Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated
Ethics, Compliance & Public Information
Ethics and Compliance
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is committed to the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in all aspects of its operations, programs, and community engagement. As a steward of public trust and community resources, the organization upholds these standards to ensure that every dollar raised and every program delivered reflects the values of integrity, responsibility, and service that define its mission.
Financial Information
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is committed to full financial transparency and responsible stewardship of all funds entrusted to the organization. The organization's IRS Form 990, independently reviewed financial statements, and annual reports are made available to the public upon request and will be posted on the organization's website as they become available. As the organization grows in scope and revenue, it will transition from independent financial reviews to full independently audited financial statements conducted by certified public accountants, in accordance with nonprofit best practices and generally accepted auditing standards.
Code of Ethics
All Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated board members, volunteers, staff, and representatives have a responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards in their conduct and decision-making. These standards go beyond mere compliance with applicable laws and regulations — they call upon every member of the organization to fulfill the higher obligations that accompany their role as stewards of the public trust. The Board of
Directors reviews and approves the Code of Ethics on an annual basis, and all board members are required to personally certify their compliance with its provisions. The Code of Ethics is available upon request.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated maintains a comprehensive Conflict of Interest Policy to ensure that the personal, professional, or financial interests of board members, officers, staff, and volunteers do not compromise the integrity of the organization's decisions or operations. All board members and key personnel are required to submit annual disclosure statements identifying any actual or potential conflicts of interest, and must recuse themselves from any deliberation or vote in which they have a potential conflict. This policy safeguards the organization's independence and ensures that all decisions are made solely in furtherance of its charitable mission.
Counter Terrorism and Anti-Fraud Compliance
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated complies fully with the U.S. Patriot Act and all applicable counter terrorism laws and regulations. The organization takes affirmative action to prevent its financial, technical, in-kind, or other resources from being used to support or facilitate illegal acts, fraud, or terrorist activities. Internal controls and oversight procedures are in place to safeguard all organizational resources and to ensure that funds and assets are used exclusively in furtherance of the organization's lawful charitable purposes.
Bylaws and Governing Documents
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is governed by its Articles of Incorporation filed with the State of California and its Board-adopted Bylaws. These governing documents establish the organization's structure, purpose, and operational framework, and define the roles, responsibilities, and authority of its Board of Directors and officers. The Bylaws are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain current and aligned with applicable law, and are available upon request.
Privacy Policy
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of its donors, volunteers, service recipients, and community partners. The organization's data collection, storage, and sharing practices are consistent with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and all other applicable privacy regulations. Personal information is collected only for legitimate organizational purposes — such as
processing donations, communicating with supporters, and delivering services — and is never sold, traded, or shared with third parties without the express consent of the individual.
Charitable Solicitation Disclosure Statement
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is a charitable organization exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated may be tax-deductible pursuant to Section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The organization is registered with the California Attorney General's Registry of Charitable Trusts and the California Franchise Tax Board. Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated complies with all applicable state charitable solicitation registration and disclosure requirements in every jurisdiction in which it solicits contributions.
Accountability Standards
For Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated, success means measurable improvements in the quality of life for families and individuals throughout the Long Beach community. Setting high standards for the organization and its programs is critical for that success. Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated holds itself accountable across the following areas:
Tax-Exempt Status
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated maintains tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and corresponding provisions of California state law. The organization operates exclusively for charitable, educational, and community-support purposes as defined in its organizing documents and as required to maintain its exempt status.
Ethics
The organization follows a Board-adopted Code of Ethics applicable to all board members, volunteers, and staff. The Code includes provisions for ethical management practices, transparent fundraising, responsible publicity, and full and fair disclosure of the organization's activities, finances, and governance to the public and its stakeholders.
Governance
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is governed by an active, responsible, and voluntary Board of Directors that ensures effective oversight of all organizational policies, programs, and financial resources. The Board is responsible for ensuring that the organization delivers on its mission to strengthen families and uplift communities throughout Long Beach and the surrounding region.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is committed to opposing racial and ethnic discrimination and all forms of oppression. The organization publicly affirms this position and provides its board members and volunteers with ongoing equity and inclusion awareness opportunities and training. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are woven into every aspect of the organization's programs, leadership development, and community engagement — reflecting the rich diversity of the communities it serves.
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Financial Accountability
The organization undergoes annual independent financial reviews conducted by qualified financial professionals. As revenue grows, Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated will transition to full independently audited financial statements conducted by independent certified public accountants in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and accounting principles. The organization is committed to financial transparency and the responsible stewardship of all funds entrusted to it by donors, grantors, and the public.
Performance Assessment
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated conducts regular self-assessments of its governance practices, financial management, program effectiveness, and community impact. These assessments help the organization continuously improve its operations and ensure meaningfull accountability to the communities it serves.
Public Reporting and Disclosure
The organization files IRS Form 990 in a timely manner and makes it available on its website, at its offices, or upon written request. Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated is committed to full public disclosure of its financial and operational activities, ensuring that donors, partners, and community members have access to the information they need to evaluate the organization's effectiveness and integrity.
Legal Compliance
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated complies with all applicable local, state, and federal operating and reporting requirements, including those governing charitable organizations, tax-exempt entities, and nonprofit corporations in the State of California.
Whistleblower Protection Policy
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated maintains a Whistleblower Protection Policy that encourages and enables board members, volunteers, staff, and community partners to raise concerns about suspected unethical conduct, fraud, or violations of law without fear of retaliation. All reports submitted under this policy are treated confidentially and investigated promptly by the appropriate organizational leadership. Retaliation against any individual who makes a good-faith report of suspected wrongdoing is strictly prohibited and will itself be treated as a serious violation of organizational policy.
Document Retention and Destruction Policy
Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated maintains a Document Retention and Destruction Policy to ensure the systematic and organized management of all organizational records. The policy establishes appropriate retention periods for key documents — including financial records, governance documents, correspondence, and program files — and protects against the premature destruction of records, particularly those relevant to pending or anticipated legal proceedings, audits, or regulatory inquiries.
Contact Information
For questions regarding the ethics, compliance, or public information of Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated, please contact:
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Cousins by the Dozens Incorporated
2108 N St Ste N, Sacramento, Sacramento County, CA 95816 US
Email: info@cousinsbythedozens.org