Policy

Celebrate Life Around the World Foundation

Policy & Governance Framework

1. Introduction

The Celebrate Life Around the World Foundation (CLAW) is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering unity, resilience, and dignity across communities worldwide. Operating as a platform for collaboration, CLAW connects ethical funders, grassroots leaders, and NGOs to strengthen institutions, share knowledge, and promote sustainable development.

This Policy and Governance Framework consolidates our organizational bylaws, strategic vision, and operational guidelines into a unified structure. It ensures accountability, transparency, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Purpose and Scope

Purpose
The purpose of this framework is to establish the policies, governance structures, and operating standards that guide CLAW’s programs, partnerships, and decision-making. It serves as the foundation for trust, compliance, and impact.

Scope
This framework applies to:

All CLAW global and regional operations.

Staff, officers, directors, and volunteers.

Partners, affiliates, and member organizations engaged with CLAW.

3. Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision
A vibrant, globally united network of NGOs, activists, and grassroots leaders working together to build sustainable, inclusive, and ethical solutions that celebrate life in all its diversity.

Mission
Celebrate humanity by amplifying community voices, advancing ethical and transparent funding, and enabling collaborations that yield enduring social impact.

Core Values and Commitments

Humanity & Dignity – Uphold human rights and safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable populations.

Equity & Inclusion – Mainstream gender equality and social inclusion, ensuring leadership representation from marginalized groups.

Transparency & Accountability – Practice open governance, with auditable and participatory oversight mechanisms.

Local Leadership – Empower regional hubs with decision-making authority and localized resource management.

Evidence & Learning – Base decisions on data, feedback, and real-time monitoring.

Environmental Responsibility – Commit to climate-conscious practices and reduce organizational carbon footprint.

4. Governance Structure

Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is the governing body, responsible for policy, strategy, fiduciary oversight, and ensuring the organization’s compliance with legal obligations. It consists of no fewer than three (3) and no more than fifteen (15) members, elected for staggered three-year terms.

Officers
The officers of the Foundation include a Chair (or President), Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers are elected by the Board for two-year terms.

Chair/President – Provides leadership and presides over meetings.

Vice Chair – Assists and acts in the absence of the Chair.

Secretary – Maintains records, minutes, and compliance documentation.

Treasurer – Oversees finances, reporting, and budgets.

Committees
Standing and ad hoc committees provide specialized oversight. Key committees include:

Executive Committee

Finance and Audit Committee

Programs & Capacity-Building Committee

Ethics and Safeguarding Committee

Technology & Innovation Committee

Youth and Inclusion Council

Advisory Council
Provides subject-matter expertise, donor engagement, and global partnerships support.

Regional Representatives
Lead regional hubs across six areas (USA, Southeast Asia, Africa, South Asia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe) with delegated budget authority and program execution responsibilities.

5. Strategic Policies
5.1 Collaboration & Networks

Facilitate annual global meetings and quarterly forums.

Establish regional hubs and thematic coalitions.

Formalize partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

5.2 Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing

Deliver multilingual training through a Global Learning Platform.

Provide mentorship, workshops, and organizational toolkits.

Ensure 90% of trained NGOs demonstrate improved fundraising and governance capacity.

5.3 Ethical & Transparent Funding

Certify partnerships through due diligence and anti-fraud compliance.

Enforce full transparency in budgets, financial reporting, and donor disclosures.

Exclude funding sources that conflict with human rights standards (e.g., arms, tobacco).

5.4 Digital Ecosystem & Data Governance

Operate a secure, GDPR-compliant digital infrastructure.

Provide real-time analytics dashboards and knowledge repositories.

Maintain accessibility and inclusivity across all platforms.

5.5 Storytelling & Advocacy

Promote consent-based, ethical storytelling practices.

Publish advocacy materials and impact stories that inspire action without stigmatization.

Engage media and digital platforms to amplify CLAW’s mission.

5.6 Sustainability & Enterprise

Promote diversified funding through philanthropy, impact investment, and legacy giving.

Support NGOs in achieving 6–9 months of operational reserves.

Encourage innovation through social enterprise development.

6. Compliance Policies

Safeguarding and “Do No Harm” – Protection of children and vulnerable groups is a universal standard.

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) – All programs integrate equity and inclusivity.

Environmental Sustainability – Reduce organizational carbon emissions by at least 20% annually.

Conflict of Interest – Annual declarations required; recusal mandatory where conflicts arise.

Code of Conduct – All staff, board members, and partners must adhere to ethical guidelines.

Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption – Whistleblowing channels and independent audits are enforced.

7. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)

CLAW applies a comprehensive MEAL framework, including:

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

Training completion rates.

Percentage of certified ethical partnerships.

Growth in partner organizations’ funding reserves.

Participatory Feedback Systems: Confidential and inclusive feedback channels.

Quarterly Reviews: Reflection and learning loops to adapt programming.

Annual Reporting: Publicly available reports to ensure donor and partner accountability.

8. Financial and Risk Management

Financial Sustainability: Maintain 6–9 months of operating reserves.

Cost Recovery: Implement indirect cost recovery rates of 10–15%.

Risk Management: Maintain a risk register, incident reporting protocols, and continuity plans.

Financial Transparency: All financial activities subject to dual authorization and external audits.

9. Communications & Branding

Maintain multilingual, fact-checked, and transparent communications.

Publish quarterly newsletters, dashboards, and annual reports.

Uphold brand integrity through consent-based advocacy and ethical visibility standards.

10. Amendments & Review

These policies shall be reviewed every three (3) years by the Board of Directors.

Amendments require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board.

Written notice of amendments must be provided at least ten (10) days in advance of consideration.

11. Dissolution

In the event of dissolution, all assets shall be distributed for one or more charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to another qualified nonprofit organization, as determined by the Board of Directors.

12. Conclusion

This Policy and Governance Framework represents Celebrate Life Around the World Foundation’s commitment to ethical, transparent, and impactful operations. It ensures that every action—whether local or global—advances our mission of celebrating humanity, strengthening communities, and building a more just and sustainable world.

Steven Brandstetter
Executive Director
Celebrate Life Around The World
851 NE 1st Ave, Ste. 2810
Miami, FL 33132