Governance & Transparency

Accountability to the community we serve.

Legal Information

Official Name: Juniper Ridge Canines (doing business as "JR Canines")

Legal Status: 501(c)(3) public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code

EIN (Tax ID): 84-3538406

Location: Juniper Ridge Resort, Show Low, Arizona, USA

Formed: JR Canines was established as a formal nonprofit to provide structure, accountability, and tax-deductible giving opportunities for residents supporting dog-friendly community initiatives.

Tax-Deductible Donations: Contributions to JR Canines are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

How We Operate

JR Canines is a small, grassroots nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. We don't have paid staff, an office, or a large bureaucracy. What we do have is a committed group of Juniper Ridge Resort residents who care deeply about this community and the dogs that live here.

Board of Directors

JR Canines is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Board members are residents of Juniper Ridge Resort who donate their time to:

Set organizational priorities and strategic direction
Review and approve the annual budget
Oversee spending and ensure funds are used responsibly
Coordinate programs and volunteer activities
Maintain legal compliance and nonprofit status
Communicate with the community and donors

Board members typically include residents with backgrounds in areas like nonprofit management, finance, community organizing, or dog training. The board meets regularly to review activities, discuss needs, and make decisions.

Decision-Making and Accountability

All major decisions—such as how to allocate donations, which projects to prioritize, and what programs to offer—are made by the board collectively. Board members act in the best interest of the organization and the community, not for personal gain.

We maintain clear records of meetings, budgets, and spending. While we're a small organization, we take our fiduciary responsibility seriously. Donors and community members are welcome to request financial summaries or ask questions about how funds are being used.

Transparency and Communication

We believe in open communication. JR Canines regularly shares updates with the Juniper Ridge Resort community through:

Community bulletin boards and newsletters
Informal meetings and neighborhood gatherings
Email updates to donors and interested residents
This website, which provides detailed information about our mission, programs, and finances

If you have questions about how we operate, how funds are spent, or how you can get involved in governance, please contact us. We're happy to talk.

How We Use Funds

Every dollar donated to JR Canines is used to directly support our mission: strengthening the bond between people and dogs at Juniper Ridge Resort. Because we're run by volunteers with minimal overhead, the vast majority of funds go directly to programs.

Typical Fund Allocation

While exact spending varies from year to year based on community needs, here's a general breakdown of how we allocate funds:

Category	Percentage	Description
Dog Park Maintenance & Improvements	~50-60%	Fencing, waste stations, signage, benches, lighting, drainage, supplies
Education & Training Programs	~20-30%	Workshop materials, guest presenters, printed resources
Community Support & Outreach	~10-15%	Volunteer coordination, neighbor assistance, events
Administrative & Compliance	~5-10%	Liability insurance, legal filings, website hosting, minimal office supplies

What We Don't Spend Money On

Unlike larger nonprofits, JR Canines does not spend money on:

Salaries or staff compensation (all labor is volunteer)
Office space (we use community facilities or virtual meetings)
Professional fundraising services or gala events
Marketing or advertising campaigns
Expensive consulting or management fees

This lean model means more of your donation goes directly to the work that matters: better spaces, better education, and better support for people and dogs.

Financial Reporting and Compliance

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, JR Canines is required to file annual reports with the IRS and maintain proper financial records. We take these obligations seriously.

IRS Form 990

Depending on our annual revenue, we file either Form 990-N (e-Postcard for small organizations), Form 990-EZ, or Form 990 with the IRS. These forms are public records and provide detailed information about our finances, governance, and activities.

Once filed, our Form 990s are available through public databases like GuideStar, the IRS website, or upon request from JR Canines directly.

State Compliance

We maintain compliance with Arizona state requirements for charitable organizations, including any necessary registrations and annual filings.

Record Keeping

We maintain accurate records of:

All donations received (with donor acknowledgment letters)
All expenses and how funds were spent
Board meeting minutes and major decisions
Insurance policies and legal documents

These records are available for inspection by board members, donors, and community members upon reasonable request.

Independent Review

While we're not currently large enough to require a formal audit, we welcome periodic independent review of our finances. If a donor, volunteer, or community member with accounting expertise is willing to review our books and provide feedback, we're happy to facilitate that.

Conflicts of Interest and Ethical Standards

JR Canines operates with integrity. Board members and volunteers are expected to act in the best interest of the organization and the community, not for personal benefit.

Conflict of Interest Policy

If a board member has a financial interest in a vendor, contractor, or service provider being considered by JR Canines, they must disclose that interest and recuse themselves from the decision-making process.

For example, if a board member owns a landscaping business and that business is being considered for park maintenance, the board member would not participate in the vote to hire that vendor.

Transparency in Spending

All spending decisions are documented and reviewed. Major purchases or contracts are discussed and approved by the board. We prioritize competitive pricing and value for the organization.

No Private Benefit

As a public charity, JR Canines exists to serve the community—not to benefit private individuals. No board member, volunteer, or donor receives personal financial gain from the organization's activities.

Getting Involved in Governance

JR Canines is a community organization, and we welcome input from residents. If you're interested in serving on the board, attending a meeting, or simply learning more about how decisions are made, please reach out.

Board Membership

We periodically seek new board members to bring fresh perspectives, skills, and energy. Ideal board members are Juniper Ridge Resort residents who:

Care about the community and the role dogs play in residents' lives
Can commit time to attend meetings and participate in decision-making
Bring skills like financial management, nonprofit governance, community organizing, or dog training
Are willing to act with integrity and in the organization's best interest

If you're interested in joining the board, please contact us.

Attending Meetings

While JR Canines board meetings are working sessions, we welcome community members who want to observe or provide input on specific topics. If you'd like to attend a meeting, please contact us in advance so we can let you know the schedule and location.

Providing Feedback

You don't need to be a board member to share ideas, raise concerns, or offer suggestions. We value community feedback and consider it when making decisions about programs, spending, and priorities. Reach out anytime via our Contact page.

Questions About How We Operate?

We're committed to transparency. If you have questions about governance, finances, or how decisions are made, we're happy to talk.