Section 1: Overview
1.A. Purpose
The ministry of Faith & Learning International stimulates ministry projects and programs by providing encouragement and administrative support, helping people realize their vision.
1.B. Mission
Faith & Learning International exists to help followers of Jesus Christ live out God’s call in their lives.
1.C. Values
Christ-Centered
We desire to focus on our unity in Christ, basing our lives on prayer, the inspired Word of God, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Personal Wholeness
We seek to live out God’s call in every area of life, embodying Mark 12:30-31 by loving God fully and loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Servant Focused
Our objective is not to control, but to serve. We listen, remain low-profile, and operate strategically but without bureaucracy.
Relationship Driven
We pursue honesty, transparency, accountability, and trust in all relationships, building partnerships rather than dependencies.
1.D. Strategy
Faith & Learning sponsors projects which:
- Support the work of the Church
- Reach people with the love of Jesus Christ
- Develop and disciple Christian leaders
- Serve the poor and disadvantaged in the name of Jesus
Guidance includes project development, ministry strategy, and administration. Projects are approved annually, with participants raising their own funds.
1.E. Statement of Faith
- The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God.
- There is one God, eternally existent in Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We affirm the deity, virgin birth, miracles, atoning death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ.
- Regeneration by the Holy Spirit is essential for salvation.
- The Holy Spirit enables a godly life.
- There will be resurrection of the saved (to life) and the lost (to damnation).
- We affirm the spiritual unity of believers in Jesus Christ.
1.F. Articles of Incorporation
(See Appendix B)
1.G. Board
Membership
The organization is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of 3–8 Directors. Terms are three years, with elections held annually.
Officers
The corporation includes a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Officers serve one-year terms. President and Secretary may not be the same person.
Meetings
An annual board meeting approves the budget, elects directors/officers, and handles other business. A majority forms quorum.
Committees
Committees may be appointed, with at least two directors and a majority being directors.
1.H. By Laws
(See Appendix C)
1.I. 501(c)3 IRS Letter of Determination
(See Appendix D)
Section 2: Projects and Programs
2.A. Project Requirements
Ministry Project Application & Annual Re-Application
Projects must complete and sign applications, reviewed and approved by the Board. Annual re-applications are due Jan 31; late submissions freeze funds until approval.
Project Service Agreement
Projects must sign a service agreement (Appendix G) reviewed and approved by the Board.
Project Reporting
Reports are required within six weeks of completion or year-end for ongoing projects.
2.B. Personnel Status as Independent Contractors
Independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes and receive IRS Form 1099. FLI does not provide tax advice.
2.C. Project Account Set-Up
Approved projects must submit the FLI Project Check-List (Appendix H), including W-9, direct deposit form, voided check, and waiver letter.
2.D. Disbursement of Funds
Funds require approval by the project leader and FLI board/designated representative. No deficits are allowed. See also “3.B. Expense Reimbursements.”
2.E. Reporting Account Information
Account info is available upon request. Independent contractors may have online access.
2.F. Communications
Mass/fundraising communications require pre-approval. Informational updates do not.
2.G. Elimination or Completion of Project
Final reports due within six weeks. Remaining balances reallocated within 60 days at Board discretion, considering donor intent.
Section 3: Administration
3.A. Conflict of Interest Policy
Board members must disclose conflicts. Transactions require disinterested approval, disclosure in financials, and competitive review. Annual affirmation forms are signed within 30 days of the annual meeting.
3.B. Expense Reimbursements
Accountable reimbursement policy follows IRS code. Expenses must have ministry connection, be substantiated within 60 days, and excess returned within 120 days. Documentation includes purpose, relationship, cost, date, and place. Receipts required over $25.
3.C. Administrative Service Fees
An administrative fee of 7% is deducted from all project funds. One-time gifts ≥$25,000 are charged 5%.
Section 4: Appendices
[See Attachments: Statement of Faith, Articles of Incorporation, By Laws, IRS Letter, Application Forms, Project Check-List, Waiver/Commitment Letter]