Governance - The Hope Foundation USA

HOPE USA

The Hope Foundation USA was established to raise awareness about, and funds for, projects operated by The Hope Foundation (Ireland) working with street – connect children and vulnerable communities in Kolkata, India.

All funds raised in the USA are restricted and transferred for specific projects. Donors received financial and narrative reports on the projects they support.

HOPE USA is a member of Guidestar, a nonprofit organization that connects people and organizations with information on the programs and finances of more than 1.8 million IRS-recognized nonprofits.

As an organization, The Hope Foundation is open and transparent. HOPE implements international best practice in governance. You can download our most recent financial statements below.

Directors Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2021

We recognise our responsibility to you, our donors, sponsors, volunteers and fundraisers.

HOPE is committed to safeguarding children. We implement best practice guidelines and provide child protection training and capacity building for all staff who work directly with children and vulnerable adults.

Our membership of representative organisations ensures that we are supported in keeping up-to-date on procedures, legislation and developments that impact on our work. Some examples of best practice in Governance include:

Our founder and Honorary Director Maureen Forrest does not take a salary
Numerous pro-bono professional service-providers and special rates help to keep administration costs down.
HOPE is registered with the Irish Charities Regulatory Authority. You can see details by clicking here.
HOPE is a signatory of the Comhlámh ‘Code of Good Practice for Volunteer Sending Organisations’. Comhlámh is Irish for solidarity, and is a member and supporter organisation for those working for social justice, human rights and global development.
HOPE is a member of Dóchas, the Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations, and subscribes to its ‘Code of Conduct on Images and Messages’
HOPE is a member of The Wheel, a leading support and representative network for the community and voluntary sector in Ireland
HOPE is fully compliant with The Governance Code, a Code of Practice for good governance of community, voluntary and charitable organisations in Ireland.
HOPE is a member of the Charities Institute Ireland and adheres and implements the ICTR ‘Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising’. We have been awarded ‘Triple Lock’ membership by the Cii, demonstrating our commitment to best practice in all aspects of transparent reporting, ethical fundraising and governance.

The Hope Foundation Governance Code

Download the HOPE ICTR Guiding Principles

Thanks to all our supporters for their commitment and dedication to the work of The Hope Foundation. Together we are changing the lives of abandoned children and working for the most underprivileged in our global community.

Details of HOPE USA’s tax filings can be found on the IRS Database of Tax Exempt Organisations – CLICK HERE.

Directors Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2020

Directors Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2019

Directors Report & Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2018

HOPE USA Board Members

Maureen Forrest, Director

Maureen has over 25 years’ experience in development work. Maureen obtained a Diploma in Development Studies from University College Cork and before founding The Hope Foundation, she gained development experience in war-torn, impoverished communities in Rwanda, Swaziland and Somalia. Since setting up The Hope Foundation in 1999, Maureen has overseen the charity’s operation and development.

MeiMei Fox

Sheila Geraghty, Treasurer

Alexandra Mysoor

Shane McCarthy

Gloria Starr Kins

Jacqueline Quinn

Jacqueline is an Irish Designer based in New York with over 30 years experience working in the fashion industry in London Dublin and New York. Her design and business experience in the fashion industry has led her to work for several high-profile brands including Head Designer DKNY, GUESS, Jessica Simpson and most recently the creative director for Betsy Johnson. Jacqueline has over 15 years’ experience working as a design consultant for numerous brands and department stores. Currently Jacqueline is a part time professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons, The New School and completed her masters in Fashion Fine art and business.

Kunal Sood

Drue Kataoka