National Hound and Tree Dog Association

Current Board of Directors

Trustee Positions

Any state association or local club can become a partner in the NHTDA. For an association to become a partner, they simply will need to provide the opportunity for their current membership to pledge a monthly donation to the NHTDA account. Those partnering associations will have a trustee position without voting rights, They will be able to request the information and will receive the communications about the status and funds in the account. There are several organizations who have committed to helping promoting this idea to make this a success.

If your association is not on the following list, have them contact us to find out how they can help.

• Oregon United Sporting Dog Association
• California Houndsmen For Conservation
• Michigan Bear Hunters Association
• Michigan Hunting Dog Federation
• Michigan UP Bear Hunters
• Utah Houndsmen Association
• Modesto Houndsmen
• Idaho Houndsmen Association
• North Carolina Sporting Dog Association
• Tennessee Bear Hunters Association
• Fern Ridge Tree Hound Club
• Siskiyou Houndsmen
• North Central California Houndsmen

Downloads

Download a copy of the By-Laws

By-Laws PDF

Non-Profit Corporate By-Laws

ARTICLE I

NAME

1.01 Name

The name of this corporation shall be the National Hound and Tree Dog Association Inc.. The business of the corporation may be conducted as the National Hound and Tree Dog Association Inc. or the NHTDA.

1.02 Principal Office

The principal office of this corporation shall be located in Marshall County Indiana.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSES AND POWERS

2.01 Purpose

The National Hound and Tree Dog Association is a non-profit corporation and shall be operated exclusively for conservation and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code. The National Hound and Tree Dog Association’s purpose is to protect and promote the future and growth of: the sport of hunting with hounds and tree dogs, wildlife habitat, and our rights as sportsmen and women.

This will be achieved through:

1. The education of our youth, our lawmakers, and other citizens
1. Youth education workshops at various kennel club events, hosted around the state
2. Support of youth competition events through volunteering as guides, judges and trainers
3. Publishing third party studies, such as the Purdue University Crop Depredation study, via Public Service Announcements
2. Supporting our fellow sportsmen/women through charitable actions
1. Generating and distributing charitable donations through the Houndsmen Helping Houndsmen web page
3. Helping define the standard by which we responsibly participate in our great pastimes
1. Production of Public Service Announcements, recommending ethical and sportsman-like practices
2. Partnering in the production of television episodes, that accentuate sportsmanship
4. Development and promotion of conservation practices to protect the game we pursue
1. Production of Public Service Announcements, recommending conservation practices, and accentuating preferred behaviors
2. Youth and adult workshops, constructing wooden wildlife housing, for wetlands and logged timber stands
5. Cooperation with law enforcement and wildlife biologists
1. Collaborating with law enforcement on Public Service Announcements that educate sportsman on regulation changes
2. Hosting events where conservation officers and houndsman may hunt together, to better appreciate each other’s perspectives To maximize our impact on current efforts, we may seek to collaborate with other non-profit organizations which fall under the 501(c) (3) section of the internal revenue code and are operated exclusively for conservation and charitable purposes.

2.02 Powers

The corporation shall have the power, directly or indirectly, alone or in conjunction or cooperation with others, to do any and all lawful acts which may be necessary or convenient to affect the conservation purposes, for which the corporation is organized, and to aid or assist other organizations or persons whose activities further accomplish, foster, or attain such purposes. The powers of the corporation may include, but not be limited to, the acceptance of contributions from the public and private sectors, whether financial or in-kind contributions.

2.03 Nonprofit Status and Exempt Activities Limitation.

1. Nonprofit Legal Status. The National Hound and Tree Dog Association is an Indiana nonprofit public benefit corporation, recognized as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.
2. Exempt Activities Limitation. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, no director, officer, employee, member, or representative of this corporation shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of the corporation not permitted to be taken or carried on by an organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as it now exists or may be amended., or by any organization contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of such Code and Regulations as it now exists or may be amended. No part of the net earnings of the corporation shall inure to the benefit or be distributable to any director, officer, member, or other private person, except that the corporation shall be authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in the Articles of Incorporation and these Bylaws.

