Articles of Incorporation

Big Bend Hot Springs Project is growing and evolving, as we learn how to be better stewards of this sacred land and waters.  One of our longterm goals is to become an official Non-Profit Organization, steered by a diverse community “Stewardship Council,” so the land will be protected and shared forever.  One type of Non-Profit Organization is called a “Charitable Organization,” also known as a 501(c)(3).

A Charitable Organization must be organized for purposes such as, advancement of education or science; erecting or maintaining public buildings, monuments, or works; and/or preserving land for habitat and scenic beauty.  These types of purposes are exactly in-line with the main goals of BBHSP.

Charitable Organizations described in IRS section 501(c)(3), are eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c)(3) organization’s net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.  The IRS looks carefully at the funding of organizations.  BBHSP plans to seek donations and grants for its not-for-profit programs, rather than relying solely on camping, soaking, and retreat fees, and this blending of funding also fits well with IRS rules for 501(c)(3) organizations.

Revised 501(c)(3) Articles of Incorporation:

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

  1. The name of this corporation is Big Bend Hot Springs, Inc.
    .
  2. This corporation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law of California for public and charitable purposes.
  3. The specific public and charitable purposes of this corporation are:

(a) To acquire and steward property, preserve natural habitat, develop food production, and utilize natural resources, in order to increase community well-being and to improve local cultural and environmental health.

(b) To promote and provide education of the public regarding permaculture, local plants, animals, and fungi, and the history and cultural traditions of local indigenous people.

(c) To promote health and wellness of the local community and the general public.

(d) To preserve the natural environment by acquiring ecologically significant undeveloped land and maintaining the land with limited public access in its natural state to conserve natural resources for future generations.

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4. The name and address in the State of California of this corporation’s initial agent for service of process is (add name & address), Big Bend, CA 96011.

5. The initial street address and mailing address of the corporation is: (add street address) and P.O. Box 153 Big Bend, CA 96011.

6. (a) This corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”).

(b) Not withstanding any other provision of these Articles, the corporation shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (1) by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code or (2) by a corporation contributions to which are deductible under Section 170(c)(2) of the Code.

(c) No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or intervene in any political campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for public office as defined for purposes of Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.

7. The property of this corporation is irrevocably dedicated to charitable purposes and no part of the net income or assets of the organization shall ever inure to the benefit of any director, officer or member thereof or to the benefit of any private person. On the dissolution or winding up of the corporation, its assets remaining after payment of, or provision for payment of, all debts and liabilities of this corporation, shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes and which has established its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code.

Date: February 2018
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Big Bend Hot Springs’ [future 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation] specific public and charitable purpose is:

(a) To acquire and steward property, preserve natural habitat, develop food production, and utilize natural resources, in order to increase community well-being and to improve local cultural and environmental health.

(b) To promote and provide education of the public regarding permaculture, local plants, animals, and fungi, and the history and cultural traditions of local indigenous people.

(c) To promote health and wellness of the local community and visitors.

(d) To preserve the natural environment by acquiring ecologically significant undeveloped land and maintaining the land with limited public access in its natural state to conserve natural resources for future generations.

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Educational Purpose Details: We provide education by holding educational workshops and retreats that include lectures, presentations, and hands-on learning on subjects including permaculture, local biology of plants, animals, and fungi, and the history and cultural traditions of local indigenous people.   These educational events are offered to the local community and the general public with a sliding scale admission fee, so that no one will be turned away for lack of funds, and low-income participants are always welcome to pay less than the average fee, or participate for free with a scholarship award.  We also utilize social media channels and the corporation’s website to share research, best practices, and other related information to the public.

Our programs include sending out volunteer ambassadors to raise awareness about the educational purposes on a local and global level, and holding fundraising events in order to provide public educational events, scholarships, research, and further protection of lands under the corporation’s stewardship.

To maximize our impact on current efforts, we may seek to collaborate with other non-profit organizations which fall under the 501(c) (3) section of the internal revenue code and are operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes.

At times, per the discretion of the Stewardship Council (board of directors), we may provide internships or volunteer opportunities which will provide opportunities for involvement in said activities and programs in order to have a greater impact for our purposes.


Draft List of Requirements for Big Bend Hot Springs Stewardship Council (Board of Directors) 

Job Experience:

We need people who have proven experience in one or more of the following areas:

  Building and building contracting
  Land management
  Geothermal systems
  Community development
  Non profit organizations
  Business management, including experience writing business plans
  Financial management / accountancy / book keeping /pay roll
  The legal aspects of building and development and/or non-profit organizations.
  Human resource management
  Administration

At least some people on the board need to have had experience in the following:

•   Taking part in formal meetings.
•   Project development and management
•   Liaising and working with regulatory bodies
•   Following creative ideas through to completion

Personal Qualities:

•   We need at least one person with proven leadership qualities

Everyone on the board of directors needs to have:

➼  Proven team building and team working skills
➼  Good communication and interpersonal skills
➼  Well developed negotiation skills
➼  Confidence in making decisions
➼  Enthusiasm
➼  Good stamina and energy levels
➼  Positive frame of mind with the ability to see a way to resolve challenges
  An open mind,
able to see various perspectives and to “think outside of the box”
➼  Confidence in their own opinions and be able to appropriately speak them

Ethics and Values:

Board members need to:

•   Believe in an ecological and sustainable way of living to the extent that they are at least currently making some change in their life in that direction.
•   Hold a sincere and genuine care for the earth and all its creatures

•   Want to serve, make a contribution in some way.
•   Hold a philosophical view that embraces the concept of stewardship of land rather than ownership.
•   Strive always to treat all people fairly regardless of gender, race, sexuality, age or ability.

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