Governance & Bylaws

The Pure KNF Foundation operates with clear governance structures, written policies, and a commitment to transparency. This page outlines how we are organized and governed.

Governance Structure

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of three directors (with plans to expand). The board elects officers — currently a President, Treasurer, and Vice President/Secretary — and oversees all Foundation operations.

Four standing committees carry out the Foundation's work, each with a written charter and designated chair:

  • Growbot & Tech Committee
  • Research Committee
  • Membership & Certification Committee
  • Micro-Documentary Committee

Each committee chair reports to the board and operates under an approved charter that defines scope, responsibilities, and authority. The board retains oversight of all committee activities and can create, dissolve, or restructure committees as needed.

Evening lecture at KNF training in Korea
Foundation roots: Master Cho's training grounds in Korea

Bylaws

Our bylaws were adopted on January 20, 2020 and govern all Foundation operations. Key provisions include:

Conflict of Interest Policy (Section 10.6) — Directors and officers must disclose any financial or personal interests that could conflict with Foundation decisions. Conflicted individuals recuse themselves from related votes.

Nepotism Policy (Section 10.7) — Establishes clear boundaries around related-party transactions and board composition to maintain independence and public trust.

Nondiscrimination Policy (Section 10.9) — The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

Annual Report Requirement (Section 10.11) — The board must publish an annual report covering the Foundation's activities, finances, and organizational development. We have published reports every year since 2020.

📄 Download Bylaws (PDF)

Financial Controls

  • Dual-signature requirement for financial transactions above threshold amounts
  • Independent review of financial records
  • Treasurer oversight of all income and expenditures with regular board reporting
  • Published financial summaries in annual reports

Meeting Schedule

  • Board meetings: Generally the first Wednesday of each month
  • Committee meetings: As scheduled by each committee chair
  • Annual membership meeting: Held each year as required by bylaws
  • Monthly member meetings: Second Tuesday of every month at the Komohana building in Hilo, Hawaii

All board meeting minutes are maintained as part of the Foundation's permanent records.

Transparency Commitment

We publish our annual reports, make our bylaws available on request, and maintain open communication with members and the public. Grant funders, partners, and prospective donors are welcome to request additional documentation.

Available upon request:

  • Bylaws (full text)
  • 501(c)(3) determination letter
  • Annual reports (2020–2025)
  • 2026 Strategic Plan
  • Committee charters

Contact us for any governance-related inquiries.