Governance & Accountability

Governed with integrity

Strong governance is how a charitable organization keeps faith with the families it serves and the donors who make its work possible. Below are the core policies that govern FAITH Foundation and the board that oversees our 501(c)(3) mission.

Board of Directors

Mission-driven leadership, accountable oversight

FAITH Foundation is governed by a lean board of directors that sets policy, oversees finances, and ensures every decision advances our charitable mission. Our leadership keeps administrative costs minimal so that donor generosity flows to the families we serve — not to overhead.

Ron Landers
President & Executive Director
Pastor Juan Valdez
Secretary
Scott Ellis
Treasurer / Board Chair
Reid Whitesides
Founder & Chief Strategy Officer

Our Policies

The standards that govern our work

Conflict of Interest Policy

This policy protects FAITH Foundation's charitable interests when a transaction or arrangement might benefit the private interest of an officer, director, or key employee, or might result in impermissible private benefit.

Every director, officer, and member of a committee with governing-board-delegated powers is an "interested person" who must disclose, in writing, any actual or potential conflict of interest — including any financial interest in an entity or transaction with which FAITH Foundation does business.
An interested person may make a presentation at a board or committee meeting, but after the presentation must leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement giving rise to the conflict.
The remaining board or committee members decide whether a conflict of interest exists and, if so, whether the proposed transaction is fair, reasonable, and in the organization's best interest. Where appropriate, the board investigates alternatives that would not give rise to a conflict.
Any transaction between FAITH Foundation and a related business, vendor, or donor is governed by this policy. No officer, director, founder, or private individual may receive private benefit from such a transaction, and all resources are directed solely to FAITH Foundation's charitable purposes.
The minutes of any meeting where a conflict is considered record the names of persons who disclosed or were found to have a conflict, the nature of the conflict, the board's decision, and the votes taken.
Directors and officers annually sign a statement affirming they have received, read, understood, and agreed to comply with this policy, and that they will act in the best interest of the organization.

Whistleblower Policy

FAITH Foundation requires directors, officers, employees, and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics and encourages the reporting of suspected wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.

Anyone who in good faith reports a suspected violation of law, financial impropriety, or a breach of FAITH Foundation policy — including misuse of charitable assets — is protected from retaliation of any kind.
Reports may be made confidentially to the Board Chair or Treasurer. Concerns about financial matters or the conduct of an officer may be directed to any board member, or in writing to FAITH Foundation, 209 Surecast Drive, Suite 105, Burnet, TX 78611.
The organization will investigate all good-faith reports promptly and take appropriate corrective action. Reported concerns about accounting, internal controls, or auditing are referred to the Treasurer / Board Chair and, where warranted, an audit committee of the board.
No director, officer, employee, or volunteer who in good faith reports a concern will suffer harassment, retaliation, or adverse employment or volunteer consequence. Anyone who retaliates against a good-faith reporter is subject to discipline, up to and including removal.
An individual who knowingly makes a false or malicious report is not protected by this policy and may be subject to discipline.

Document Retention & Destruction Policy

This policy governs the retention and destruction of documents received or created by FAITH Foundation in the course of its charitable operations and ensures records are preserved as required by law.

Corporate and governing records — articles of incorporation, bylaws, IRS determination letter, board and committee minutes, and conflict-of-interest disclosures — are retained permanently.
Financial and tax records, including annual information returns (Form 990), audit reports, and general ledgers, are retained for a minimum of seven years.
Donor and grant records, including gift documentation and acknowledgment letters, are retained for a minimum of seven years to support accurate reporting and receipting.
Employment and volunteer records are retained for the period required by applicable federal and state law after the end of the relationship.
No officer, director, employee, or volunteer will knowingly destroy, alter, or conceal a document with the intent to obstruct or influence any investigation, audit, or legal proceeding. Document destruction is suspended immediately upon notice of any actual or anticipated litigation or investigation.

Gift Acceptance Policy

FAITH Foundation is grateful for charitable gifts that advance its mission of helping families reach stable, affordable housing. This policy guides the acceptance of gifts so that they serve the charitable purpose and protect both the donor and the organization.

FAITH Foundation accepts unrestricted gifts, and gifts restricted to specific programs or purposes, provided the restriction is consistent with the organization's charitable mission and capabilities.
Cash, checks, and electronic gifts are accepted. Gifts of securities, real property, or other non-cash assets may be accepted after review by the Treasurer and, where appropriate, the full board, considering any costs, liabilities, or restrictions involved.
FAITH Foundation will not accept a gift that is inconsistent with its mission, that would jeopardize its tax-exempt status, that is too restrictive in purpose, or that would expose the organization to undue liability.
No goods or services are provided in exchange for a charitable contribution unless clearly disclosed, and donors receive written acknowledgment consistent with IRS substantiation requirements.
Charitable assistance is awarded to applicants based on charitable eligibility, housing need, income, readiness, and program criteria — never for the private benefit of any officer, director, insider, or outside company.
The organization protects donor privacy and never sells, rents, or trades donor information. See our Donor Privacy Policy for details.

These policies are available in full on request. To request a copy, or to raise a governance concern, contact our office at 209 Surecast Drive, Suite 105, Burnet, TX 78611, or call 888-497-6620. For how we protect the information you share, see our Donor Privacy Policy.

Transparency you can verify

Read how we steward every gift, and see the programs your generosity makes possible for families across Texas.

Financial Transparency Explore Our Programs