NHSBBQA Education Foundation - GOVERNANCE

BBQ Education Foundation

FOUNDATION GOVERNANCE

Accountability. Transparency. Stewardship.

The NHSBBQA Education Foundation is committed to the highest standards of governance, integrity, and accountability in the administration of charitable funds and educational programs.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Foundation operates under formal governance structures designed to ensure responsible stewardship, legal compliance, and a student-first focus in all decision-making.

Governance Overview

The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Directors responsible for oversight of the organization’s mission, finances, policies, and long-term strategy.

The Board ensures that:

• All activities align with the Foundation’s charitable and educational purpose

• Charitable funds are used responsibly and in compliance with IRS regulations

• Scholarships and awards are administered fairly and objectively

• Conflicts of interest are disclosed and managed appropriately

Governance practices are reviewed regularly to maintain compliance with federal and state nonprofit law.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors provides fiduciary oversight and strategic guidance for the Foundation.

Board responsibilities include:

• Safeguarding charitable assets

• Approving policies and procedures

• Overseeing scholarship and award programs

• Ensuring transparency and accountability

• Supporting the Foundation’s long-term sustainability

A majority of Board members are independent, with experience in education, nonprofit governance, finance, law, or industry.

(Board member names and biographies coming soon)

Scholarship Committee

The Foundation maintains a Scholarship Committee responsible for reviewing applications and recommending scholarship and educational award recipients.

The Scholarship Committee:

• Uses written scoring rubrics and objective criteria

• Applies nondiscriminatory selection standards

• Documents review and decision-making processes

• Operates under the oversight of the Board of Directors

Committee members with potential conflicts of interest are required to recuse themselves from related decisions.

Financial Stewardship & Oversight

The BBQ Education Foundation is committed to responsible financial management and transparency.

Financial oversight includes:

• Board review of financial activity

• Use of funds exclusively for charitable and educational purposes

• Compliance with all IRS and nonprofit reporting requirements

• Maintenance of accurate financial records and documentation

Charitable funds are administered in accordance with written policies governing disbursement, reimbursement, and documentation.

Policies & Compliance

The Foundation maintains formal policies to ensure ethical operation and regulatory compliance, including:

• Conflict of Interest Policy

• Scholarship Committee Charter

• Award Acceptance Policy

• Award Disbursement & Reimbursement Policy

• Award Revocation & Appeals Policy

These policies are designed to protect students, donors, and the integrity of the Foundation’s mission.

Relationship to NHSBBQA®

The BBQ Education Foundation is a separate legal entity from the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®).

While NHSBBQA® operates educational programming, leagues, and competitions, all charitable donations, scholarships, and educational awards are administered solely by the Foundation.

This separation ensures:

• Donor clarity

• Legal and financial compliance

• Ethical stewardship of charitable resources

Commitment to Transparency

The Foundation is committed to openness and accountability.

Information related to:

• IRS tax-exempt status

• Governance structure

• Scholarship administration

• Charitable purpose

is made available to donors, school districts, and partners upon request.

Governed With Integrity. Focused on Students.

Strong governance ensures that every decision made by the BBQ Education Foundation supports education, opportunity, and student success—today and for years to come.

Questions about governance or compliance?
We welcome inquiries from donors, educators, school districts, and partners.

Contact the BBQ Education Foundation

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NHSBBQA Education Foundation
is the public-facing name of the BBQ Education Foundation,
a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN - 41-2464833 dedicated to advancing
youth culinary education, live-fire learning, and career pathways
through the National High School BBQ Association® ecosystem.

Legal Notice
The NHSBBQA BBQ Education Foundation is a separate legal entity from the National High School BBQ Association® (NHSBBQA®).
Donations made on this page support the Foundation’s charitable mission and are not payments to NHSBBQA®.