3. Distribution Upon Dissolution. Upon termination or dissolution of the National Hound and Tree Dog Association, any assets lawfully available for distribution shall be distributed to one (1) or more qualifying organizations described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or described in any corresponding provision of any successor statute) which organization or organizations have a charitable purpose which, at least generally, includes a purpose similar to the terminating or dissolving corporation.

   The organization to receive the assets of the National Hound and Tree Dog Association hereunder shall be selected in the discretion of a majority of the managing body of the corporation, and if its members cannot so agree, then the recipient organization shall be selected pursuant to a verified petition in equity filed in a court of proper jurisdiction against the National Hound and Tree Dog Association, by one (1) or more of its managing body which verified petition shall contain such statements as reasonably indicate the applicability of this section. The court upon a finding that this section is applicable shall select the qualifying organization or organizations to receive the assets to be distributed, giving preference if practicable to organizations located within the State of Indiana.

   In the event that the court shall find that this section is applicable but that there is no qualifying organization known to it which has a charitable purpose, which, at least generally, includes a purpose similar to the National Hound and Tree Dog Association, then the court shall direct the distribution of its assets lawfully available for distribution to the Treasurer of the State of Indiana to be added to the general fund.

ARTICLE III

MEMBERSHIP

3.01 No Membership Classes

The corporation shall have non-voting members, who will not have any right to vote or title or interest in or to the corporation, its properties and franchises. They will however receive prenegotiated member benefits, such as discounts at various product and service providers.

3.02 Non-Voting Affiliates

The board of directors may approve classes of non-voting affiliates with rights, privileges, and obligations established by the board. Affiliates may be individuals, businesses, and other organizations that seek to support the mission of the corporation. At no time shall affiliate information be shared with or sold to other organizations or groups without the affiliate’s consent. At the discretion of the board of directors, affiliates may be given endorsement, recognition and media coverage at fundraising activities, clinics, other events or at the corporation website. Affiliates may include a board of advisors, who may have voting rights on matters of policy or strategy, but no authority over corporate governance.

3.03 Dues

Any dues for affiliates or non-voting members shall be determined by the board of directors.

ARTICLE IV

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

4.01 Number of Directors

The National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall have a board of directors consisting of at least 4 and no more than 7 directors. Within these limits, the board may increase or decrease the number of directors serving on the board, including for the purpose of staggering the terms of directors.

4.02 Powers

All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the authority of the board and the affairs of the National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall be managed under the direction of the board, except as otherwise provided by law.

4.03 Terms

1. All directors shall be elected to serve a two-year term, however the term may be extended until a successor has been elected.
2. Director terms shall be staggered so that approximately half the number of directors will end their terms in any given year.
3. Directors may serve terms in succession.
4. The term of office shall be considered to begin January 1 and end December 31 of the second year in office, unless the term is extended until such time as a successor has been elected.

4.04 Qualifications and Election of Directors

In order to be eligible to serve as a director on the board of directors, the individual must be 18 years of age. Directors may be elected at any board meeting by the majority vote of the existing board of directors. The election of directors to replace those who have fulfilled their term of office shall take place in January of each year.

4.05 Vacancies

The board of directors may fill vacancies due to the expiration of a director’s term of office, resignation, death, or removal of a director or may appoint new directors to fill a previously unfilled board position, subject to the maximum number of directors under these Bylaws. (a) Unexpected Vacancies. Vacancies in the board of directors due to resignation, death, or removal shall be filled by the board for the balance of the term of the director being replaced.

