GURU NANAK FOOD PANTRY, INC
(A Not-for-Profit Charitable Food Pantry Service to the Needy – All faiths)
BYE-LAWS:
ARTICLE I – INTRODUCTION & BACKGROUND
GURU NANAK FOOD PANTRY INC. IS AN INDEPENDENT CHARITABLE, NON-PROFIT, NON-STOCK CORPORATION ORGANIZED ON JULY 7, 2023, UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF CONNECTICUT, and the term GFPI, wherever it appears in the text, shall mean the full name and the title mentioned above.
This corporation is organized exclusively for Charitable purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of Internal Revenue Code, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 or the corresponding section of any future United States Internal Revenue law.
The term charitable is being used in its accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged, lessening the burdens of government, eliminating prejudice and discrimination. Guru Nanak Food Pantry Inc shall be open to all those in need, irrespective of Caste, Creed, Color, or Religion.
The organization has not been formed for the purpose of making profit or obtaining personal financial gains. This organization shall not continue any activities not permitted to non-profit organizations exempt from federal income tax. The organization shall NOT endorse any candidate or contribute to or work for, or otherwise support or oppose any candidate for public office.
ARTICLE II – OFFICE & PURPOSE
The office of Guru Nanak Food Pantry Inc. shall be located at 330 Welton Street, Hamden, CT 06517
The Guru Nanak Food Pantry Inc. trustees shall have the power to change the location of the office and create branches to help and serve those in need, by providing food pantry services. GFPI shall provide food items to anyone (All Faiths) in need. The primary mission is charitable vegetarian food pantry services to the needy. GFPI’s purpose is to provide selfless service to humanity (All Faiths) on a volunteer basis. This Food pantry shall deal with vegetarian grocery items only to serve the needs of individuals of all faiths.
ARTICLE III – RELIGIOUS DESCRIMINATION
There can be no religious discrimination of any kind. Programs shall not require people to participate in a religious service, prayer, or other religious practices to get food pantry items. To ensure that food pantry items are available to others, the program shall be publicly advertised. Clients shall be allowed to choose the items they would like to take. They should not have to take something they will not eat. GFPI’s prime mission is to provide vegetarian dry grocery items to those in need.
ARTICLE IV – OPERATING HOURS
GFPI operating days and hours shall be consistent and shall be open at least once a week. All efforts shall be made to provide food pantry assistance to those in need. Guidelines and requirements of Connecticut Food Share shall prevail in this respect.
ARTICLE V – FISCAL YEAR AND METHOD OF ACCOUNTING
The fiscal year for GFPI shall be January 1st to December 31st and accounting method shall be Cash Method.
ARTICLE VI – AUTHORIZED DISBURSEMENTS
All disbursements exceeding ($500) shall require two authorized signatures. There is NO payroll at this organization. All services required to manage this food pantry shall be voluntarily.
ARTICLE VII – ELECTION OF BOARD MEMBERS
The number of GFPI Board members shall not exceed Twenty-one (21), a minimum of three (3) board members are required. The term of each board member shall be for five (5) years and shall be renewable for one term only for the next five (5) years.
- The appointment of board members shall be a selection system based upon the ability to serve as volunteer and enthusiasm to participate while supporting financially in the form of Donation to help and serve the needy.
- All board members designation shall be “Sevadar” meaning: Humble servant providing Selfless Service.
ARTICLE VIII – REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS OF BOARD MEMBERS
Must be legal US resident and have primary residence in the State of Connecticut.
- Must be an active participant in the general management and day to day activity of
GFPI and 21 Years of age or over.
2. Must believe that GFPI is to provide Vegetarian Dry Grocery items with a sense of dignity to those in need and all client identities are held in strict confidence.
- All board members are expected to participate and support the activities of serving those in need Irrespective of Caste, Creed, Color, or Religion.
ARTICLE IX – RESPONSIBILITIES OF BOARD MEMBERS
- CHAIRPERSON: The Chairperson shall call & chair meetings, guide & direct the board in all endeavors.
- SECRETARY: The Secretary shall be responsible for taking and publishing minutes of all meetings of the board.
- TREASURER: The treasurer shall be responsible for sending the financial status report to the Board of Directors at all meetings and maintaining the account records.
ARTICLE X – MEETINGS
The Board of Directors will meet Quarterly at the location of Guru Nanak Food Pantry or at another designated location agreed by the board. The secretary shall maintain the record of minutes. One of the Board members shall be assigned this duty as Secretary to keep all the records. Board May also meet Via Zoom for convenience as needed.
ARTICLE XI – AMENDMENTS TO BY-LAWS
Amendments to the by-laws may be made at any regular meeting. All board members must receive the changes (Proposed) in writing 30 days ahead of the scheduled meeting. Teo thirds (2/3) of the Board members must attend the meeting for a vote to take place on the change.
ARTICLE XI – DISOLUTION
In the event of dissolution, all remaining assets following the payment of debts shall be given to a non-profit organization with goals like those of Guru Nanak Food Pantry, Inc.
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