Transparency and governance

Veterans, families, partners, and future supporters deserve to know exactly who we are and how we operate. This page will be updated as each step below is completed.

Legal status

• Nevada nonprofit corporation: being organized. Articles of Incorporation will be filed with the Nevada Secretary of State.
• Federal tax-exempt status: we intend to apply to the IRS for recognition under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Until the IRS recognizes our exemption, we do not claim that contributions are tax deductible.
• Nevada charitable solicitation registration: we will register with the Nevada Secretary of State before asking anyone in Nevada for a contribution, and renew that registration every year.

Public documents

Once filed, we will make our application for tax exemption and our three most recent annual information returns (IRS Form 990 series) available for public inspection, and post copies here. Federal law does not require us to disclose donors' names and addresses, and we will not publish them.

Governance commitments

Our draft bylaws are under Board review and will be reviewed by a Nevada-licensed nonprofit attorney before adoption. They commit us to:

• No private benefit. No part of our net earnings may benefit any director, officer, or private person. Directors serve without pay.
• No political campaign activity. We will not participate or intervene in any political campaign for or against a candidate for public office.
• Conflicts of interest. Directors, officers, and key employees disclose conflicts every year and step out of any discussion or vote where they have one.
• Financial controls. Board-approved budgets, separation of duties, tracking of restricted funds, and independent financial review when required.
• Whistleblower protection. Good-faith reports of fraud, misuse of funds, unsafe practices, harassment, discrimination, or retaliation are protected.
• Nondiscrimination. Services provided without unlawful discrimination, with reasonable accommodations.
• Participant privacy. Participant, donor, and personnel information is protected.
• Dissolution. If the organization ever dissolves, its remaining assets go to other 501(c)(3) organizations, preferably ones serving Veterans or addressing homelessness.

Board of Directors

The names of our directors and officers will be posted here when the bylaws are adopted.

Independence

A Safe Place for Veterans is an independent organization. It is not part of, and is not endorsed by, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any other government agency. We do not use the VA seal or logo.