ARTICLE I
OFFICES AND REGISTERED AGENT
Section 1. Principal Office. The principal office of the American Obesity Association
Research Foundation, Inc. (the " Foundation ") may be located in Washington
D.C. or at such place as the Board of Directors shall from time to time designate.
Section 2. Registered Office and Agent. The Foundation shall have and continuously
maintain a registered office in the State of Delaware (which may be identical
with the principal office) and the Board of Directors of the Foundation shall
appoint and continuously maintain in service a registered agent in the State
of Delaware at such place as be designated by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSES
The Foundation's purposes are to promote better understanding of
obesity, to expand research on obesity, to develop better treatments, to eliminate
the stigma and discrimination endured by persons with obesity and to promote
the access by persons with obesity to appropriate care.
Pursuant to procedures adopted by the Board of Directors, the Foundation shall:
(A) carry out research on:
(1) the basic research on the causes of obesity,
(2) effective methods of prevention,
(3) the role of obesity in the development of other health conditions, such
as diabetes and heart disease,
(4) the unique aspects of obesity in women, children and members of minority
groups,
(5) improvements in treatment, and,
(6) the impact of obesity on quality of life, disability, social stigma and
discrimination
(7) research on related health issues of nutrition, physical activity, eating
disorders, and smoking.
(B) carry out programs for the education of the public, physicians and other
health professionals, industry and public policy makers regarding obesity, including:
(1) publications, periodicals, books, and tools,
(2) fellowships and internships for professionals,
(3) conferences, meetings and exchanges.
(C) promote international cooperation and understanding of obesity,
(D) promote programs for the elimination stigma and discrimination in all its
forms against persons with obesity or at risk for obesity, including legal,
economic and social research,
(E) assist persons who, in extreme cases, are destitute and in need of treatment
for obesity.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
The Foundation shall not have members.
ARTICLE IV
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. Powers. There shall be a Board of Directors of the Foundation, which
shall manage, supervise and control the business, property and affairs of the
Foundation, except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the Certificate of
Incorporation of the Foundation, or these Bylaws,. The Board of Directors shall
be vested with the powers possessed by the Foundation itself, including the
powers to determine the policies of the Foundation and prosecute its purposes,
to appoint and remunerate agents and employees (including the power to delegate
some or all of this authority), to establish the budget of the Foundation, to
disburse the funds of the Foundation, and to adopt such rules and regulations
for the conduct of its business as shall be deemed advisable.
Section 2. Number and Qualifications. The members of the initial Board of Directors
of the Foundation shall be those listed in the Certificate of Incorporation.
Thereafter, the Board of Directors shall be elected by the Board of Directors
of the American Obesity Association (AOA).
Section 3. Election. Removal. and Vacancies. Directors shall be elected at
the time of the elections of the directors of AOA and shall serve a term of
office that is the same as the term for the directors of AOA. The method of
election, removal, and resignation of directors, and the filling of vacancies
on the Board of Directors, shall be conducted in the manner provided for in
the Bylaws of AOA. Provided however, that, if a member of the Board of Directors
of the AOA Research Foundation, does not participate in at least one of the
three meetings a year, that person is presumptively removed from the Board of
Directors. Such board member may be reinstated by the AOA Board of Directors.
Section 4. Regular Meetings. A regular annual meeting of the Board of Directors
of the Foundation shall be held each year, at such time, day and place as shall
be designated by the Board of Directors, for the purpose of transacting such
business as may come before the meeting. Two additional meetings must be held
each year at a time and place to be determined by the Board.
Section 5. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may
be called at the direction of the President of the Foundation or by a majority
of the voting directors then in office, to be held at such time, day and place
as shall be designated in the notice of the meeting.
Section 6. Notice. Notice of the time, day and place of any meeting of the
Board of Directors shall be provided by the Executive Director at least fifteen
(15) days previous thereto by notice sent by mail, messenger, telegram or telephone
to each director at his or her address as shown by the records of the Foundation.
The purpose or purposes for which a special meeting is called shall be stated
in the notice thereof. Any director may waive notice of any meeting by a written
statement executed either before or after the meeting. Attendance at a meeting
shall constitute a waiver of notice thereof, except where attendance is for
the express purpose of objecting to the call or convening of the meeting.
Section 7. Quorum. A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum for
the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, except
if less than a quorum of directors is present at such meeting, one-third of
the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further
notice.
