ICA emblem
Taste of India

Funds Disbursement Committee

The governing guidelines for evaluating Taste of India charity applications, selecting beneficiaries, distributing funds, and monitoring their use.

Back to Taste of India

Purpose and composition

The Funds Disbursement Committee was established in 2013. It is composed of three members: Indra D'Mello, Austin Sequeira, and Mario Gonsalves in the president's seat.

  • Evaluate and select beneficiaries for ICA's Taste of India Fundraiser.
  • Ensure funds are distributed to beneficiaries in a timely manner.
  • Confirm funds are used for their approved purposes and that project milestones are met.

Core responsibilities

Proposal review

  • Read and evaluate Taste of India charity applications using ICA criteria and funding guidelines.

Deliberation, engagement, and due diligence

  • Participate in committee meetings and discussions about charity applications.
  • Work with fellow committee members to evaluate proposals and approve beneficiaries.
  • Help ICA members navigate the process of submitting a charity application.
  • Interview prospective applicants by conference call, telephone, or another approved method.
  • Review project presentations, videos, and other supporting materials.
  • Offer constructive feedback to help applicants strengthen their materials.
  • Request additional information when needed to make informed funding decisions.

Compliance and reporting oversight

  • Review interim and final reports from beneficiaries.
  • Monitor awarded funds for compliance with funding agreements and approved purposes.
  • Identify and address concerns about compliance or funding outcomes.

Ethical standards and confidentiality

  • Avoid and promptly disclose actual, perceived, or potential conflicts of interest.
  • Maintain applicant and beneficiary confidentiality when required and agreed upon by the committee.
  • Conduct all committee work with integrity and professionalism under the ICA Bylaws.

Time commitment and attendance

  • Service typically requires five to fifteen hours per month, depending on the grant cycle and workload.
  • Members are expected to participate actively in scheduled meetings, held remotely or in person.
  • Members should make reasonable efforts to attend meetings and complete assignments on time.

Committee member qualifications

Experience

  • At least five years of ICA membership.
  • A demonstrated understanding of ICA's mission and values.

Skills and competencies

  • Objective, evidence-based evaluation and decision-making.
  • Effective communication, active listening, and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Respectful work with diverse perspectives and community stakeholders.
  • Evaluation of project materials for clarity, impact, effectiveness, and alignment with funding objectives.

Values and commitment

  • Integrity, transparency, and ethical decision-making.
  • Commitment to ICA and the communities supported through its charitable work.
  • A respectful and open-minded approach to discussions and decisions.

Appointment process

  1. When a vacancy exists, current committee members identify and recommend a qualified candidate.
  2. The recommendation is submitted to the ICA Board of Directors.
  3. The Board votes under ICA's parliamentary procedures and governing documents.
  4. The candidate is appointed after receiving the required Board approval.

Terms, vacancies, and quorum

  • Members are tenured and serve at the discretion of the ICA Board of Directors, subject to ICA Bylaws and policies.
  • There is no fixed term limit while a member remains in good standing and retains the Board's confidence.
  • Service may conclude by majority Board vote, written resignation, or removal for cause or ICA's best interests.
  • Vacancies are filled through the established appointment process.
  • The committee must have at least three members, and three members are required for a quorum.