4.06 Removal of Directors

A director may be removed by majority vote of the board of directors then in office, if:

1. the director is absent and unexcused from two or more consecutive meetings of the board of directors. Attendance may be achieved either in person, or virtually. The board president is empowered to excuse directors from attendance for a reason deemed adequate by the board president.
2. for cause or no cause, if before any meeting of the board at which a vote on removal will be made the director in question is given electronic or written notification of the board’s intention to discuss her/his case and is given the opportunity to be heard at a meeting of the board.

4.07 Board of Directors Meetings.

1. Regular Meetings. The board of directors shall have a minimum of two (2) regular meetings each calendar year at times and places fixed by the board. Board meetings shall be held upon four (30) days notice by first-class mail, electronic mail, or delivered personally or by telephone. Notice of meetings shall specify the place, day, and hour of meeting. The purpose of the meeting need not be specified.
2. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board may be called by the president, vice president, treasurer, or any two (2) other directors of the board of directors. A special meeting must be preceded by at least 4 days notice to each director of the date, time, and place, but not the purpose, of the meeting.
3. Waiver of Notice. Any director may waive notice of any meeting, in accordance with Indiana law.

4.08 Manner of Acting.

1. Quorum. A majority of the directors in office immediately before a meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at that meeting of the board. No business shall be considered by the board at any meeting at which a quorum is not present.
2. Majority Vote. Except as otherwise required by law or by the articles of incorporation, the act of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the board.
3. Hung Board Decisions. On the occasion that directors of the board are unable to make a decision based on a tied number of votes, the president shall have the power to swing the vote based on his/her discretion.
4. Participation. Except as required otherwise by law, the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, directors may participate in a regular or special meeting through the use of any means of communication by which all directors participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting, including in person, internet video meeting or by telephonic conference call.

4.09 Compensation for Board Service

Directors shall receive no compensation for carrying out their duties as directors. The board may adopt policies providing for reasonable reimbursement of directors for expenses incurred in conjunction with carrying out board responsibilities, such as travel expenses to attend board meetings.

4.10 Compensation for Professional Services by Directors

Directors are not restricted from being remunerated for professional services provided to the corporation. Such remuneration shall be reasonable and fair to the corporation and must be reviewed and approved in accordance with the board Conflict of Interest policy and state law. Board Officers may be compensated through salary, commensurate with their expertise and efforts applied to the success of the corporation.

ARTICLE V

COMMITTEES

5.01 Committees

The board of directors may, by the resolution adopted by a majority of the directors then in office, designate one or more committees, each consisting of two or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the board. Any committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the board, shall have all the authority of the board, except that no committee, regardless of board resolution, may:

1. take any final action on matters which also requires board members’ approval or approval of a majority of all members;
2. fill vacancies on the board of directors of in any committee which has the authority of the board;
3. amend or repeal Bylaws or adopt new Bylaws;
4. amend or repeal any resolution of the board of directors which by its express terms is not so amendable or repealable;
5. appoint any other committees of the board of directors or the members of these committees;
6. expend corporate funds to support a nominee for director; or
7. approve any transaction;
1. to which the corporation is a party and one or more directors have a material financial interest; or
2. between the corporation and one or more of its directors or between the corporation or any person in which one or more of its directors have a material financial interest.

5.2 Meetings and Action of Committees

Meetings and action of the committees shall be governed by and held and taken in accordance with, the provisions of Article IV of these Bylaws concerning meetings of the directors, with such changes in the context of those Bylaws as are necessary to substitute the committee and its members for the board of directors and its members, except that the time for regular meetings of committees may be determined either by resolution of the board of directors or by resolution of the committee. Special meetings of the committee may also be called by resolution of the board of directors. Notice of special meetings of committees shall also be given to any and all alternate members, who shall have the right to attend all meetings of the committee. Minutes shall be kept of each meeting of any committee and shall be filed with the corporate records. The board of directors may adopt rules for the governing of the committee not inconsistent with the provision of these Bylaws.

5.3 Informal Action By The Board of Directors

Any action required or permitted to be taken by the board of directors at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be agreed by the consensus of a quorum. For purposes of this section an e-mail transmission from an email address on record constitutes a valid writing. The intent of this provision is to allow the board of directors to use email to approve actions, as long as a quorum of board members gives consent.

