The Zonta International Foundation (ZIF) is the philanthropic arm of Zonta International, a service organization of business and professional executives dedicated to advancing the quality of life for women and girls worldwide.

ZIF is a public tax exempt charitable foundation with 501(c) 3 status under the US tax codes. The Foundation, established in 1985, serves the mission of Zonta International by raising and distributing charitable support.

By securing greater resources and strengthening the management of funds, the Foundation allows Zonta to enhance and expand existing programs, respond to additional challenges, fund new international service programs, and to ultimately provide more service to women worldwide.

The Foundation helps Zonta International more adequately address the highly complex issues surrounding the needs of women worldwide and ultimately provides Zonta members and other donors a larger platform upon which to unite in international service.

Oversight of Zonta Services, Programs and Funds:

Development, Finance and Program committees report directly to the Boards of the Zonta International Foundation and/or Zonta International.

The Board receives monthly reports and meets twice a year to review all Zonta programs and finances. Each program has qualified staff support as well as the expertise of volunteers who have worked in related fields.

The Zonta International Foundation is governed by a Board of nine. Seven Foundation Directors elected for staggered, four-year terms by the Zonta International Board of Directors. The President and President-Elect of Zonta International are ex-officio members of the Foundation Board.

The election of Foundation Board members occurs at the January/February meetings of the Zonta International and Foundation Boards in odd numbered years. The Foundation directors elect the president, vice-president/secretary, and treasurer from the seven Board members.

The Foundation Board meets at least once a year. Financial oversight is provided by the Executive Director and Controller, a finance committee and the ZIF Treasurer. Investments are managed professionally by an external manager.



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