Governance & Transparency

Current Registration Status

SOVAN International is registered as an Indiana nonprofit corporation and has received an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN). The organization is working toward obtaining federal tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).

U.S.-Ghana Operating Model

SOVAN International’s intended model combines a U.S.-based parent nonprofit responsible for governance, fundraising, donor stewardship, grant management, financial controls, strategic approval and impact oversight with an appropriately incorporated and licensed Ghana operation responsible for local implementation, community relationships, procurement, logistics, beneficiary coordination, local compliance and reporting. The exact legal relationship will be finalized with qualified U.S. and Ghana professionals before final filings.

Board of Directors

The Board consists of five voting directors. Three board members should reside in or be from the United States, and two should reside in Ghana. The President/Board Chair is one of the five voting directors. An Executive Director, if a different person, is not a voting director unless separately elected to a Board seat.

Accountability Standards

SOVAN International has developed a governance and operating policy framework covering conflicts of interest, financial management, procurement and asset management, safeguarding and PSEA, anti-fraud and whistleblower protection, records retention, HR and volunteer management, data protection, complaints and beneficiary feedback, health and safety, environmental and social safeguards and delegated authority. Some policies may be periodically reviewed, modified and adopted by the Board of Directors before implementation.

The Organization intends to publish annual program and financial reporting summarizing major activities, financial stewardship, key outcomes, lessons, governance information and priorities, subject to privacy, legal and donor restrictions.