ARTICLE VI

OFFICERS

6.01 Board Officers

The officers of the corporation shall be a board president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer, all of whom shall be chosen by, and serve at the pleasure of, the board of directors. Each board officer shall have the authority and shall perform the duties set forth in these Bylaws or by resolution of the board or by direction of an officer authorized by the board to prescribe the duties and authority of other officers. The board may also appoint additional vicepresidents and such other officers as it deems expedient for the proper conduct of the business of the corporation, each of whom shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as the board of directors may determine. One person may hold two or more board offices, but no board officer may act in more than one capacity where action of two or more officers is required.

6.02 Term of Office

Each officer shall serve a one-year term of office and may not serve more than five (5) consecutive terms of office. Unless unanimously elected by the board at the end of his/her five (5) year terms or to fill a vacancy in an officer position, each board officer’s term of office shall begin upon the adjournment of the board meeting at which elected and shall end upon the adjournment of the board meeting during which a successor is elected.

6.03 Removal and Resignation

The board of directors may remove an officer at any time, with or without cause. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the corporation without prejudice to the rights, if any, of the corporation under any contract to which the officer is a party. Any resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of the notice or at any later time specified in the notice, unless otherwise specified in the notice. The acceptance of the resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

6.04 Board President

The board president shall be the chief officer of the corporation. The board president shall lead the board of directors in performing its duties and responsibilities, including, if present, presiding at all meetings of the board of directors, and shall perform all other duties incident to the office or properly required by the board of directors.

6.05 Vice President

In the absence or disability of the board president, the ranking vice-president or vice-president designated by the board of directors shall perform the duties of the board president. When so acting, the vice-president shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the board president. The vice-president shall have such other powers and perform such other duties prescribed for them by the board of directors or the board president.

6.06 Secretary

The secretary shall keep or cause to be kept a book of minutes of all meetings and actions of directors and committees of directors. The minutes of each meeting shall state the time and place that it was held and such other information as shall be necessary to determine the actions taken and whether the meeting was held in accordance with the law and these Bylaws. The secretary shall cause notice to be given of all meetings of directors and committees as required by the Bylaws. The secretary shall have such other powers and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the board of directors or the board president. The secretary may appoint, with approval of the board, a director to assist in performance of all or part of the duties of the secretary.

6.07 Treasurer

The treasurer shall be the lead director for oversight of the financial condition and affairs of the corporation. The treasurer shall oversee and keep the board informed of the financial condition of the corporation and of audit or financial review results. In conjunction with other directors or officers, the treasurer shall oversee budget preparation and shall ensure that appropriate financial reports, including an account of major transactions and the financial condition of the corporation, are made available to the board of directors on a timely basis or as may be required by the board of directors. The treasurer shall perform all duties properly required by the board of directors or the board president. The treasurer may appoint, with approval of the board a qualified fiscal agent or member of the staff to assist in performance of all or part of the duties of the treasurer.

6.08 Non-Director Officers

The board of directors may designate additional officer positions of the corporation and may appoint and assign duties to other non-director officers of the corporation.

ARTICLE VII

CONTRACTS, CHECKS, LOANS, INDEMNIFICATION AND RELATED MATTERS

7.01 Contracts and other Writings

Except as otherwise provided by resolution of the board or board policy, all contracts, deeds, leases, mortgages, grants, and other agreements of the corporation shall be executed on its behalf by the treasurer or other persons to whom the corporation has delegated authority to execute such documents in accordance with policies approved by the board.

7.02 Checks, Drafts

All checks, drafts, or other orders for payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the corporation, shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents, of the corporation and in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the board.

7.03 Deposits

All funds of the corporation not otherwise employed shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depository as the board or a designated committee of the board may select.

