/policy
• a survey of the property
• a professional, qualified appraisal of the property’s value
• a Baseline Documentation Report (only for properties with an easement or deed restriction)
• Criteria for acceptance of gifts of real estate include:
• Is the property useful for the organization’s purposes?
• Is the property readily marketable?
• Are there covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, easements, encumbrances or other limitations associated with the property?
• Are there carrying costs (including insurance, property taxes, mortgages, notes, or the like) or maintenance expenses associated with the property?
• Does the environmental review or audit reflect that the property is damaged or otherwise requires remediation?
Use of Legal Counsel
Prior to accepting the gifts below, FOLAR will seek the advice of legal counsel.
• Gifts of securities that are subject to restrictions or buy-sell agreements.
• Documents requiring FOLAR to act in any fiduciary capacity.
• Gifts requiring FOLAR to assume financial or other obligations.
• Transactions with potential conflicts of interest.
• Gifts of property which may be subject to environmental or other regulatory restrictions. - Restrictions on Gifts
Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Executive Director. FOLAR will not accept gifts that:
• would result in FOLAR violating its corporate charter
• would result in FOLAR losing its status as an IRC § 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
• are too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value
• would result in any unacceptable consequences for FOLAR
• are for purposes outside FOLAR’s mission.
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Internal Controls
SCOPE OF THIS POLICY
This statement reflects the general policy relating to internal controls for Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (Hereafter, FOLAR).
DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
The Board of Directors delegates the authority for developing internal control procedures to the staff of FOLAR.
The board retains the authority to engage an accounting/auditing firm to perform an annual financial audit of FOLAR and produce audited financial statements.
The board retains the authority to authorize other audits to review activities not included within the scope of a financial audit.
ELEMENTS OF THE INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM
• GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• RECORD KEEPING
• FUND RAISING
• CASH DISBURSEMENTS
• PERSONNEL
• INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL REPORTING
• ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• All financial activity advances the purpose of FOLAR, either for program activity, general and administrative support, or fund raising.
• Staff members responsible for tasks relating to financial transactions have a level of training and experience that enable them to exercise the level of skill and judgment required by the most critical aspects of the task.
• No person makes commitments for FOLAR beyond their level of authority.
• More than one person is involved in the completion of every financial transaction.
• An assessment is made of additional separation of duties and rotation of responsibilities.
• Care is taken to ensure that closely related individuals are not in a position of reviewing or authorizing each other’s transactions.
• There is no significant period of time in which tasks relating to financial transactions are not performed.
• An assessment is made of the risks involved in all financial transactions and in maintaining the financial and physical property of FOLAR. Procedures are established to reduce the risks that are identified. Procedures balance the risk of loss with the cost of controls.
RECORD KEEPING
• Transactions are recorded in the accounting system of FOLAR as close as possible to the time when they occur.
• Transactions are classified and recorded accurately based on objective criteria and consistent treatment of similar transactions.
• Documentation of accounting transactions is clear and legible.
• The media on which documentation is recorded remains readable until the record is destroyed according to document and records management policies.
• Special care is taken to identify and to record accurately non-cash financial transactions, whether they result in income, expense, assets, or liabilities.
• Activities are not recorded on a net basis. When an activity includes transactions that increase and decrease a financial account, the increase and decrease transactions are recorded separately.
FUND RAISING
• The board is informed in advance and approves the purposes for which outside funding is solicited.
• Care is taken to ensure that money received for specific purposes is used for those purposes and that any required reporting is provided by the funder.
CASH DISBURSEMENTS
• The purpose of each expense transaction is documented at the time of the transaction. The extent of documentation is based on the transaction’s size, frequency of similar transactions, and reporting requirements of contracts or restricted grants. Documentation included with each transaction provides adequate explanation for an independent reviewer unfamiliar with the details of the transaction.
• Special care is taken with cash transactions to ensure frequent reconciliation of accounts with the financial institutions that hold the accounts.
• All cash disbursements including payments under an executed real estate lease or rental agreement are initiated by a person other than the person who prepares the check.
• Care is taken to prevent duplicate payment for the same goods or services.
