Rocky Mountain Canoe/Kayak Club
Incorporation Documents and Amendment
Form 1023 Definitions and Explanations (Amendment to 501 (C)(3) Application)
Rocky Mountain Canoe/Kayak Club, INC
Part II Organizational Structure
4b. The Rocky Mountain Canoe/Kayak Club, Inc. was organized as a corporation on 09/25/2005. RMCKC will operate from funds received for participation in kayaking classes and trips. Additional resources will be solicited in the form of grants, sponsorships, donations of equipment and individual donations to RMCKC once exemption has been obtained.
5. By Laws (see attachment)
Part IV Narrative Description of Activities
In 2002, the Rocky Mountain Canoe/Kayak Club began as an offshoot (Originally named Front Range Paddle Association) of the Alexander Dawson School’s Canoe and Kayak Team. Founder, Chris Wiegand wanted to extend this opportunity to a more diverse and a broader field of socio economics than the Dawson Schools Target.
While teaching kayaking and canoeing skills and training youth to compete in these sports is a mission of RMCKC, more valuable to the organization is the development of youth leadership, problem solving skills, goal setting, self esteem building and character development to youth from all socio economic backgrounds.
Mission Statement of the Rocky Mountain Canoe/Kayak Club:
Through Canoe and Kayaking Whitewater and Whitewater Racing, we will:
- Develop youth leadership.
- Instill determination and commitment in youth.
- Expose youth to new places, cultures and real life situations.
- Provide an avenue and a formula for success.
- Develop problem-solving skills.
- Instill confidence and self-assurance.
- Challenge youth paddlers to push beyond their comfort zones.
- Understand the value of nature.
- Develop a passion for excellence in all areas of life.
- Empower youth to create goals and to fulfill dreams.
- Teach the Olympic Ideals to youth.
- Take youth with low self-esteem and diminutive real world experiences and transform them into confident, well-rounded adults.
Part V. Compensation and Other Financial Arrangements
V.4a. Due to the straightforward nature of the Rocky Mountain Canoe/Kayak Club, there will not be a conflict of interest policy drafted at this time.
V.4.b. The RMCKC Board of Directors in advance of payment will approve any compensation paid to the Director. See Part IX for projected compensation for the director over the next three years.
V.4.c. Dates and terms of any compensation arrangements will be documented in writing and must be approved by the RMCKC Board of Directors.
V.4.g Compensation for the RMCKC Director will be based on the amount of money raised annually, plus compensation for travel and expenses associated with leading kayak trips or training camps outside of the Denver area. Part IX provides specific information on the expenses associated with RMCKC programs and services and indicates the current projected compensation that the Director may anticipate based on the number of athletes participating in the program. It shall be recommended that the Director receive 5% of any monies raised by RMCKC for all administrative, grant writing and management tasks associated with operating the RMCKC. The terms of such compensation will be presented in writing to the Board of Directors and will require unanimous board approval for confirmation of any proposed compensation package.
V.5. Conflict of Interest Policy
a. RMCKC has not drafted and does not plan to draft a conflict of interest policy at this time due to the straightforward nature of the services provided by RMCKC.
b. The RMCKC director may make recommendations on compensation, but will not be eligible to vote on any compensation received.
c. The RMCKC Board of Directors will have a broad representation of individuals in the community who may have students who participate in RMCKC but do not have any personal or vested interest in the Director’s compensation. The Board of Directors will be expected to execute sound judgment and to maintain prudent governance policies in order to ensure that no conflict of interest issues come about.
V.6.a. RMCKC will compensate the director for any fundraising and administrative efforts associated with fundraising activities at a rate of 5% for any money raised over $5000.00. The policy is pending approval by the Board of Directors and is subject to change.
V.8.b. The RMCKC Board of Directors, along with the director, Chris Wiegand, will discuss the expenses associated with managing the RMCKC and running the kayak programs. Based on these discussions, the board must approve an annual written compensation agreement, which will be reviewed by the Board yearly in August, the ending month of the annual accounting period.
V.8.c. The RMCKC Director and the organizations Board of Directors will discuss compensation arrangements. A unanimous approval by the Board of Directors will be required for allocation.
V.8.d. The terms of any Director compensation will be approved by the RMCKC Board of Directors, which will consist of community volunteers and potentially parents of students participating in RMCKC programs. No board member will ever be selected who has any familial or personal relationship or interest in compensating the Director.
V.8.e The RMCKC Board of Directors will recommend that the Director be compensated for any expenses relating to travel and equipment purchase to and for kayak trips. The Director will receive compensation in the form of fees for services and it will be recommended that the director receive compensation in the form of fees for service and it will be recommended that the director receive compensation of 5% of any funds raised annually which exceeds 5,000.00. This policy will be presented to the Board of Directors and will require unanimous approval for implementation. The compensation policy will be reviewed annually in August, corresponding with the last month of the organizations annual accounting year.
Part IV Members, Individuals and Organizations That Receive Benefit
VI.1.a. Rocky Mountain Canoe/Kayak Club is a youth program that builds leadership, self-esteem and problem solving skills by teaching kayaking and mentoring paddlers in competitive kayaking pursuits. RMCKC provides students with kayak instruction and coaching services and the opportunity to compete in National and International competitions. The heart of the RMCKC program is built on a model of motivated, self reliant, highly skilled paddlers.
Part VIII Specific Activities
VIII.4.a. Fundraising Activities
RMCKC does not currently have a formal fundraising plan in place. The organization intends to spend 2009 informing local and national communities about their unique kayak training programs via mail and email correspondence and web site promotion. Locally, parents and students participating in RMCKC’s programs will increase personal solicitation efforts to gather financial support for equipment and travel expenses for the students. RMCKC will also have a presence at community events, including festivals, school fairs and athletic competitions, providing opportunities to better educate the community on RMCKC’ leadership and kayak training model. RMCKC will continue to pursue sponsorship relationships with equipment vendors who may also choose to sponsor the RMCKC team or individual athletes participating with RMCKC. Inquires for donations of equipment, including kayaks, paddles, gear and even a vehicle for transporting students to competitions will be made to local and national vendors. Lastly, upon receiving non profit status, RMCKC will embark on a grant solicitation plan approaching various local and national funding organizations that support 1) Youth and Sports; 2) Youth Leadership Development; 3) Youth Opportunities for the Underserved. The RMCKC web site is currently designed to receive donations.
VIII.4.d. Fundraising Activities will take place primarily within the State of Colorado, but efforts may extend to neighboring states where the RMCKC participants may reside. Additional national inquiries will also be made to granting organizations that support youth, youth and sports,, youth leadership development and/or programs for underserved youth. RMCKC will conduct their own fundraising efforts, both locally or nationally using volunteer assistance from the RMCKC Board of Directors.
VIII.11. RMCKC will accept donations of kayaking supplies and gear, which may benefit participating in RMCKC programs. Donations of equipment made to RMCKC will be acknowledged according to the fair market value. It is unlikely that a donor will impose any conditions on the
use of the donated items, but any such requests made by a donor will be considered by the Board of Directors and will require their approval prior to accepting any such gift or donation.