Section 8. Manner of Acting. Except as otherwise expressly required by law,
the Certificate of Incorporation of the Foundation, or these Bylaws, the affirmative
vote of a majority of the directors present at any meeting of the Board of Directors
at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. Each
director shall have one vote. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted.
Section 9. Written Consent. Action taken by the Board of Directors without
a meeting is nevertheless Board action if written consent to the action in question
is signed by all of the directors and filed with the minutes of the proceedings
of the Board, whether done before or after the action so taken.
Section 10. Telephone and Electronic Meeting. Any one or more or all of the
directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by means of
a conference telephone or similar telecommunications or electronic device which
allows all persons participating in the meeting to communicate with each other
and such participation in a meeting shall be deemed presence in person at such
meeting.
Section 11. Compensation. Directors shall not receive compensation for services
rendered in such capacity. Additionally, the Board may by resolution provide
for the reimbursement of actual travel and lodging expenses incurred in the
performance of the duties of the director to the extent provided by such resolution.
Section 12. Advisory Board. The Board of Directors may establish an advisory
board, which may make recommendations to the Board of Directors and which may
exercise such other rights and privileges as the Board may from time to time
establish.
ARTICLE V
Conflict of Interest
Section 1. Conflict of Interest. No director, officer or agent shall be personally
involved in any request for financial assistance to themselves, a family member,
their own institution or employer, or any entity in which they have or expect
to have a financial interest of any kind. No director, officer or agent shall
participate in receipt of gifts, gratuities and entertainment and any favors
from an individual or entity under circumstances in which it might be inferred
that such action was intended to influence or possibly would influence the director,
officer or agent in the performance of his or her duties. This does not preclude
the acceptance of items of nominal or insignificant value, reasonable honoraria,
or entertainment of nominal or insignificant values which are not related to
any particular transaction or activity of the Foundation.
Section 2. Annual Disclosure. The Board of Directors shall approve a Conflict
of Interest Form. Each year each director, officer and agent shall be provided
a copy of the policy and acknowledge in writing that he or she has reviewed
the policy. Each director, officer and agent shall annually complete a disclosure
form identifying any relationships, positions or circumstances in which he or
she is involved in which he or she believes could contribute to a conflict of
interest arising. Such relationship, position or circumstance might include
services as a director or consultant to a nonprofit organization or ownership
of a business that might provide goods or services to the Foundation. Any such
information regarding business interests of the director, officer or agent or
family member shall be treated as confidential and shall generally be made available
only to the President, Executive Director and any committee appointed to address
Conflicts of Interest, except to the extent additional disclosure is necessary
in connection with the implementation of this Policy.
Section 3. Procedures.
A. Prior to board or committee action on a contract or transaction involving
a conflict of interest, a director or committee member having a conflict of
interest and who is in attendance at the meeting shall disclose all facts material
to the conflict of interest. Such disclosure shall be reflected in the minutes
of the meeting.
B. A director or committee member who plans not to attend a meeting at which
he or she has reason to believe that the board or committee will act on a matter
in which the person has a conflict of interest shall disclose to the chair of
the meeting all facts material to the conflict of interest. The chair shall
report the disclosure at the meeting and the disclosure shall be reflected in
the minutes of the meeting.
C. A person who has a conflict of interest shall not participate in or be
permitted to hear the board's or committee's discussion of the matter except
to disclose material facts and to respond to questions. Such person shall not
attempt to exert his or her personal influence with respect to the matter, either
at or outside the meeting.
D. A person who has a conflict of interest with respect to a contract or transaction
that will be voted on at a meeting shall not be counted in determining the presence
of a quorum for purposes of the vote. The person having a conflict of interest
may not vote on the contract or transaction and shall not be present in the
meeting room when the vote is taken, unless the vote is by secret ballot. Such
person's ineligibility to vote shall be reflected in the minutes of the meeting.
E. Agents, officers or staff who are not members of the Board of Directors
of the Foundation who have a conflict of interest with respect to a contract
or transaction that is not the subject of Board or committee action, shall disclose
to the Chair or the Chair's designee any conflict of interest that such person
has with respect to a contract or transaction. Such disclosure shall be made
as soon as the conflict of interest is known to the person. The agent, officer
or staff shall refrain from any action that may affect the Foundation's participation
in such contract or transaction.
In the event it is not entirely clear that a conflict of interest exists, the
individual with the potential conflict shall disclose the circumstances to the
Chair or the Chair's designee, who shall determine whether there exists a Conflict
of Interest that is subject to this policy.
