Jamaica Foundation of Houston
"Building a Spirit of Volunteerism"
Articles of Incorporation (and By-laws) for the Jamaica Foundation of Houston were filed
in the Office of the Secretary of State of Texas on November 4, 1999. This filing was a precursor to consideration by the
IRS for the granting of the 501(c)(3) exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code. As a result of these actions, the Foundation
was launched in the spring of 2001 as a non-profit corporation, and successor organization of the former Jamaican Association
of Greater Houston.
Article four of the Articles of
Incorporation states, “The Corporation is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, or
scientific purposes, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations
under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, including,
but not limited to, awarding scholarships to deserving students, and educating the general population in Jamaican culture,
music and cuisine.”
In addition to the statements of
Article Four, the framework and guide for the functioning of the Corporation is amply set out in Article Seven, which states:
“No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit
of, or be distributable to its members, directors, or other private persons, except that the Corporation shall be authorized
and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of
the purposes set forth in Article Four hereof. No substantial part of the activities of the Corporation shall be the carrying
on of propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the Corporation shall not participate in, or intervene
in (including the publishing or distribution of statements), any political campaign on behalf of any candidate for public
office.”
In fulfillment of its commitment to the Articles
of Incorporation and its charter under the Internal Revenue Code for a 501 (c)(3) corporation, the following Mission Statement
was adopted.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Jamaica
Foundation of Houston is to promote cultural understanding, education and volunteerism.
HOW WE FUNCTION
The affairs and day-to-day functioning of the Foundation
is vested in the Board of Directors.
Article Two, subsection
2.01 of the Bylaws reflect this by stating; “The business and affairs of the Corporation and all corporate powers shall
be exercised by, or under authority of the Board of Directors, subject to the limitations imposed by law, the Articles of
Incorporation, and these Bylaws.”
The Board of Directors
meets from time to time to discuss and set out programs for the Foundation. The membership is kept abreast of the Board’s
planning and decisions through the following means:
- Monthly
meetings held throughout the year, except for the month of August.
- A quarterly Newsletter
- Special mailings
- This website