• Settlement of any claims against FOLAR are reviewed and approved before payment.
PERSONNEL
• In the event that FOLAR hires employees, written personnel policies and procedures will be established, made available and applied equitably to all employees to provide for consistency in recruitment, compensation, benefits, discipline, separation, and termination of employees.
• Employees will be hired, compensated, and separated in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, as well as contracts and restricted grants.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL REPORTING
• As much as possible, internal financial reporting is on a basis consistent with external financial reporting, except that interim financial reporting may be on a cash basis rather than an accrual basis.
• Financial statements present adequate information to serve as the basis for informed review.
• All requirements are met for federal and state registration and all taxes are paid.
ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS
• Accounting records are organized to facilitate retrieval of documents when needed.
• Accounting records are retained until the time designated for destruction and they are destroyed when that time arrives.
• Legal documents (such as executed contracts) and personnel records are kept separate from accounting records.
• Other systems that provide information to the accounting system are identified.
• Special care is taken to ensure reconciliation of balances and continuity of an audit trail between the accounting system and other systems, and to ensure that the records in the other system are retained as appropriate for accounting records.
• Special care is taken to ensure the integrity of computerized accounting records.
• Care is taken to ensure that technical support is available for accounting systems and other systems that provide information to the accounting system.
• Internal control policies are maintained during transitions in computerized accounting systems and other systems that provide information to thPolicy Effective Date: October 20, 2021 Board Meetinge accounting system.
CREDIT CARD POLICY
Policy Effective Date: October 20, 2021 Board Meeting
A credit card provides FOLAR personnel with the ability to effectively and efficiently make purchases in relation to the Board of Directors approved budget.
Guidelines
1.The Executive Committee will approve the issuance of all FOLAR credit cards.
2.Credit cards will be issued in the name of the employee or board officer.
a.Current policy authorizes two users, the FOLAR Executive Director and FOLARDirector of Development
3.The card will have a credit limit of $1,000.
4.The card may be used only for the purchase of goods or services for officialbusiness of the FOLAR.
5.The person issued the card is responsible for its protection and custody andshall immediately notify the credit card company and Board Chair if it is lost orstolen.
6.The person issued the card must immediately surrender the card to the currentBoard Chair or Vice Chair when affiliation with the FOLAR has ended.
7.The person using a credit card for purchases that cannot be substantiated as anecessary purchase for official business will be subject to disciplinary action.
Report Requirements
Credit card statements, along with receipts for all items to be paid by FOLAR, will be reconciled on a monthly basis by the Executive Director. Receipts must show the date, purpose, and name(s) for which the expense was incurred.
Monthly credit card statements will be reviewed at least quarterly by the Board Chair or Treasurer for accuracy.
FOLAR CHECK-SIGNING AUTHORITY POLICY
Policy Effective Date: October 20, 2021 Board Meeting
1.The board chair, treasurer, chief executive, and one other executive committee member as designated by the chair, are authorized to sign checks. These four individuals shall be bonded.
2.Checks up to $500 require one signature.
3.Checks over $500 and up to $10,000 require the signature of the board chair, treasurer, or other designated executive board member.4.All checks over $10,000 require two signatures.
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Limited Advocacy Policy
Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) does not pursue public policy advocacy as part of its regular program activities. We recognize, however, that as a leader in our field, we are occasionally called upon by government officials, members of the media, and others to offer positions on public issues affecting our work or to share knowledge and expertise relevant to ongoing policy deliberations that affect our mission.
Any and all FOLAR activities, issue positions, and statements are strictly nonpartisan, never endorsing or implying support for, or opposition to a political candidate, or contributing in any way to a political campaign or activity.
The Executive Director, with approval by the FOLAR Board, may authorize participation in advocacy activities on a case-by-case basis when the Board determines such participation is consistent with the mission of FOLAR and that the interests of its work is sufficiently clear. Where participation is warranted and approved, the Executive Director shall be responsible to determine the nature and extent of participation, including the positions to be stated or information to be shared.
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Non-Discrimination
FOLAR does not, shall not, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
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