7.04 Loans

No loans shall be contracted on behalf of the corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by resolution of the board. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

7.05 Indemnification

1. Mandatory Indemnification. The corporation shall indemnify a director or former director, who was wholly successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she was a party because he or she is or was a director of the corporation against reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection with the proceedings.
2. Permissible Indemnification. The corporation shall indemnify a director or former director made a party to a proceeding because he or she is or was a director of the corporation, against liability incurred in the proceeding, if the determination to indemnify him or her has been made in the manner prescribed by the law and payment has been authorized in the manner prescribed by law.
3. Advance for Expenses. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, as authorized by the board of directors in the specific case, upon receipt of
   1. a written affirmation from the director, officer, employee or agent of his or her good faith belief that he or she is entitled to indemnification as authorized in this article, and
   2. an undertaking by or on behalf of the director, officer, employee or agent to repay such amount, unless it shall ultimately be determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by the corporation in these Bylaws.
4. Indemnification of Officers, Agents and Employees. An officer of the corporation who is not a director is entitled to mandatory indemnification under this article to the same extent as a director. The corporation may also indemnify and advance expenses to an employee or agent of the corporation who is not a director, consistent with Indiana Law and public policy, provided that such indemnification, and the scope of such indemnification, is set forth by the general or specific action of the board or by contract.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

8.01 Books and Records

The corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of account and shall keep minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of its board of directors, a record of all actions taken by board of directors without a meeting, and a record of all actions taken by committees of the board. In addition, the corporation shall keep a copy of the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as amended to date.

8.02 Fiscal Year

The fiscal year of the corporation shall be from January 1 to December 31 of each year.

8.03 Conflict of Interest

The board shall adopt and periodically review a conflict of interest policy (see Appendix A) to protect the corporation’s interest when it is contemplating any transaction or arrangement which may benefit any director, officer, employee, affiliate, or member of a committee with board-delegated powers.

8.04 Nondiscrimination Policy

The officers, directors, committee members, employees, and persons served by this corporation shall be selected entirely on a nondiscriminatory basis with respect to age, sex, race, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation. It is the policy of National Hound and Tree Dog Association not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, ancestry, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability, veteran’s status, political service or affiliation, color, religion, or national origin.

8.05 Bylaw Amendment

These Bylaws may be amended, altered, repealed, or restated by a vote of the majority of the board of directors then in office at a meeting of the Board, provided, however,

1. that no amendment shall be made to these Bylaws which would cause the corporation to cease to qualify as an exempt corporation under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the corresponding section of any future Federal tax code; and,
2. that an amendment does not affect the voting rights of directors. An amendment that does affect the voting rights of directors further requires ratification by a majority vote of a quorum of directors at a Board meeting.
3. that all amendments be consistent with the Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE IX

COUNTERTERRORISM AND DUE DILIGENCE POLICY

In furtherance of its exemption by contributions to other organizations, domestic or foreign, National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall stipulate how the funds will be used and shall require the recipient to provide the corporation with detailed records and financial proof of how the funds were utilized.

Although adherence and compliance with the US Department of the Treasury’s publication the “Voluntary Best Practice for US. Based Charities” is not mandatory, National Hound and Tree Dog Association willfully and voluntarily recognizes and puts to practice these guidelines and suggestions to reduce, develop, re-evaluate and strengthen a risk-based approach to guard against the threat of diversion of charitable funds or exploitation of charitable activity by terrorist organizations and their support networks.

National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall also comply and put into practice the federal guidelines, suggestion, laws and limitation set forth by pre-existing U.S. legal requirements related to combating terrorist financing.

ARTICLE X

DOCUMENT RETENTION POLICY

10.01 Purpose

The purpose of this document retention policy is establishing standards for document integrity, retention, and destruction and to promote the proper treatment of National Hound and Tree Dog Association records.

