spendingpolicy
Table of Contents
Spending Policy for Medicine Forward
Version 1.1 (DRAFT)
Objective
To establish clear guidelines for how Medicine Forward’s funds are allocated, ensuring transparency, fairness, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Spending Guidelines
Executive Team Spending Authority
- The Executive Team has the authority to spend up to $1,000 on a single expense without consulting other stakeholders.
- Individual Executive Team members can approve expenses up to $250 without additional approval. This includes regular operational costs such as:
- Software subscriptions (e.g., Squarespace, Zoom, Mighty Networks, Acuity Scheduling).
- Administrative tools and services directly supporting Medicine Forward’s operations.
Project-Specific Funds
- Funds raised for specific projects, such as the NYC Burnout Symposium Workshop, will be used to support the goals and needs of that project.
- The primary aim is to maximize impact and ensure fairness in how the funds are used.
- Before completion of the project, project-specific funds should not be redirected to other Medicine Forward initiatives unless they directly contribute to the success of the funded project.
- Any remaining funds or additional contributions may be used for unexpected expenses related to the project or allocated to future projects that align directly with Medicine Forward's mission.
Spending Over $1,000
- For expenses exceeding $1,000, a written proposal must be created either by the Executive Team or a designated member.
- The proposal should outline:
- The purpose and justification for the expenditure.
- Expected benefits and alignment with Medicine Forward’s goals.
- This proposal will first be reviewed internally by the Executive Team.
- After internal review, the proposal will be shared with the 501c3 Board for transparency and consultative feedback.
- Final decisions will rest with the Executive Team, incorporating feedback from the relevant stakeholders when possible.
Transparency & Constraints
Transparency
- Spending will be tracked and available for auditing and creating financial reports. Audits and reports can be requested by anyone on the 501c3 Board.
- The 501c3 Board should be notified of new purchases, especially new recurring subscriptions like Acuity, at the next available team meeting.
Constraints
- No deficit spending. Verify funds are available and within budget before spending.
The Advice Process
In line with practices from Reinventing Organizations, Medicine Forward will utilize the advice process for key spending decisions:
- Definition: The advice process is a decision-making approach where individuals or teams seek input from those who will be affected by the decision or who hold expertise in the relevant area before making a final decision.
- Application: When spending decisions require broader consideration (e.g., expenses above $1,000 or complex resource allocation), the Executive Team will consult with both the 501c3 Board and other relevant stakeholders through this process. This ensures that decisions are well-informed and reflective of diverse perspectives.
Last accepted by Traction Team 10/21/24 version 1.0
spendingpolicy.txt · Last modified: 2025/02/04 11:14 by gabrieldane