Transparency & Governance
FIERCE Foundation is committed to accountability, ethical leadership, and responsible stewardship of all resources entrusted to our care.
Our Commitment to Integrity
FIERCE Foundation operates as a public benefit nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are committed to:
• Transparent financial reporting
• Ethical governance practices
• Responsible stewardship of donor funds
• Clear conflict-of-interest safeguards
• Independent board oversight
We believe trust is built through clarity, accountability, and consistent adherence to best practices in nonprofit governance.
Publicly Available Documents
The following documents are available to the public in accordance with federal and state nonprofit requirements:
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📄 IRS Form 1023 – Application for Tax-Exempt Status
📄 IRS Form 990 – Annual Information Return
📄 Public Summary of Bylaws
📄 Conflict of Interest Policy
📄 Annual Financial Statements
Board Governance
FIERCE Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors consisting of 4 to 15 members serving staggered terms. Directors serve voluntarily and are responsible for strategic oversight, financial accountability, and mission alignment.
Key governance practices include:
• Minimum of four board meetings annually
• Majority quorum requirement
• Board review of IRS Form 990 prior to filing
• Two-signature requirement for checks over $5,000
• Annual conflict-of-interest disclosures
• Whistleblower protections and non-retaliation policy
• Periodic board performance review for long-serving directors
The Executive Director/Founder serves as a non-voting participant in board meetings unless otherwise designated by board resolution.
Financial Oversight & Controls
FIERCE Foundation maintains internal financial controls to safeguard resources and ensure responsible allocation of funds.
Our oversight practices include:
• Board-approved budgets
• Authorized contract approval processes
• Dual-signature requirements for significant expenditures
• Conflict-of-interest review procedures
• Determination of independent financial review or audit based on revenue and risk exposure
All financial decisions align with our fiduciary responsibility to donors, partners, and program participants.
Ethics & Reporting Concerns
FIERCE Foundation maintains a high standard of ethical conduct. All directors, officers, and staff are expected to act lawfully and in alignment with the organization’s mission.
Concerns regarding financial practices, conflicts of interest, or misconduct may be reported confidentially and in good faith.
Reports may be directed to:
Board Chair
or
An independent designee appointed by the board
The Foundation prohibits retaliation against individuals who report suspected misconduct.
Contact for governance-related concerns:
[email protected]
Annual Board Activity Summary
A summary of board activities and governance actions is made publicly available annually. This summary includes:
• Major strategic decisions
• Governance updates
• Financial oversight milestones
• Policy updates
This summary may be requested by contacting:
We are committed to operating with integrity, clarity, and accountability in every aspect of our work. Transparency is foundational to our mission and the communities we serve.
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