10.02 Policy

• Section 1. General Guidelines. Records should not be kept if they are no longer needed for the operation of the business or required by law. Unnecessary records should be eliminated from the files. The cost of maintaining records is an expense which can grow unreasonably if good housekeeping is not performed. A mass of records also makes it more difficult to find pertinent records. From time to time, National Hound and Tree Dog Association may establish retention or destruction policies or schedules for specific categories of records in order to ensure legal compliance, and also to accomplish other objectives, such as preserving intellectual property and cost management. Several categories of documents that warrant special consideration are identified below. While minimum retention periods are established, the retention of the documents identified below and of documents not included in the identified categories should be determined primarily by the application of the general guidelines affecting document retention, as well as the exception for litigation relevant documents and any other pertinent factors.
• Section 2. Exception for Litigation Relevant Documents. National Hound and Tree Dog Association expects all officers, directors, and employees to comply fully with any published records retention or destruction policies and schedules, provided that all officers, directors, and employees should note the following general exception to any stated destruction schedule: If you believe, or the National Hound and Tree Dog Association informs you, that corporate records are relevant to litigation, or potential litigation (i.e. a dispute that could result in litigation), then you must preserve those records until it is determined that the records are no longer needed. That exception supersedes any previously or subsequently established destruction schedule for those records.
• Section 3. Minimum Retention Periods for Specific Categories
1. Corporate Documents. Corporate records include the corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and IRS Form 1023 and Application for Exemption. Corporate records should be retained permanently. IRS regulations require that the Form 1023 be available for public inspection upon request.
2. Tax Records. Tax records include, but may not be limited to, documents concerning payroll, expenses, proof of contributions made by donors, accounting procedures, and other documents concerning the corporation’s revenues. Tax records should be retained for at least seven years from the date of filing the applicable return.
3. Employment Records/Personnel Records. State and federal statutes require the corporation to keep certain recruitment, employment and personnel information. The corporation should also keep personnel files that reflect performance reviews and any complaints brought against the corporation or individual employees under applicable state and federal statutes. The corporation should also keep in the employee’s personnel file all final memoranda and correspondence reflecting performance reviews and actions taken by or against personnel. Employment applications should be retained for three years. Retirement and pension records should be kept permanently. Other employment and personnel records should be retained for seven years.
4. Board and Board Committee Materials. Meeting minutes should be retained in perpetuity in the corporation’s minute book. A clean copy of all other Board and Board Committee materials should be kept for no less than three years by the corporation.
5. Press Releases/Public Filings. The corporation should retain permanent copies of all press releases and publicly filed documents under the theory that the corporation should have its own copy to test the accuracy of any document a member of the public can theoretically produce against the corporation.
6. Legal Files. Legal counsel should be consulted to determine the retention period of particular documents, but legal documents should generally be maintained for a period of ten years.
7. Marketing and Sales Documents. The corporation should keep final copies of marketing and sales documents for the same period of time it keeps other corporate files, generally three years. An exception to the three-year policy may be sales invoices, contracts, leases, licenses, and other legal documentation. These documents should be kept for at least three years beyond the life of the agreement.
8. Development/Intellectual Property and Trade Secrets. Development documents are often subject to intellectual property protection in their final form (e.g., patents and copyrights). The documents detailing the development process are often also of value to the corporation and are protected as a trade secret where the corporation:
1. derives independent economic value from the secrecy of the information; and
2. has taken affirmative steps to keep the information confidential. The corporation should keep all documents designated as containing trade secret information for at least the life of the trade secret.
9. Contracts. Final, execution copies of all contracts entered into by the corporation should be retained. The corporation should retain copies of the final contracts for at least three years beyond the life of the agreement, and longer in the case of publicly filed contracts.
10. Correspondence. Unless correspondence falls under another category listed elsewhere in this policy, correspondence should generally be saved for two years.
11. Banking and Accounting. Accounts payable ledgers and schedules should be kept for seven years. Bank reconciliations, bank statements, deposit slips and checks (unless for important payments and purchases) should be kept for three years. Any inventories of products, materials, and supplies and any invoices should be kept for seven years.
12. Insurance. Expired insurance policies, insurance records, accident reports, claims, etc. should be kept permanently.
13. Audit Records. External audit reports should be kept permanently. Internal audit reports should be kept for three years.
• Section 4. Electronic Mail. E-mail that needs to be saved should be either:
1. printed in hard copy and kept in the appropriate file; or
2. downloaded to a computer file and kept electronically or on disk as a separate file. The retention period depends upon the subject matter of the e-mail, as covered elsewhere in this policy.

