Governance & Directors
Board governance
Mite has developed a governing and advisory board structure, as well as governance documents to operate its various programs under. The board structure of the organization allows for the effective and efficient oversight of Mite's operations, while the governing documents provide the written support for strategy and direction within the same operations. Below we have detailed out the Governing and Advisory Boards, as well as, posted some governance documents.
Governing board
Board Chair -
- Jared Simmons, Wealth Advisor, BlueTrust
Board Members -
- Scott Toal, Founder, Mite
- Steve Madden - Founder, ShopMadden.com
- Aimee Reed - National Sales Director, CSL Seqirus
- Madison Illges - Mite Media Director, Mite
Secretary -
- Abigail Toal
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Advisory Board
Board Members -
- Chris Plimpton
- Mike Toal
- Kevin King
- Hope Parks
- Andrew Toal
- Nelson Wills
- Stacey Antolik
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Conflict of Interest Policy
Mite Conflict of Interest Policy
1. Reason for Statement
As a ministry initiated and sustained by God, Mite has a mandate to conduct all of its affairs decently and above reproach both in the sight of God and man. That accountability includes a commitment to operate with the highest level of integrity and to avoid conflicts of interest. This duty is underscored by Standard 6 of ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability).
As a nonprofit, tax-exempt entity, Mite depends on charitable contributions from the public. Maintenance of its tax-exempt status is important both for its continued financial stability and for the receipt of contributions and public support. Therefore, the IRS and state corporate and tax officials view the operations of Mite as a public trust, accountable to both governmental authorities and members of the public.
Among Mite and its Board, officers, and management employees, there exists a fiduciary duty, which carries with it a broad and unbending duty of loyalty. The Board, officers, and management employees are responsible for administering the affairs of Mite honestly and prudently, and for exercising their best care, skill, and judgment for the sole benefit of Mite. Those persons shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions involved in their duties, and they shall not use their positions with Mite or knowledge gained there from for their personal benefit. The interests of Mite must have the first priority, and all purchases of goods and services must be affected on a basis that secures for Mite full competitive advantages as to product, service, and price.
2. Persons Concerned
This statement is directed to Trustees and officers, as well as those employees annually designated by the Board who influence the actions of Mite or its Board or make commitments on their behalf. For example, this would include all who make purchasing decisions, all other persons who might be described as “management personnel,” and all who have proprietary information concerning the Organization.
3. Areas in Which Conflicts May Arise
Conflicts of interest may arise in the relations of Trustees, officers, and management employees with any of the following third parties:
3.1 Persons or entities supplying goods and services to Mite.
3.2 Persons or entities from which Mite leases property and
equipment.
3.3 Persons or entities with whom Mite is dealing or planning to deal in connection with the gift, purchase, or sale of real estate, securities, or other property.
3.4 Persons or entities paying honoraria or royalties for products or for services delivered by Mite for its agents or employees.
3.5 Other ministries or nonprofit organizations.
3.6 Donors and others supporting Mite.
3.7 Stations or programmers that carry Mite’s programming.
3.8 Agencies, organizations, and associations that affect the operations of the organization.
4. Nature of Conflicting Interest
A material conflicting interest may be defined as an interest, direct or indirect, between any person or entity mentioned in Section 3, and a Trustee, officer, or management employee, which might affect, or might reasonably be thought by others to affect, the judgment or conduct of a Trustee, officer, or management employee of Mite. Such an interest might arise through
4.1 Owning stock or holding debt or other proprietary interests in any third party dealing with Mite.
4.2 Holding office, serving on the Board, participating in management, or being otherwise employed (or formerly employed) in any third party dealing with Mite.
4.3 Receiving remuneration for services with respect to individual transactions involving Mite.
4.4 Using Mite’s personnel, equipment, supplies, or goodwill for other than organization-approved activities, programs, and purposes. 4.5 Receiving personal gifts or loans from third parties dealing with the organizations. (Receipt of any gift is disapproved except gifts of nominal value, which could not be refused without discourtesy. No personal gift of money should ever be accepted.)
4.6 Obtaining an interest in real estate, securities, or other property that the organization might consider buying or leasing.
4.7 Expending staff time during Mite’s normal business hours for personal affairs or for other organizations, civic or otherwise, to the detriment of work performance for Mite.
5. Indirect Interests
As noted above, conflicting interests may be indirect. A Trustee, officer, or management employee will be considered to have an indirect interest in another entity or transaction if any of the following also have an interest:
5.1 A family member of a Trustee, officer, or management employee. (Family member is defined for these purposes as all persons related by blood or marriage.)
5.2 An estate or trust of which the Trustee, officer, or management employee or member of his family is a beneficiary, personal representative, or trustee. 5.3 A company of which a member of the family of the Trustee, officer, or management employee is an officer, director, or employee, or in which he has ownership or other proprietary interests.
6. Interpretation of This Statement of Policy
The areas of conflicting interest listed in Section 3 and the relations in those areas which may give rise to conflict, as listed in Section 4, are not exhaustive. Conceivably, conflicts might arise in other areas or through other relations. It is assumed that the Trustees, officers, and management employees will recognize such areas and relation by analogy.
The fact that one of the interests described in Section 4 exists does not necessarily mean that a conflict exists, or that the conflict, if it exists, is material enough to be of practical importance, or if material, that upon full disclosure of all relevant facts and circumstances that it is necessarily averse to the interests of Mite. However, it is the policy of the Board that the existence of any of the interests described in Section 4 shall be disclosed before any transaction is consummated. It shall be the continuing responsibility of Trustees, officers, and management employees to scrutinize their transactions with outside business interests and relationships for potential conflicts and to immediately make such disclosures.
