Does your non-profit keep adequate accounting records?
Accounting records is a broad category which includes details on individual financial transactions such as the date and amount of deposits or withdrawals, cheque numbers, bank account numbers, daily balances, etc. Normally it is called the general ledger.
Does your non-profit keep copies of its financial statements in its official records folder?
Financial statements generally include four documents: income statement, balance sheet, cash flow record, and equity (retained earnings) statement. These must include the total amounts received from government funding (broken down by government agency) and from public donations.
Does your non-profit keep copies of all consent resolutions in its official records folder?
A consent resolution is a directors’ resolution that is agreed to in writing (often by email) without having a meeting of directors. The default requirement from the Societies Act requires all the directors agree. The bylaws of a non-profit can require less than unanimous consent.
Does your non-profit ever use written resolutions in place of a general meeting?
Written resolutions are when all your voting members are sent the specific wording of a proposed decision (e.g. to waive the notice period for the general meeting). This is usually done instead of or in place of a general meeting.
Does your non-profit keep complete minutes of all general meetings i.e. Annual General Meetings (AGM) and Special General Meetings (SGM), in its official records folder?
A complete set of minutes lists the date, time, location, and purpose/type of meeting (e.g. AGM). It also lists the members in attendance. Finally, it should include the text of each resolution passed at the meeting and the results of elections, if any.
Does your non-profit have copies of directors’ written resignations in its official records folder?
A resignation occurs when a director leaves before the expiry of their term. This could be due to moving, illness, or some other reason. A copy of an email from the resigning director would be considered written resignation.