+ Introduction

+ Constitution

+ Board Members

+ Accounts

Rules & Constitution Of The Tree Foundation
(updated in January 2010)

Pre-Amble:
The Tree Foundation's aim is to help individuals in the developing world to flourish and grow; to support them in being self-sufficient in balance with their environment, as well as the local and global communities, through educational and small business grants and loans. The focus will be on medium-term support, rather than short-term health care and nutrition, though limited grants can be made in these areas.

• The Foundation will give grants regardless of someone's age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, cast, race, or political views.

• We will treat the people we help ethically and with respect at all times.

• We will make the best use of available funds for their intended purpose at all times and uphold the highest of professional and ethical standards.

• We will invest excess funds wisely to ensure the capital remains safe and produces a reasonable return.

• We do not fund any religious activities or studies.

• Accounts of all received donations and expenses will be maintained and will be available for all relevant members of the public to see upon request.

• We will report back to our donors regularly with statistical and written reports to show how funds have been used, and where there have been successes as well as failures.

• The Founders and substantial stakeholders of The Tree Foundation may appoint and dismiss directors to the board. The board will meet at least once a year. All board members will have one vote. All resolutions will be by majority voting. A budget for the next period will be voted on and approved at that time.

• All Allowances and reimbursements for employees are to be approved by Trustees in London in writing on the 1st of March each year.

• No current or former employee, director, committee member or trustee, their immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, brother or sister) or their descendants may receive money or resources from the Tree Foundation, nor profit from any activities.

• Clear costs and benefits must be demonstrated for all grants. Results will be monitored, and resources moved to more effective areas if appropriate.

• All significant expenditures and contracts will be authorized using a two person process.

• Benefits & costs to an individual, community or the environment will not only be financial, but must also take account of critical emotional factors. Emotional targets must be clear and performance monitored as if the targets were financial.

• Simple, transparent and effective procedures will be used to handle applications, which do not impede applications from those with poor literacy. Records must be kept for at least 5 years.

• Tree foundation will aim to be part of the solution, but not the whole solution, and can help people to find support elsewhere.

• All those representing the Tree Foundation must meet the highest of ethical standards at all times.

• Representatives may not commit the Foundation to any expenses not approved in the budget.

• The Tree Foundation does not, and will not, express any political opinion.

• The Tree Foundation will be run as a not for profit charitable entity.

• All conflicts of interest (actual or potential) regarding any scholars, grants, suppliers or contracts must be declared in writing to the trustees.

• Administrative expenses must be kept below the average for comparable charities. i.e. The Tree Foundation must always be effective and efficient in the delivery of its services.

• No scholarship recipient, grant receiver, employee, director or trustee may remain with the Tree Foundation if they break these regulations significantly or commit fraud against the Tree Foundation in any way.

• These Rules & Constitution may only be altered by agreement of the majority of Trustees in London, stakeholders and the board.

Your donations are critical to the foundation's operation. Long-term development calls for regular donations, which support the important work of the foundation. Your help is vital and greatly appreciated.