Expectations of the Foundation
2. The Foundation is a non-profit charitable entity of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation that is created to distribute net revenue, if any, of the Golden Eagle Charitable Bingo and Entertainment Centre (hereinafter “the Golden Eagle”) and leverage other funds that may be available from other sources for charitable purposes.
3. Due to certain fiscal realities that may from time to time affect the generation of net revenue of the Golden Eagle, the funds available for charitable giving will fluctuate. Consequently, it is expected that the Foundation will act in a fiscally responsible manner and establish such limits and priorities as necessary in the distribution of these funds.
4. It is the Foundation and the Golden Eagle General Manager’s responsibility to determine the amount of the Golden Eagle’s net revenue that is available for charitable giving in any given month. Under no circumstances should such determination affect the ability of the Golden Eagle from operating as a financially viable operation.
5. Any net revenue of the Golden Eagle that is not used for charitable giving purposes in any given month, the Foundation will set aside such an amount in a dedicated account and may allow it to accumulate until the end of the fiscal year at which time it will be expended on programs eligible under this policy that benefit the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation community as a whole.
6. The Foundation will operate as duly appointed Board of WON and is the sole decision-making body in the distribution of the Golden Eagle’s net revenues that is set aside for charitable giving purposes.
7. The Wauzhushk Onigum Foundation is:
• not a “program” of the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation
• not to be considered by Wauzhushk Onigum Nation members as a “bank”
• to operate and decide on matters within its mandate independently of the political arm of the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation.
8. In the context of the above, the Foundation must:
8.1. Operate under the authority of the “Law Respecting the Wauzhushk Onigum Foundation” passed by the government of Wauzhushk Onigum Nation and any By-Laws or policies created thereunder;
8.2. Utilize funds on activities and projects that will “improve the lives and well-being of the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation members and to achieve this is in a manner which respects the teaching of our culture, spirituality and traditions” and the following charitable purposes:
a) Relief of Poverty;
b) Advancement of Education;
c) Advancement of Culture and Heritage (Religion); or
d) Other Purposes Beneficial to the Community.
8.3 Undertake regular consultation efforts at a minimum of every fifth year with the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation community, C&C, Elders, and WON Program Managers to ensure funding priorities continue to reflect the needs, values and priorities of the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation.
8.4 Provide clear communications, guidelines and tools for the Foundation to use in informing and guiding eligible applicants in accessing and accepting Wauzhushk Onigum Foundation charitable funds.
8.5 Decide whether to fund or not fund an applicant based on established review processes, funding guidance and collective group wisdom.
8.6 Effectively manage and be accountable for funds given to the Foundation for charitable giving while striving to optimize the resources available to provide maximum and long-term benefit to the Wauzhushk Onigum Nation.
8.7 Ensure that funds given to the Foundation for charitable giving activities are not used for political purposes.
8.8 Develop an internal Financial Policy which on a broad basis would delineate limits of spending between Foundation Staff, Quorum of the Board and those areas of charitable expenditure that require all members of the board to be present and/or sign off on the expenditure or application for assistance being dealt with.