Policy to vet a charity organization

This process involves several key steps to ensure transparency, accountability, and effectiveness. By following these steps and implementing a thorough vetting process, LHMCAANA can make informed decision about supporting charity organizations that align with our mission and values while ensuring accountability and transparency to stakeholders.

The charity vision and mission should align with ours: to celebrate, support and empower women physicians. Create a joyful community and a social support system, mentor students, support them in achieving their person goals.

We suggest a submitter, choose organizations in India or North America that support LHMC and its students or are led by alumni of our institute or support women physicians and, or, medical students anywhere in the world. Entities in US must have 501(c) 3 exempt or equivalent status and in India they must have FCRA.

We also expect submitting alumni to take an active role in seeking donations for their suggested charity during fund raising drives. We recommend that a submitter (a dues paying member of LHMCAANA) to collect, compile and submit following information to the LHMCAANA president:

1. Research and Gather Information: about the charity, including its mission, programs, financial statements, governance structure, and impact reports. Use reputable sources such as the charity's website, IRS filings (in the U.S.), independent charity evaluators, and watchdog organizations.
2. Financial Review: Evaluate the charity's financial health by reviewing its audited financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Assess the organization's revenue sources, fundraising expenses, administrative costs, and program expenditures. Look for trends over multiple years to identify financial stability and consistency.
3. Governance and Transparency: Examine the charity's governance structure, including its board of directors, leadership team, and governance policies. Assess transparency practices, such as public disclosure of financial information, conflict of interest policies, and whistleblower protection policies.
4. Program Effectiveness and Impact: Evaluate the charity's programs by an onsite visit and activities to determine their effectiveness in achieving the organization's mission. Assess the charity's impact on the target population or cause, including the number of beneficiaries served, outcomes achieved, and long-term sustainability.
5. Legal Compliance: Ensure the charity complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including tax-exempt status (in the U.S.), registration requirements, and reporting obligations.
6. Ethical Standards: Consider the charity's adherence to ethical standards and best practices in fundraising, donor stewardship, and program delivery. Evaluate the organization's reputation and any past controversies or ethical lapses.
7. Review Third-Party Ratings and Evaluations: Utilize independent charity evaluators such as Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or BBB Wise Giving Alliance to supplement your research and provide additional insights.

LHMCAANA president and the board members will :

• begin the vetting process to gain diverse perspectives and ensure buy-in.
• document findings and recommendations and communicate the results of the vetting process to the stakeholders and make informed decisions about funding or collaboration.
• perform regular review and monitoring for ongoing evaluation of the charity's performance to ensure continued compliance with our standards and expectations.

LHMCAANA retains the right to revoke, not renew or indefinitely suspend donations and/or endorsement at any time.
Please email us at infolhmcaana@gmail.com for questions.