ARTICLE VI
OFFICERS
Section 1. Officers. The officers of the Foundation shall consist of a President,
a Vice-President, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Foundation may also have
such other officers and assistant officers as the Board of Directors may from
time to time deem necessary, such officers to have the authority, and to perform
the duties prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. One person
may hold more than one office, except that the President and Secretary cannot
be the same individual. The officers of AOA shall serve as the officers of the
AOA Research Foundation unless otherwise elected by the Board of Directors of
AOA.
Section 2. Election of Officers. The officers of the Foundation shall be elected
by the Board of Directors of the Foundation at the annual meeting of the Board
of Directors.
Section 3. Term of Office. The officers of the Foundation shall be installed
at the annual meeting at which they are elected and shall hold office for three
years or until their respective successors shall have been duly elected and
qualified.
Section 4. Resignation. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written
notice to the President of the Foundation Such resignation shall take effect
at the time specified therein, or, if no time is specified, at the time of acceptance
thereof as determined by the President.
Section 5. Removal. Any officer may be removed, with or without cause, by
a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting
of the Board of Directors at which a quorum is present, whenever in its judgment
the best interests of the Foundation would be served thereby, but, such removal
will be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the officer so
removed.
Section 6. Vacancies. A vacancy in any office because of death, resignation,
removal, disqualification, or otherwise, shall be filled by the Board of Directors
for the unexpired term.
Section 7. President. The President shall be the Chairman of the Board of the
Foundation and, subject to the overall guidance and supervision of the Board
of Directors, give active direction and control of the business and affairs
of the Corporation. He or she may sign, with the Secretary, Treasurer or any
other proper officer of the Foundation authorized by the Board of Directors,
any deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, or other instruments which the Board
of Directors has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing
and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board of Directors
or by these Bylaws or by statute to some other officer or agent of the Foundation;
and in general, he or she shall perform all duties incident to the office of
President and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors
from time to time.
Section 8. Vice-President. The Vice President shall perform the duties of the
President in his or her absence, and shall perform such other duties as the
President or the Board of Directors shall from time to time assign.
Section 9. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings
of the Board of Directors in one or more books provided for that purpose; see
that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws
or as required by aw; be custodian of the corporate records; and in general
perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties
as from time to time may be assigned by the President or by the Board of Directors.
Section 10. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of and be
responsible for all funds and securities of the Foundation; receive and give
receipts for moneys due and payable to the Foundation from any source whatsoever,
and deposit all such moneys in the name of the Foundation in such banks, trust
companies or other depositaries as shall be selected in accordance with the
provisions of Article IXof these Bylaws; and in general perform all the duties
incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time
may be assigned by the President or by the Board of Directors.
Section 11. Compensation. Officers may receive reasonable compensation for
services rendered in such capacity. Additionally, the Board may by resolution
provide for the reimbursement of actual travel, lodging, or other expenses incurred
in the performance of the duties of the officer to the extent provided by such
resolution.
ARTICLE VII
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
The Executive Director of the Foundation shall be the chief staff officer of
the Foundation and, subject to the overall guidance and supervision of the Board
of Directors, give active direction and control of the business and affairs
of the Foundation. The Executive Director shall be responsible to the Board
of Directors for the fundraising and administration of the affairs of the Foundation.
He or she shall be responsible for performing due diligence that the funds of
the Foundation are expended in the proper and expected manner and for enforcing
the policies of the Foundation. Prior to action, the Executive Director shall
review all requests for financial support for compliance with the policies and
procedures of the Foundation. The Executive Director shall serve as an ex officio
non-voting member of the Board of Directors and all other boards or committees
established by the Foundation. The Executive Director shall serve as the Assistant
Secretary and Assistant Treasurer.
ARTICLE VIII
COMMITTEES
Section 1. Committees of Directors. The Board of Directors, by resolution adopted
by a majority of the directors in office, may designate and appoint one or more
committees, each consisting of two or more directors, which committees, to the
extent provided in said resolution, shall have and exercise the authority of
the Board of Directors in the management of the Foundation; provided, however,
that no such committee shall have the authority of the Board of Directors in
reference to amending, altering or repealing these Bylaws; electing, appointing
or removing any member of any such committee or any director or officer of the
Foundation; amending the Certificate of Incorporation of the Foundation; adopting
a plan of merger or adopting a plan of consolidation with another corporation;
authorizing the sale, lease, exchange or mortgage of all or substantially all
of the property and assets of the Foundation; authorizing the voluntary dissolution
of the Foundation or revoking proceedings therefor; adopting a plan for the
distribution of the assets of the Foundation; or amending, altering or repealing
any resolution of the Board of Directors which by its terms provides that it
shall not be amended, altered or repealed by such committee. The designation
and appointment of any such committee and the delegation thereto of authority
shall not operate to relieve the Board of Directors, or any individual director,
of any responsibility imposed upon the Board or the director by law.
