The Taiwan AIDS Foundation: A Non-profit Organization

The Charter of The Taiwan AIDS Foundation: A Non-profit Organization Article 1. The name of this non-profit organization is the Taiwan AIDS Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the Foundation). Article 2. The Foundation has been established with the purpose of assisting the government in various programs for AIDS prevention and control. It will draw the attention of the citizens of Taiwan to AIDS prevention and support relevant research on AIDS prevention and treatment by laying a solid foundation for the sustainable development of domestic AIDS prevention groups. It will promote international co-operation in order to jointly combat AIDS along with the rest of the world community. Article 3. The business scope of the Foundation is as follows: 1. Fund-raising, management and utilization of AIDS funds. 2. Providing assistance to the government in promoting AIDS prevention. 3. Taking charge of education regarding AIDS prevention and its advocacy. 4. Helping AIDS patients to obtain the proper care. 5. Integrating with various non-governmental organizations in an effort to combat AIDS. 6. Training AIDS-prevention personnel. 7. Aiding research for the prevention and treatment of AIDS. 8. Other works related to purposes of the Foundation. Article 4. The Foundation will be located in Taipei. Further premises will be set up in other counties and cities as needed. Article 5. The Foundation has been established as a result of the inaugural contribution of NTD 10,000,000, donated by Twu Shiing-Jer and others. Details can be found in the donors list and donation inventory. Subsequent donations were made by individuals and groups both at home and abroad. Article 6. The Foundation has a board of Trustees. There are total 9 to 15 Trustees, each serving three years per term. The first Trustees will be selected by the donors. Subsequently, trustees will be selected by the board. The total of re-elected trustees must not fall to less than two-thirds, new trustees may only constitute one third of the total of Trustees. One third of all trustees must have the necessary expertise. During a Trustee’s absence, the board will appoint a candidate to stand in for the Trustee. The candidate’s term will end in accordance with the Trustee’s term. Article 7. The board has one Chairman. This position is to be elected by all serving Trustees. The Chairman will represent the Foundation in all external affairs and will oversee all internal operations. Article 8. The board has the following authorities: 1. The management, hiring and firing of the Trustees. 2. Auditing the accounting plan, business reports and important policies. 3. Fund raising. 4. Auditing the budget and final accounts. 5. Managing the mature funds. 6. Exercising financial supervision. 7. Defining the other responsibilities of the board in accordance with laws and regulations. The board will seek approval from the government on important issues. Article 9. Board meetings must be held no less than twice a year. The Chairman, or a total of more than a quarter of the Trustees may convene a provisional meeting. Article 10. Board meetings shall be convened and hosted by the Chairman. If the Chairman is unable to attend, he or she must designate a deputy. Article 11. Board resolutions must be agreed and passed by the majority of the attending Trustees. The attending Trustees must constitute the majority of all Trustees. However, for the following important matters, there must be more than two-thirds of Trustees present, of which a majority must agree on the matters stated. These matters should be approved by the relevant authority or court rules. 1. Amendments to the Charter of the Foundation. 2. Utilizing, leasing, setting or usage altering pertaining to tangible properties. 3. Proposal of corporate dissolution or purpose change. The abovementioned matters must be communicated to every Trustee and provided to the relevant authority for approval seven days prior to a meeting. If the Chairman or a Trustee has a stake in the topics discussed during a meeting, then they are obliged to avoid attending and participating in votes. Article 12. The fiscal year of the foundation will be three months after year-end. The following documents must be prepared and all documents assessed for audit by the relevant authorities: 1. Business executive summary. 2. Final accounts. 2. Property listings. Article 13. The fiscal year of the foundation is the calendar year, since each January 1 until December 31 only. Article 14. The accounting system of the foundation should be established on accrual basis.Diaries, ledgers and other necessary accounting records should be set up for recording accounting matters completely. Article 15. The Foundation must be liquidated according to the relevant laws should the authorities dissolve the foundation. The remaining funds after liquidation will belong to local self-governed bodies or organizations designated by government authorities. Under no circumstances will they belong to any individual or for-profit organization. Article 16. Matters not specified in the Charter shall be handled as required by law. Article 17. This Charter will come into effect following government audits and court registration. The same process will apply to any amendments. Draft Date: Jan 07, 2005 Amendment Date: Jan 20, 2005