Our Nonprofit Commitment

Operating with Integrity Under the BC Societies Act

The Okanagan Foster Parents Association is a registered nonprofit society under British Columbia’s Societies Act. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and legal compliance to effectively support foster children, families, and parents in the Okanagan region. Learn how we uphold these standards below.

Our Nonprofit Status

As a nonprofit society incorporated under the Societies Act (SBC 2015, c. 18), we operate to advance foster care support, advocacy, and resources in the Okanagan region, including communities like Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton. Per section 2, our purposes focus on supporting foster families and children, not on profit or gain. Our legal status as a society ensures we are a distinct entity, separate from our members (section 5), allowing us to deliver programs, secure funding, and serve our community while maintaining accountability.

Our Governance Structure

We adhere to the Societies Act’s governance requirements to ensure effective and transparent operations:

  • Board of Directors: Per section 40, we maintain at least three directors, with at least one residing in British Columbia. Our directors are elected or appointed as per our bylaws (section 42) and oversee strategic decisions to support foster care initiatives. Directors meet qualifications under section 44 (e.g., at least 18, no relevant convictions).
  • Bylaws and Constitution: Our constitution outlines our name and purposes (section 10), focusing on foster care support in the Okanagan. Our bylaws govern internal affairs, including membership, director elections, and general meetings (section 11). These documents guide our operations and are filed with BC Registry Services.
  • Membership: Our members, who share our commitment to foster care, have voting rights at annual general meetings (AGMs) to elect directors and approve key decisions (sections 67, 84).

Compliance with the BC Societies Act

We meet the Societies Act’s requirements to maintain good standing and transparency:

  • Record-Keeping: Per section 20, we maintain essential records, including our certificate of incorporation, constitution, bylaws, register of directors, register of members, meeting minutes, and financial statements. These are kept at our registered office in the Okanagan or made available electronically (section 22).
  • Member Access: Members can inspect records like the constitution, bylaws, and financial statements without charge (section 24). The register of members may be restricted if inspection could harm the society or members (section 25), with clear processes for requesting access.
  • Annual Reporting: We file an annual report with BC Registry Services via Societies Online (section 73), updating our registered office address and director information to remain in good standing.
  • Financial Transparency: Per section 35, we prepare financial statements for each annual general meeting, covering the financial year ending no more than six months prior. We disclose remuneration for directors (if any) and employees or contractors earning over $75,000 annually, as required by section 36, ensuring transparency.
  • Meetings: We hold annual general meetings (section 71) and allow electronic participation (section 83) to ensure accessibility for Okanagan members. Quorum and voting rules follow our bylaws and the Act (sections 82, 84).

Our Mission in Action

Our nonprofit status enables us to focus on:

  • Foster Parent Support: Offering training, peer networks, and resources for foster parents in the Okanagan.
  • Youth Advocacy: Promoting policies and programs to enhance foster children’s well-being.
  • Community Engagement: Building networks to strengthen foster care in the region, guided by our bylaws and the Societies Act.

Staying Accountable

We prioritize transparency and compliance:

  • Bylaw Updates: We review and amend bylaws via special resolution (section 17) to reflect Societies Act changes (e.g., updates effective May 4, 2023).
  • Conflict of Interest: Directors and senior managers disclose conflicts per sections 56 and 62, ensuring decisions prioritize the society’s mission.
  • Public Access: While the member register is private, financial statements are available to the public upon request (section 28), fostering openness.

Why This Matters

By adhering to the Societies Act, the Okanagan Foster Parents Association ensures we operate with integrity, allowing us to focus on supporting foster families and children in our community. For questions about our nonprofit status or governance, contact us here.