Section 2. Other Committees. The Board of Directors, may create and appoint
members to such committees as they shall from time to time deem appropriate,
such committees to have the power and duties designated by the Board of Directors;
provided that no such committee which has members who are not directors shall
have and exercise the authority of the Board of Directors in the management
of the Foundation.
Section 3. Term of Office. Each member of a committee shall continue as such
until the next annual meeting of the Board of Directors and until a successor
is appointed, unless the committee shall be sooner terminated, or unless such
member be removed from such committee, or unless such member shall cease to
qualify as a member thereof.
Section 4. Vacancies. Vacancies in the membership of committees may be filled
by appointments made in the same manner as provided in the case of the original
appointments.
Section 5. Quorum. Unless otherwise provided in the resolution of the Board
of Directors designating a committee, a majority of the whole committee shall
constitute a quorum and the act of a majority of the members present at a meeting
at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the committee.
Section 6. Rules. Each committee may adopt rules for its own government not
inconsistent with these Bylaws or with rules adopted by the Board of Directors.
ARTICLE IX
CONTRACTS, CHECKS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS
Section 1. Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or officers
of the Foundation in addition to the President, Chief Executive Officer and
Treasurer authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute
and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Foundation, and
such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.
Section 2. Checks' Drafts, etc. All checks, drafts or orders for the payment
of money, notes or other evidences of indebtedness issued in the name of the
Foundation, shall be signed by such officer or officers, agent or agents of
the Foundation in addition to the President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer
in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the
Board of Directors. In the absence of such determination by the Board of Directors,
such instruments shall be signed by the Treasurer (or an Assistant Treasurer)
of the Foundation.
Section 3. Deposits. All funds of the Foundation shall be deposited from time
to time to the credit of the Foundation in such banks, trust companies or other
depositaries as the Board of Directors may select.
ARTICLE X
Public Accountability
Section 1. Annual Report. The Foundation shall provide an annually updated
written account, presenting its purposes, description of overall programs, activities
and accomplishments; eligibility to receive deductible contributions; information
about the governing body and structure; and information about financial activities
and financial position.
Section 2. Annual Financial Statements. An annual financial statement will
be prepared following generally accepted accounting principles and shall include
the auditor's or Treasurer's Report. When total income exceeds $100,000, the
financial statements shall be audited in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Annual financial statements shall include: (a) significant
categories of contributions and other income, (b) expenses reported in categories
corresponding to the descriptions of major programs and activities, (c) detailed
schedule of expenses by natural classification e.g. salaries, benefits, occupancy,
postage for each major program and supporting activity; (d) accurate presentation
of all fundraising and administrative costs including multi-purpose activities
cost allocations.
Section 3. Financial Control. The Foundation shall require that any raising
of funds by a committee, branch, chapter which are controlled by or affiliated
with the benefiting organization and for which a primary activity is raising
funds account for all income received by and costs incurred by such entities.
ARTICLE XI
Solicitation and Use of Funds
1. Accurate Information. Solicitation and informational materials distributed
by any means shall be truthful, accurate and not misleading in whole or in part.
Solicitations shall include a clear description of the programs and activities
or shall identify a source of such written information.
2. Control. The Foundation shall establish and exercise control over fund raising
activities conducted for their benefit by staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors
and controlled or affiliated entities including commitment to writing of all
fund raising contracts and agreements. The Foundation shall establish and exercise
adequate controls over disbursements including but not limited to making periodic
payments for milestones, reports and on-site visits.
3. Confidentiality. The Foundation shall honor donor request for confidentiality
and shall not publicize the identities of donors without prior written permission.
4. Operational Expenditures. A reasonable percentage of total income from all
sources shall be applied to programs and activities directly related to the
purposes for which the organization exists. A reasonable percentage of public
contributions shall be applied to the programs described in solicitations in
accordance with donor expectations. Total fundraising and administrative costs
shall be reasonable. The Foundation will seek to achieve a balanced portfolio
of grants and activities encompassing all of its purposes.
