Transparency
Governance & Accountability
Grace Place CDC is committed to principled stewardship, transparent governance, and full accountability to the communities, funders, and partners who invest in our mission.
Our Commitment
Governance Rooted in the IMPACT Framework
Grace Place CDC is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for ensuring that the organization faithfully pursues its mission and operates with integrity, accountability, and responsible stewardship. The governance structure exists to provide oversight, strategic direction, and accountability while enabling the organization to effectively carry out its charitable work.
The Board serves as the primary guardian of the mission and ensures that the organization operates in alignment with its founding purpose, legal obligations, and community commitments. Governance culture is guided by the organization's IMPACT leadership values — Integrity, Maturity, Passion, Accountability, Character, and Teachability — which shape how Directors engage with one another, with staff, and with community partners.
Grace Place CDC operates as a working board, meaning that Directors contribute not only to governance oversight but also to the advancement and sustainability of the organization's mission through their expertise, relationships, and active community engagement.
Organizational Facts
Board of Directors
Role, Responsibilities & Fiduciary Duties
The Board of Directors is the governing authority of Grace Place CDC. It establishes policy, approves strategy, and provides oversight for the organization's operations and leadership.
Mission Stewardship
The Board safeguards the mission of the organization and ensures that all programs, partnerships, and initiatives advance the organization's purpose.
Strategic Leadership
The Board works with the Executive Director to establish long-term priorities and strategic direction for the organization.
Financial Stewardship
The Board ensures responsible management of financial resources by approving budgets, reviewing financial reports, and maintaining appropriate financial controls.
Executive Oversight
The Board hires, supports, and evaluates the Executive Director and ensures that the organization maintains strong leadership and operational effectiveness.
Policy Development
The Board adopts governance policies that support transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct across all organizational activities.
Community Representation
Board members serve as ambassadors for the organization and help build relationships that strengthen the organization's ability to serve the community.
Fiduciary Duties
Three Duties of Every Director
Duty of Care
Directors exercise reasonable diligence and informed judgment — attending meetings, reviewing materials, asking questions, and making decisions based on available information and sound judgment.
Duty of Commitment
Directors act in the best interest of the organization and its mission, prioritizing organizational interests above personal or professional interests and contributing time and expertise to strengthen the organization.
Duty of Compliance
Directors ensure the organization adheres to applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies — including nonprofit regulatory compliance, financial reporting, grant requirements, and ethical governance.
Board Structure
Think Tanks
To support effective governance and strategic leadership, the Board operates through working groups called Think Tanks — collaborative leadership groups composed of Board members and, when appropriate, advisors or subject-matter experts. Final authority for governance decisions remains with the full Board of Directors.
Governance Think Tank
Chair: Vice President / Governance Chair
- Identifying and recommending prospective Board members
- Supporting Board orientation and leadership development
- Reviewing and recommending governance policies
- Supporting Board self-evaluation
- Ensuring alignment with mission and IMPACT values
Finance Think Tank
Chair: Treasurer
- Reviewing financial statements and reports
- Supporting development of the annual budget
- Monitoring financial policies and internal controls
- Supporting financial planning and sustainability strategies
- Assisting with financial reviews or audits when required
Development Think Tank
Chair: Board Member
- Supporting fundraising initiatives
- Identifying potential donors and partners
- Assisting with donor engagement and stewardship
- Supporting long-term sustainability planning
Program Strategy Think Tank
Chair: Board Member
- Reviewing program outcomes and impact
- Identifying opportunities for program expansion
- Supporting strategic program design
- Advising on partnerships that strengthen community impact
Board members are expected to participate in at least one Think Tank where their expertise, experience, or interests can best support the work of the organization.
Officers
Board Officer Roles
President (Board Chair)
Dr. Charles Dent
- Presides over Board meetings and guides discussions
- Works with the Executive Director to establish meeting agendas
- Ensures the Board operates effectively and collaboratively
- Supports the development of Board leadership and engagement
- Maintains focus on mission alignment, strategic direction, and accountability
Vice President / Governance Chair
Dr. Cicone Prince
- Leads the Governance Think Tank
- Supports development and implementation of governance policies
- Coordinates Board recruitment and onboarding of new members
- Supports regular evaluation of Board effectiveness
- Reviews governance policies and recommends updates as needed
Secretary
Avery Robinson
- Records minutes of Board meetings
- Maintains governance documentation and corporate records
- Ensures Board decisions are properly documented
- Supports compliance with organizational policies
Treasurer
Dakota Pratt-Caudill
- Reviews financial reports and statements
- Supports financial oversight and accountability
- Assists the Board in monitoring financial health and sustainability
- Supports financial governance policies and procedures
- Works with staff, accountants, and financial advisors
Financial Accountability
Financial Stewardship Framework
Grace Place CDC is entrusted with financial resources from donors, foundations, government agencies, and community partners. These resources must be managed with the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. The Board of Directors holds ultimate responsibility for financial oversight.
