📘 Organizational Policies for Raízes Incorporated

  1. Governance Policy  
  •  Raízes Incorporated shall maintain a Board of Directors with at least three individuals. 
  • The Board is responsible for fiduciary oversight, strategic planning, and compliance. 
  • Board meetings shall be held regularly and documented. 
  • Officers (President, Secretary, Treasurer) shall be appointed and their roles defined in the bylaws. 
  1. Conflict of Interest Policy
  • Directors, officers, and staff must disclose any personal or financial interests that may conflict with the organization’s mission. 
  • Conflicted individuals must recuse themselves from related decisions. 
  • Annual conflict of interest disclosures are required. 
  1. Fiscal Management Policy
  • Maintain accurate financial records and conduct annual budgeting. 
  • All expenditures must align with the organization’s mission. 
  • Annual financial reports (Form 990 and RRF-1) must be filed with the IRS and California Attorney General. 
  • Implement internal controls for handling donations, grants, and contracts. 
  1. Fundraising and Donor Transparency Policy
  • All fundraising activities must comply with California’s charitable solicitation laws. 
  • Donors must be informed of how their contributions will be used. 
  • Raízes shall not sell or trade donor information. 
  1. Document Retention and Destruction Policy
  • Financial, legal, and operational documents shall be retained for at least 7 years. 
  • Sensitive documents shall be securely stored and destroyed when no longer needed. 
  1. Whistleblower Protection Policy
  • Staff and volunteers may report unethical or illegal behavior without fear of retaliation. 
  • Reports shall be investigated confidentially and promptly. 
  1. Non-Discrimination and Inclusion Policy
  • Raízes Incorporated does not discriminate based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or immigration status. 
  • Services and employment opportunities shall be inclusive and accessible. 
  1. Employment Practices Policy
  • Comply with California labor laws, including wage, hour, and anti-harassment regulations. 
  • Maintain written job descriptions, performance evaluations, and grievance procedures. 
  1. Compliance and Reporting Policy
  • File required forms annually:  
    • IRS Form 990 or 990-N 
    • California RRF-1 and CT-TR-1 (if applicable) 
    • FTB Form 199 or 199N 
    • Statement of Information (SI-100) every two years 
  • Maintain current registration with the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charitable Trusts. 
  1. Tax-Exempt Status Maintenance Policy
  • Ensure ongoing compliance with IRS and California Franchise Tax Board requirements. 
  • Avoid excessive unrelated business income or political activity that could jeopardize 501(c)(3) status. 
  1. Program Evaluation and Impact Policy
  • Regularly assess the effectiveness of programs and services. 
  • Use feedback and data to improve community outcomes.