Disclosure should be made to the President (or if he is the one with the conflict, then to the Chairman of the Board), who shall bring these matters to the attention of the Board. The Board shall then determine whether a conflict exists and is material, and in the presence of an existing material conflict, whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable as to Mite. The decisions on these matters are the sole discretion of the Board. The Board’s first concern must be the welfare of Mite and the advancement of its purposes.
I have carefully read the foregoing Statement of Policy concerning Conflicts of Interest and the accompanying Resolution of the Board of Trustees. In signing this certificate, I have considered not only the literal expression of the policy, but also its intent. I do not, except as hereinafter stated, to the best of my knowledge: (1) have any of the relations described in Section 4 with any person or firm of the classes listed in Section 3; and (2) I have no interests conflicting with the interests of this organization, nor do I have any relationship that may appear conflicting.
If any situation should arise in the future which I believe may involve me in a conflict of interest, I will promptly and fully disclose the circumstances to the President or the Chairman of the Board, directly or through my immediate superior.
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Development Philosophy
Mite Development Philosophy
MITE’S HIGHEST GOAL IS TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO A LOVING FATHER THROUGH CHARITY
Preface
We see the predominant methodology used in charitable development as antithetical to a positive giving experience. The method is built on processes and procedures derived from the world’s system of marketing and sales. It is not personal, but rather focuses on a transaction. It does not lead people to a closer relationship with God. It distorts people’s perception of charity and leads to people being untrusting and unwilling to engage. Mite is intentionally bucking this method and the system that supports it. We believe our actions are directed by God and supported under the Mite mission.
Biblical Foundation
Our philosophy is grounded in scripture, particularly in the teachings of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, and Mark 12:43. These passages guide our understanding of giving and charity, emphasizing the importance of willing, cheerful, and sincere generosity. We value the power of inspiration in giving as demonstrated in the Temple of Jerusalem development account of 1 Chronicles 29.
Core Values
Inspiration: God inspired the heart and mission behind Mite, and, through His inspiration we strive to serve by making a positive and sustainable impact in this world. In our service we work to inspire others to do the same. We want to be a source of inspiration by demonstrating how giving benefits the receiver and the giver when they experience the pure joy of that exchange.
Engagement: We are actively engaged with all our partner projects. We do in-field visits and interact directly with projects and the communities they serve. We gather photos, videos, stats and stories, and inspiration first-hand and communicate that to our giving community. We engage in a relational giving experience with our donor community. Every time a person gives their Mite is an opportunity to deepen that connection.
Transparency: Our transparent operations are designed so that all donations have the maximum impact from start to finish. We are transparent in all of our processes and activities. We hold ourselves and our partners to high accountability standards. We openly communicate and share information with givers and our partner projects. We only partner with ethical and sustainable organizations and projects that have undergone stringent vetting by our team.
Celebration: We celebrate life. We celebrate triumph over adversity. We believe the joy in giving is worth celebrating. So every opportunity we have to join in God’s charity we celebrate.
Three Parties of Charity
Charitable transactions involve three key parties:
- The Giver: An individual or organization looking to make a meaningful contribution.
- The Partner: An entity in need of support to fulfill its mission.
- The Recipient: The end beneficiary who receives the necessary resources.
“The Father, Son, and Spirit have always been in delicious harmony, and thus they create a world where harmonies - distinct beings, persons, or notes working in unity - are good, mirroring the very being of the triune God.” - Delighting in the Trinity, Michael Reeves, pg. 59
Principles of Giving
- Voluntary and Cheerful Giving: Giving should be done willingly and cheerfully, as stated in 2 Corinthians 8:12 and 2 Corinthians 9:7. We believe that this approach brings true benefits to all parties involved.
- The Value of a Mite: A mite symbolizes a gift given freely and willingly, regardless of its size. This small act of generosity is honored and holds God's attention and power, as seen in Mark 12:43.
- Relational Charity: Charity is not just transactional; it is relational. It allows us to join in God’s work on Earth. Although God can accomplish His will without us, He invites us to participate in His mission. 1 Corinthians 3:7-9, Matthew 25:40
Ownership of Charity
Charity ultimately belongs to God. Therefore, our development and fundraising efforts must honor Him as the true Owner of all charitable acts.
Annual Activities
- Review and Update Plans:
- Revisit our development and outreach plan to ensure it aligns with our mission and values.
- Revisit SP1 (Strategic Plan One-Pager) for donors to keep our strategies relevant and effective.
- Regularly review our development philosophy to maintain its alignment with our core values and biblical foundation.
- Donor Development:
- Assess the stages of donor development to understand and enhance our relationships with contributors.
- Develop a personal invitation program to foster deeper connections and engagement with our donors.
- Donor Engagement:
- Implement a donor circuit program to create opportunities for donors to experience firsthand the impact of their contributions and to build lasting relationships.
- With a relationally focused development philosophy, Mite aims to foster community connections among its donor base. Tools such as surveys, workshops, digital and physical resources, as well as feedback and focus groups, will be used to support this endeavor.
By adhering to these principles and activities, we aim to foster a culture of genuine, God-honoring charity that benefits all involved and furthers our mission of introducing people to a loving Father through acts of compassion and generosity.