On 13-05-16 16:56, Steve Marquess wrote:
> We have considered this approach, in detail, and the comfort level isn't
> there. A requirement of their 501(c) status for such organizations is
> that they can't make any commitments as to how funds raised in our name
> will be spent.
AIUI, the reason for that is solely that they cannot agree to make any
payments that could be considered to be illegal. This is for obvious
reasons; other than that, SPI does not set any rules on what member
projects choose to do with their funds:
"Member projects are free to use the funds allocated to them at their
descretion, as long as such usage is consistent with U.S. laws and
regulations, and within the constraints of SPI's certificate of
incorporation and bylaws"
(from http://spi-inc.org/donations/)
The certificate of incorporation and bylaws do not seem to impose any
further restrictions--but don't take my word for it (they're both
available on their website).
> We would have to trust their good judgment in deciding
> how those funds were used.
Actually, as a member project, you would gain the right to vote or stand
for election in SPI's internal elections, and in doing so would be able
to exert influence over SPI's decisions.
--
Wouter Verhelst
