The holidays are filled with giving and a focus on helping those with food insecurity, but nonprofits like XHunger focus on this year-round. Learn more from my interview with Terri Mauk, Executive Director of XHunger.
Mital: What makes XHunger unique?
Terri: The 501(c)3 is known as the Scarecrow Foundation and our national initiative (assumed name) is XHunger. The Scarecrow Foundation is in its 13th year. We have been an all-volunteer organization with a zero budget, meaning that all proceeds we received through fundraising events have been donated back to food banks, pantries and other nonprofits who work with those who suffer with food insecurity. Our mission is “To Help End Hunger in America.” And, we intend to do this by supporting our partnering organizations with volunteers from XHunger Clubs filled with high school and college students in need of service hours and funding through events and partnerships.
M: What are the legal necessities for fundraising in a nonprofit?
T: Transparency is key regarding where the funds are going. It is also key when you are doing a contest or giveaway to make sure the appropriate disclaimers are used, the specifics are relayed to the public like who can enter, how they enter, how the winner is selected and what the expectations are of each contestant. We just did this when XHunger, with the generous donation from Beaty Chevrolet, gave away a vehicle to a student member of a local XHunger club. We also do numerous campaigns and events throughout the years, and it is important that we remain compliant with our 501(c)3 requirement and properly earmark all donations collected.
M: For those who may start their own nonprofit and are tasked with selecting a Board of Directors, what would you share with them on how you view the role of the Board of Directors?
T: The Board of Directors is the governing body of the nonprofit and has the final say so on other roles within the organization, like mine (as Executive Director) and the goals of committees formed. They are also charged with the financial integrity of the nonprofit and ensuring the mission's integrity is met by reviewing and approving any events that are planned, programs that are created or that fundraising mechanisms remain compliant.
M: What legal steps do you find important for you to properly execute on your position?
T: Make sure we have the required documents for our nonprofit such as Bylaws, Charter, 501(c)3 approval. We also have a national initiative and need to ensure we are compliant in each state and on a national level. A key factor is to stay ahead of the changes happening and to be informed on how we in leadership need to manage the organization, raise funds, and stay compliant with the laws surrounding hiring practices and technical practices (i.e., social media posts, websites language, giveaway information, disclaimers, etc.). Lastly, having a defined policy and procedures would be important.
Learn more by visiting XHunger.com.
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