The Boston Birding Festival is committeed to transparency, accountability, and strong nonprofit governance.
We make key organizational policies available here so participants, partners, donors, volunteers and members of the public can easily understand the standards that guide our work. These policies help us meet our legal and ethical responsibilities and make it convenient to find the information you need.
The following are policies that help us to ensure a positive experience for people who participate with our programming and interact with us.
BBF starts with the ABA Code of Birding Ethics, a set of guidelines shared by hundreds of birding organizations. But we don't stop there. For special events such as Moth Ball, we also provide specific guidelines for ethical insect observation created by Earthwise Aware.
Approaches we follow are listed below. Click for links.
The Boston Birding Festival is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all participants. Our Code of Conduct applies to attendees, staff, trip leaders, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, contractors, security personnel, and third-party service providers, across all Festival and program-related spaces. Read our Code at the link below.
Effective Date: May 25, 2026
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The Boston Birding Festival (BBF) is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environment for all participants, volunteers, partners, and members of the public.
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BBF does not discriminate on the basis of sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This policy applies to all aspects of BBF’s operations, including:
BBF is committed to:
Concerns regarding discrimination or harassment may be reported to BBF at:
admin@bostonbirdingfestival.org
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Reports will be reviewed promptly and handled in a manner consistent with BBF’s policies and applicable law. Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith is prohibited. BBF reserves the right to take appropriate action in response to violations of this policy, including removal from events or termination of volunteer or partnership relationships.
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All participants and volunteers are expected to comply with the Boston Birding Festival Code of Conduct, which outlines behavioral expectations and enforcement procedures. You can find this document on our website.
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Changes to these terms
We may update these Terms at any time. Updates are effective upon posting to the website.
BBF requires a signed waiver for most of its outdoor events. Please do not register for programs if you are unwilling to sign a waiver. If you have questions or suggestions, we'd be happy to talk. Clink the link below for the full waiver.
The Boston Birding Festival respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us through our website, events, programs, and communications. *
We do not sell information about any of the attendees, partners, volunteers or supporters we interact with online. We only share information in very specific contexts described in our policy.
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By using our website, registering for events, subscribing to our communications, making donations, or otherwise engaging with our organization, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
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If you have any questions about privacy, please do not hesitate to ask. Find the full policy at the link below.
Whistle Blower Policy
DATE APPROVED: APRIL 23, 2026
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1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to encourage directors, officers, employees, volunteers,
contractors, and participants associated with the Boston Birding Festival (the “Corporation”) to report, in good faith, any suspected misconduct, unethical behavior, financial irregularities, or violations of law, without fear of retaliation.
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This policy ensures the Corporation operates transparently, maintains public trust, and protects individuals who raise concerns about wrongdoing.
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2. Scope
This policy applies to:
● All members of the Board of Directors, officers, and key staff;
● Employees, contractors, and volunteers;
● Participants in any Boston Birding Festival programming.
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3. Reportable Concerns
Reportable concerns may include, but are not limited to:
● Fraud, theft, or misuse of organizational funds or assets;
● Financial reporting irregularities;
● Violations of federal, state, or local law;
● Improper political campaign activity or excessive lobbying;
● Conflicts of interest not properly disclosed;
● Serious violations of organizational policies;
● Violations of environmental laws, wildlife protection regulations, or policies designed
to protect birds, habitats, or ecosystems
● Harassment, discrimination, or other unethical conduct affecting the organization.
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4. Reporting Procedures
Individuals with concerns are encouraged to report promptly. Reports may be made to:
● The Executive Director or President of the Corporation; or
● The Chair of the Board if the concern involves senior leadership; or
● Any member of the Board of Directors.
If the concern involves the Executive Director, President, or a Board member, the report should be made directly to the Chair of the Board or another independent Board member.
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5. Methods of Reporting:
● Verbally or in writing;
● Email to: excom@bostonbirdingfestival.org or board@bostonbirdingfestival.org;
● Anonymous reports are permitted, though providing contact information helps the Corporation review and respond appropriately.
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•6. Handling of Reports
● All reports will be reviewed promptly and treated with confidentiality to the extent possible.
● The Board, or a designated committee or officer, will determine whether an investigation is warranted.
● Investigations may involve outside organizations or individuals to ensure impartiality.
● Individuals conducting investigations shall have access to relevant documents and personnel as needed.
7. Timeline:
Reports will be acknowledged within 5 business days, and the reporting individual will
be updated on progress as appropriate.•
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8. Protection from Retaliation
● Retaliation against anyone who, in good faith, reports a concern or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.
● Retaliation includes threats, harassment, exclusion, or any adverse action.
● Any act of retaliation will be treated as a serious violation of organizational policy, which may result in disciplinary action, including:
○ Removal from volunteer, staff, or Board position;
○ Exclusion from participation in Corporation programming;
○ Referral to legal counsel or other corrective measures.
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9. Good Faith Reporting
● Individuals making reports under this policy are assumed to be acting in good faith
and providing information they reasonably believe to be true.
● Knowingly making false or malicious accusations may constitute misconduct and
result in disciplinary action.
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10. Recordkeeping
● Records of reports and investigations will be maintained in accordance with the
Corporation’s Document Retention and Destruction Policy and applicable legal
requirements.
● Confidentiality will be preserved to the fullest extent possible, with disclosure only on a need-to-know basis.
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9. Board Oversight
● The Board of Directors retains ultimate responsibility for ensuring that concerns
raised under this policy are addressed appropriately.
● The Board shall review this policy at least every three years to ensure continued
compliance and effectiveness.
ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ON APRIL 23, 2026.
The Boston Birding Festival appreciates and welcomes charitable contributions that advance its mission of promoting birding, environmental education, conservation awareness, and community engagement.
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This policy ensures that:
The Board may decline gifts that:
We can accept:
Committee review or board approval may be required for any gift, and our Advancement Committee routinely reviews gifts and giving policy.
If you have questions about our gift acceptance policy or would like more information than is included in this summary, please email us. Thank you!
The Boston Birding Festival makes federal and state filings available to the public as required by law. Many of these documents can also be found through government websites and third-party services.
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If you are looking for a specific document, please contact us. Please note that some organizational records contain confidential information, which may be excluded, or are not subject to public disclosure. We document all requests.
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FORM 990 (2026)
FORM 990 (2005)
FORM 990 (2024)
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ANNUAL REPORT 2026