ARTICLE XII
INDEMNIFICATION
Indemnification and Insurance. Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Foundation
shall indemnify any director or officer, any former director or officer, any
person who may have served at its request as a director or officer of another
corporation, whether for profit or not for profit, and any employee against
any and all expenses and liabilities actually and necessarily incurred by him
or her or imposed on him or her in connection with any claim, action, suit,
or proceeding (whether actual or threatened, civil, criminal, administrative,
or investigative, including appeals) to which he or she may be or is made a
party by reason of being or having been such director, officer, or employee;
subject to the limitation, however, that there shall be no indemnification in
relation to matters as to which he or she shall be adjudged in such claim, action,
suit, or proceeding to be guilty of a criminal offense or liable to the Foundation
for damages arising out of his or her own negligence or misconduct in the performance
of a duty to the Foundation.
Amounts paid in indemnification of expenses and liabilities may include, but
shall not be limited to, counsel fees and other fees; costs and disbursements;
and judgments, fines, and penalties against, and amounts paid in settlement
by, such director, officer, or employee. The Foundation may advance expenses
to, or where appropriate may itself, at its expense, undertake the defense of,
any director, officer, or employee; provided, however, that such director, officer,
or employee shall undertake to repay or to reimburse such expense if it should
be ultimately determined that he or she is not entitled to indemnification under
this Article.
The provisions of this Article shall be applicable to claims, actions, suits,
or proceedings made or commenced after the adoption hereof, whether arising
from acts or omissions to act occurring before or after adoption hereof.
The indemnification provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive
of any other rights to which such director, officer, or employee may be entitled
under any statute, Bylaw, agreement, vote of the Board of Directors, or otherwise
and shall not restrict the power of the Foundation to make any indemnification
permitted by law.
The Board of Directors may authorize the purchase of insurance on behalf of
any director, officer, employee, or other agent against any liability asserted
against or incurred by him or her which arises out of such person's status as
a director, officer, employee, or agent or out of acts taken in such capacity,
whether or not the Foundation would have the power to indemnify the person against
that liability under law.
In no case, however, shall the Foundation indemnify, reimburse, or insure any
person for any taxes imposed on such individual under chapter 42 of the Code.
Further, if at any time the Foundation is deemed to be a private foundation
within the meaning of § 509 of the Code then, during such time, no payment
shall be made under this Article if such payment would constitute an act of
self-dealing or a taxable expenditure, as defined in § 4941(d) or §
4945(d), respectively, of the Code.
If any part of this Article shall be found in any action, suit, or proceeding
to be invalid or ineffective, the validity and the effectiveness of the remaining
parts shall not be affected.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENT OF CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
The Certificate of Incorporation of the Foundation may be amended in whole
or in part by a majority vote of the Board of Directors pursuant to the procedure
outlined in title 8, § 242(b)(1) of the Delaware General Corporation Law.
The Bylaws of the Foundation may be adopted, amended or repealed in whole or
in part by a majority vote of the Board of Directors pursuant to the procedure
outlined in title 8, § 109 of the Delaware General Corporation Law. The
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws may not be amended in any way which
would jeopardize the tax exempt standing of the Foundation.
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 1. Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Foundation shall commence on
January 1 and terminate on December 31, except that the first year of the Foundation
shall commence on the date of incorporation.
Section 2. Notice. Whenever under the provisions of these Bylaws, the Certificate
of Incorporation of the Foundation or statute, notice is required to be given
to a director, committee member, or officer, such notice shall be given by the
Executive Director in writing, by first-class, certified, or registered mail
or by express delivery service, with postage or express delivery charges thereon
prepaid, to such person at his or her address as it appears on the records of
the Foundation. Such notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited
in the United States mail or delivered to the express delivery service. Notice
may also be given by telegram, telex, or telephone, and will be deemed given
when received, if followed by a writing mailed on the same day or the next day.
Section 3. Books and Records. The Foundation shall keep correct and complete
books and records of account and shall also keep minutes of the proceedings
of its Board of Directors and committees having any of the authority of the
Board of Directors, and shall keep at its registered or principal office a record
giving the names and addresses of the members of its Board of Directors.
Section 4. Bonding. The Board may require officers, agents, or employees to
give security for the faithful performance of their duties.
Section 5. Loans to Directors and Officers. No loans shall be made by the Foundation
to its directors or officers.