ARTICLE XI

Transparency and Accountability

Disclosure of Financial Information With The General Public

11.01 Purpose

By making full and accurate information about its mission, activities, finances, and governance publicly available, National Hound and Tree Dog Association practices and encourages transparency and accountability to the general public. This policy will:

1. indicate which documents and materials produced by the corporation are presumptively open to staff and/or the public
2. indicate which documents and materials produced by the corporation are presumptively closed to staff and/or the public
3. specify the procedures whereby the open/closed status of documents and materials can be altered.

The details of this policy are as follow:

11.02 Financial and IRS documents (The form 1023 and the form 990)

National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall provide its Internal Revenue forms 990, 990-T, 1023 and 5227, bylaws, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements to the general public for inspection free of charge.

11.03 Means and Conditions of Disclosure

National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall make “Widely Available” the aforementioned documents on its internet website: www.NHTDA.org to be viewed and inspected by the general public.

1. The documents shall be posted in a format that allows an individual using the Internet to access, download, view and print them in a manner that exactly reproduces the image of the original document filed with the IRS (except information exempt from public disclosure requirements, such as contributor lists).
2. The website shall clearly inform readers that the document is available and provide instructions for downloading it.
3. National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall not charge a fee for downloading the information. Documents shall not be posted in a format that would require special computer hardware or software (other than software readily available to the public free of charge).
4. National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall inform anyone requesting the information where this information can be found, including the web address. This information must be provided immediately for in-person requests and within 7 days for mailed requests.

11.04 IRS Annual Information Returns (Form 990)

National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall submit the Form 990 to its board of directors prior to the filing of the Form 990. While neither the approval of the Form 990 or a review of the 990 is required under Federal law, the corporation’s Form 990 shall be submitted to each member of the board of director’s via (hard copy or email) at least 10 days before the Form 990 is filed with the IRS.

11.05 Board

1. All board deliberations shall be open to the public except where the board passes a motion to make any specific portion confidential.
2. All board minutes shall be open to the public once accepted by the board, except where the board passes a motion to make any specific portion confidential.
3. All papers and materials considered by the board shall be open to the public following the meeting at which they are considered, except where the board passes a motion to make any specific paper or material confidential.

11.06 Staff Records

1. All staff records shall be available for consultation by the staff member concerned or by their legal representatives.
2. No staff records shall be made available to any person outside the corporation except the authorized governmental agencies.
3. Within the corporation, staff records shall be made available only to those persons with managerial or personnel responsibilities for that staff member, except that
4. Staff records shall be made available to the board when requested.

11.07 Donor Records

1. All donor records shall be available for consultation by the members and donors concerned or by their legal representatives.
2. No donor records shall be made available to any other person outside the corporation except the authorized governmental agencies.
3. Within the corporation, donor records shall be made available only to those persons with managerial or personnel responsibilities for dealing with those donors, except that ;
4. donor records shall be made available to the board when requested.

ARTICLE XII

CODES OF ETHICS AND WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY

12.01 Purpose

National Hound and Tree Dog Association requires and encourages directors, officers and employees to observe and practice high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities. The employees and representatives of the corporation must practice honesty and integrity in fulfilling their responsibilities and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. It is the intent of National Hound and Tree Dog Association to adhere to all laws and regulations that apply to the corporation and the underlying purpose of this policy is to support the corporation’s goal of legal compliance. The support of all corporate staff is necessary to achieving compliance with various laws and regulations.

