1. We subscribe to a written Statement of Faith and Values clearly affirming our commitment to biblical Christian doctrine.
  2. We recognize that the financial integrity of Trail Life USA is fundamental in fulfilling our biblical responsibility of being faithful stewards of God’s benevolence.
  3. Trail Life USA is committed to being debt averse and to be self-funded with the annual budget for operating expenses growing in direct proportion to the growth of the membership.  The organization will not accept gifts of property unless it can clearly benefit from the gift without incurring debt from operational or other costs associated with the property.
  4. Consequently, Trail Life USA is committed to the following standards of stewardship and financial accountability:
    1. Providing reasonable assurance that all proper care is exercised in the receiving, processing, and disbursing of funds; and that financial and non-financial assets are appropriately protected.
    2. Exercising care in accounting for and protecting the financial assets of the organization. Including the incorporation of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and internal controls in the financial systems that are employed in the organization.
    3. Preparation of complete and accurate financial statements that are reviewed by an independent Board of Directors and/or Finance Committee on a regular basis.
      1. The Board appoints a Finance Committee to review the budget and any scheduled audits and report its findings to the Board.
    4. Establish and exercise appropriate management controls necessary to provide reasonable assurance that all of Trail Life USA’s operations are carried out and resources are used in a responsible manner and in conformity with applicable laws and regulations; such conformity taking into account biblical mandates.
    5. Budgeting that provides sufficient details to enable accurate projections of revenues and expenses and that discloses planning assumptions.
      1. Budgeting will be based on anticipated member and Troop fees, merchandise and award sales, and royalties from licensed product sales and, conservatively forecast charitable donations.
    6. Budgeting in a manner that does not (a) deviate materially from the Board’s goals and priorities, (b) risk fiscal jeopardy, or (c) fail to show a generally acceptable level of foresight.
    7. Appropriately insuring against theft and casualty losses to at least 80% percent of replacement cost and against liability losses to Board members, Staff, or the organization itself beyond the minimally acceptable prudent level.
    8. Not investing or holding operating capital in insecure instruments, including uninsured checking accounts and bonds of less than AA rating, or in non-interest-bearing accounts, beyond that which is necessary to facilitate operational transactions.
    9. Setting compensation of its Executive Staff and addressing related-party transactions in a manner that demonstrates integrity and propriety.
    10. Trail Life USA will not base compensation of outside stewardship resource consultants or its own staff directly or indirectly on a percentage of charitable contributions raised.
    11. Providing a copy of its financial statements upon written request and providing other disclosures as the law may require, including financial information on any specific project or initiative for which it has specifically sought or is seeking gifts.
      1. We have a responsibility to be faithful stewards and to maintain integrity and openness in our financial practices.
    12. In securing charitable gifts, all representations of fact, descriptions of the financial condition of the organization, or narratives about events will be current, complete and accurate.  References to past activities or events will be appropriately dated.  There shall be no material omission or exaggeration of fact, use of misleading photographs, or any other communication which would tend to create a false impression or misunderstanding.
    13. Statements made about the use of gifts in any Trail Life USA charitable gift appeals will be honored.  Including a giver’s intent relating both to what was communicated in the appeal and to any instructions or restrictions accompanying the gift, if accepted by the organization.  Trail Life USA will make every effort to not create unrealistic expectations of what a gift will actually accomplish.
      1. In the event gifts are received in excess of the need for the purpose intended, givers will be advised of the other use of those funds to meet a similar pressing need.
    14. All donors and givers will be provided appropriate and timely gift acknowledgements identifying the fair market value of any goods or services provided to the donor/giver.
    15. Trail Life USA will make every effort to avoid knowingly accepting a gift from, or entering into a contract with, a giver that would place a hardship on the giver or place the giver’s future well-being in jeopardy.
    16. We will not sell or rent our mailing or membership lists to other groups, nor allow such information to be utilized by other groups wishing to use the names and addresses of our supporters.  We will share some contact information for specific purposes pursuant to certain Ministry Alliances which are identified to our members and supporters; but will allow members and donors to “opt out” of receiving such shared information, if they choose.

You can view the Trail Life USA Privacy Policy here.