The organization's fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30. The annual operating budget is developed by the Executive Director and staff, reviewed by the Finance Think Tank, and approved by the full Board of Directors. All significant deviations from the approved budget are reviewed with the Board.
Grace Place CDC maintains internal financial controls including separation of financial duties, approval procedures for expenditures, documentation of financial transactions, and regular reconciliation of accounts. Restricted funds received through grants are tracked separately and used only for their intended purpose, in compliance with all grant agreements and reporting requirements.
Annual Budget Process
Draft developed by Executive Director → reviewed by Finance Think Tank → approved by full Board of Directors.
Financial Controls
Separation of duties, expenditure approval procedures, account reconciliation, and Board-level oversight of financial reporting.
Grants & Restricted Funds
Restricted funds tracked separately, used only for intended purposes, with full compliance with grant agreements and funder reporting requirements.
Financial Review & Audit
Periodic financial reviews or audits conducted by independent accounting professionals when required by grant agreements, government funding, or Board policy.
Ethical Conduct
Governance Policies
Grace Place CDC maintains formal governance policies that establish expectations for responsible leadership and provide mechanisms for addressing ethical concerns. These policies are codified in the Board Governance Handbook (Revised March 5, 2026).
Conflict of Interest Policy
Board members, officers, and key leaders must disclose any situation where personal, financial, or professional interests could conflict with organizational interests. Individuals with a conflict must refrain from related discussions and votes. Disclosures are documented in meeting minutes. Annual disclosure forms may be required.
Whistleblower Protection Policy
Grace Place CDC encourages reporting of suspected misconduct, financial mismanagement, policy violations, illegal or unethical conduct, harassment, or safety concerns. Individuals who report in good faith are protected from retaliation. Reports may be directed to the Board President or Vice President / Governance Chair.
Document Retention Policy
Organizational records — including governance decisions, financial transactions, grant agreements, and program documentation — are maintained in accordance with applicable laws and nonprofit best practices. Governing documents, tax filings, and major financial reports may be retained permanently.
Financial Controls Policy
Formal financial controls include separation of financial responsibilities, documentation and approval of expenditures, reconciliation of financial accounts, and Board and Finance Think Tank oversight of financial reporting.
Gift Acceptance Policy
Grace Place CDC accepts financial donations, grants, in-kind contributions, and program-designated charitable gifts. The organization may decline gifts that create conflicts of interest, impose restrictions inconsistent with the mission, create unreasonable administrative burdens, or pose legal or ethical concerns.
Confidentiality Policy
Board members, staff, and volunteers who access confidential information related to organizational operations, finances, personnel, or program participants are expected to maintain confidentiality and use discretion in handling sensitive matters.
Document Library
Governance & Financial Documents
The following documents govern the operations, accountability, and compliance of Grace Place CDC. Documents marked "In Progress" are being finalized and will be posted upon completion.
Governance Documents
Articles of Incorporation
AvailableOriginal articles filed with the State of Alabama establishing Grace Place CDC as a nonprofit corporation in 2018.
Board Governance Handbook
AvailableComprehensive governance handbook covering organizational structure, board roles, fiduciary duties, think tanks, financial stewardship, and ethical policies. Revised March 5, 2026.
Conflict of Interest Policy
In ProgressFormal policy requiring board members and officers to disclose and recuse from decisions where personal interests may conflict with organizational interests.
Whistleblower Protection Policy
In ProgressPolicy protecting board members, staff, and volunteers who report suspected fraud, waste, or violations of law or organizational policy in good faith.
Document Retention Policy
Coming SoonPolicy governing the retention, storage, and destruction of organizational records in compliance with federal and state requirements.
Gift Acceptance Policy
Coming SoonPolicy establishing the types of gifts Grace Place CDC will accept and the procedures for their review and acceptance.
Financial Filings & Reports
IRS Determination Letter
AvailableOfficial IRS letter confirming Grace Place CDC's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.
Origin, Vision & Strategic Direction — 2025
AvailableNarrative document covering the organization's founding story, three-pillar model, service area, and current strategic priorities.
View DocumentIRS Form 990
In ProgressAnnual information return filed with the IRS reporting Grace Place CDC's mission, programs, governance, and financial activity. Will be posted upon filing.
Annual Financial Report
Coming SoonSummary of Grace Place CDC's financial position, revenue, and expenditures. Will be posted upon completion of the fiscal year audit or review.
Verify Our Tax-Exempt Status
Grace Place CDC's 501(c)(3) status and public filings can be independently verified through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Search by EIN: 83-1791644.
Questions About Our Governance?
Funders, partners, and community members are welcome to request additional documentation or ask questions about our governance structure, compliance, or financial stewardship.
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