Part I — Constitutional Bylaws
Name & Purpose
Section 1. Name
The name of the organization is Hygienify.
Section 2. Purpose
Hygienify is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
“Hygienify provides hygiene kits and essential supplies to underserved individuals in the St. Louis area to improve health, dignity, and well‑being through charitable distribution and community outreach.”
To accomplish this mission, the organization may conduct charitable programs, community outreach, volunteer initiatives, and any other activities consistent with Section 501(c)(3).
Section 3. Prohibited Activities
- No part of the net earnings shall inure to the benefit of any private individual.
- The organization shall not participate in political campaigns or substantial lobbying.
Membership
Hygienify shall have no voting members.
All authority rests with the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors
Section 1. Authority
The Board of Directors governs the organization, sets policy, and oversees finances and programs.
Section 2. Number of Directors
The Board shall consist of a minimum of three (3) directors.
Section 3. Qualifications
Directors must support the mission of the organization. Minors may serve as directors.
Section 4. Terms
Directors serve six‑year (6‑year) terms and may be re‑elected without term limits.
Section 5. Meetings
The Board shall meet at least once per year. Meetings may be held in person or electronically.
Section 6. Quorum
A majority of directors constitutes a quorum.
Section 7. Voting
Decisions are made by majority vote of directors present.
Section 8. Vacancies
Vacancies may be filled by majority vote of the remaining directors.
Section 9. Removal
A director may be removed by majority vote for failure to perform duties or conduct harmful to the organization.
Officers
Section 1. Officers
The officers shall include a President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Additional officers may be created by the Board.
Section 2. Duties
- President: Provides leadership, presides over meetings, and represents the organization.
- Treasurer: Manages finances, prepares reports, and oversees compliance.
- Secretary: Maintains records, minutes, and official documents.
Section 3. Terms
Officers serve six‑year terms and may be re‑elected.
Section 4. Minor Officers
Minors may serve as officers.
Conflict of Interest
Directors and officers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest immediately upon discovery.
- No director may vote on matters where they have a direct or indirect financial interest.
- Family members may serve on the board concurrently, provided all operational decisions are made strictly in the organization’s best interest.
Finances
Section 1. Fiscal Year
The fiscal year of the organization ends on December 31.
Section 2. Use of Funds
All funds must be used exclusively for authorized charitable purposes.
Section 3. No Private Benefit
No part of the organization’s income may benefit private individuals except for reasonable, board-approved compensation for services rendered.
Amendments
These bylaws may be amended, altered, or repealed, and new bylaws may be adopted, by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any regular or special meeting.
Dissolution
Upon the dissolution of the organization, assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or shall be distributed to a government entity for public purposes.
Part II — IRS Compliance Policies
Whistleblower & Record Retention Policy
Whistleblower Protection: Hygienify requires all directors, officers, and volunteers to observe high standards of business and personal ethics in the conduct of their duties. Anyone filing a complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation of financial or operational code must be protected from retaliation or adverse programmatic consequence.
Document Retention Rules: All operational corporate documentation, accounting logbooks, checks, bank records, board resolution minutes, and legal tax materials are maintained indefinitely. Standard general operational files are safely purged on a rolling 7-year regulatory compliance schedule.
Equal Opportunity & Nondiscrimination
Hygienify is committed to fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming environment for all members of our community, including our volunteers, staff, partners, and the individuals we serve.
“Hygienify does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities, operations, or distribution of goods.”
This policy applies to all aspects of our programs, including the distribution of hygiene kits and essential supplies, the selection of volunteers and board members, and all operational decisions.
Public Disclosure & Tax Exemption Statements
Pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 6104, Hygienify maintains a strict transparency framework. Upon programmatic approval of our federal tax status, copies of our original IRS Form 1023 Application, corporate determination letters, and all consecutive annual IRS Form 990 information returns will be made immediately accessible here for physical public inspection and download.