12.02 Reporting Violations

If any director, officer, staff or employee reasonably believes that some policy, practice, or activity of National Hound and Tree Dog Association is in violation of law, a written complaint must be filed by that person with the vice president or the board president.

12.03 Acting in Good Faith

Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of the Code must be acting in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation of the Code. Any allegations that prove not to be substantiated and which prove to have been made maliciously or knowingly to be false shall be viewed as a serious disciplinary offense.

12.04 Retaliation

Said person is protected from retaliation only if she/he brings the alleged unlawful activity, policy, or practice to the attention of National Hound and Tree Dog Association and provides the National Hound and Tree Dog Association with a reasonable opportunity to investigate and correct the alleged unlawful activity. The protection described below is only available to individuals that comply with this requirement.

National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall not retaliate against any director, officer, staff or employee who in good faith, has made a protest or raised a complaint against some practice of National Hound and Tree Dog Association or of another individual or entity with whom National Hound and Tree Dog Association has a business relationship, on the basis of a reasonable belief that the practice is in violation of law, or a clear mandate of public policy. National Hound and Tree Dog Association shall not retaliate against any director, officer, staff or employee who disclose or threaten to disclose to a supervisor or a public body, any activity, policy, or practice of National Hound and Tree Dog Association that the individual reasonably believes is in violation of a law, or a rule, or regulation mandated pursuant to law or is in violation of a clear mandate of public policy concerning the health, safety, welfare, or protection of the environment.

12.05 Confidentiality

Violations or suspected violations may be submitted on a confidential basis by the complainant or may be submitted anonymously. Reports of violations or suspected violations shall be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation.

12.06 Handling of Reported Violations

The board president or vice president shall notify the sender and acknowledge receipt of the reported violation or suspected violation within five business days. All reports shall be promptly investigated by the board and its appointed committee and appropriate corrective action shall be taken if warranted by the investigation.

This policy shall be made available to all directors, officers, staffs or employees and they shall

have the opportunity to ask questions about the policy.

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENT OF Articles of Incorporation

13.01 Amendment

Any amendment to the Articles of Incorporation may be adopted by approval of majority of the board of directors.

CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF BYLAWS

I do hereby certify that the above stated Bylaws of National Hound and Tree Dog Association were approved by the National Hound and Tree Dog board of directors on Saturday, January 4, 2014 and constitute a complete copy of the Bylaws of the corporation.

Secretary __________________________

Date: ________________________

Appendix A

Article I

Purpose

The purpose of the conflict of interest policy is to protect this tax-exempt organization’s (National Hound and Tree Dog Association Inc.) interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the Organization or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

Article II

Definitions

1. Interested Person
• Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.
2. Financial Interest
• A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, through business, investment, or family:
1. An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement,
2. A compensation arrangement with the Organization or with any entity or individual with which the Organization has a transaction or arrangement, or
3. A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the Organization is negotiating a transaction or arrangement. Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial. A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest. Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.

Article III

Procedures

1. Duty to Disclose
• In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers, considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.
2. Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
• After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon. The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.
3. Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
1. An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.
2. The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.
3. After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the Organization can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.
4. If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the Organization’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.
4. Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
1. If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.
2. If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

Article IV

Records of Proceedings

The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:

1. The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board’s or committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.
2. The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.

Article V

Compensation

1. A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
2. A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.
3. No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the Organization, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.

Article VI

Annual Statements

Each director, principal officer and member of a committee with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:

1. Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy,
2. Has read and understands the policy,
3. Has agreed to comply with the policy, and
4. Understands the Organization is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.

Article VII

Periodic Reviews

To ensure the Organization operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted. The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:

1. Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey information, and the result of arm’s length bargaining.
2. Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management organizations conform to the Organization’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.

Article VIII

Use of Outside Experts

When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, the Organization may, but need not, use outside advisors. If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.