How We Are Governed

An independent Board of Directors with expertise across emergency medicine, disaster operations, and finance ensures accountability and mission integrity.

🧭 Board of Directors

  • Michael DeLange
    Founder & Executive Director
    EMT Β· 30+ Yrs
  • Medical Director
    ER Physician (Volunteer Advisor)
    Triage Protocols
  • Operations Director
    Former County Emergency Manager
    Agency Coordination
  • Finance Director
    Professional Accountant / CPA
    Financial Oversight
  • Kera Gomez-DeLange
    Board Secretary
    Governance

πŸ“ Compliance Framework

  • IRS 501(c)(3) Compliance
    Annual 990 filing requirement
    βœ“ Active
  • Nebraska Nonprofit Law
    NE Secretary of State annual reporting
    βœ“ Active
  • FEMA Standards
    Expenditure documentation per FEMA PA guidelines
    βœ“ Protocol Set
  • Stripe Nonprofit Rate
    Separate dedicated Foundation account
    βœ“ Active
  • SAM.gov Registration
    Federal grant eligibility (in progress)
    ⏳ Processing

How We Use Your Support

Every dollar is tracked, reported, and allocated to maximize impact in the field. Our Year 1 operating target reflects a lean, mission-first model.

57%
Personnel
ED salary & field team stipends
16%
Equipment
Vehicles, trauma kits, satellite & comms gear
13%
Operations
Fuel, insurance, logistics
13%
Programs
Direct relief supplies & community education
Year 1 Funding Target: ~$530,000 β€” This covers our Executive Director, core field team, specialized response vehicles, medical equipment, and communication systems needed to operate a full season response capacity across Tornado Alley. Administrative overhead is kept intentionally low to maximize field impact.

Organizational Documents

As a 501(c)(3), First Up Foundation is required by law to make certain documents available for public inspection. We go further by making these proactively available.

πŸ“„

IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter

Official IRS confirmation of our tax-exempt status as a charitable organization.

πŸ“§ Available upon request
🏒

Articles of Incorporation

Nebraska nonprofit corporation formation documents filed with the Secretary of State.

πŸ“§ Available upon request
πŸ“œ

Bylaws

Governing document establishing board structure, officer roles, and organizational procedures.

πŸ“§ Available upon request
πŸ“Š

Form 990 (Annual Return)

Annual IRS information return detailing revenue, expenses, and program activities.

⏳ Year 1 β€” Filing upon first full fiscal year
🎯

Year 1 Impact Report

Narrative report on organizational activities, programs launched, and community outcomes.

⏳ In development β€” Published after first deployment season
🀝

Conflict of Interest Policy

Board-adopted policy governing conflicts of interest for all directors and officers.

βœ“ Adopted by Board

πŸ“¬ Request Official Documentation

For grant applications, due diligence reviews, or press inquiries, contact us to receive any of the documents above. We typically respond within 2 business days.

Request Documents Support Our Mission