Governance

Since its founding in the dynamic world of New York, Our Umma, Inc. (UMMA) has grown into a global force for good, dedicated to providing sustainable solutions to vulnerable communities. With operations spanning multiple countries, our collective efforts have touched countless lives, bringing hope and positive change to those in need.

As UMMA has expanded, we have recognized the increasing importance of refining our governance structure to ensure that we remain agile, transparent, and true to our mission. Our governance model is designed to foster a culture of collaboration, shared responsibility, and global representation, ensuring that our decisions and actions align with the needs of the communities we serve.

UMMA's Governance Structure:

  • UMMA Family Council: At the heart of our operations is the UMMA Family Council, a leadership body composed of senior executives from our global teams. This council is responsible for coordinating our global strategies, ensuring that our efforts are cohesive, efficient, and impactful across all regions where we operate. The Family Council facilitates collaboration across borders, allowing us to share insights, best practices, and innovative solutions.
  • Governance Committee: To support the Family Council, we have established a Governance Committee responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of policies, standards, and procedures across UMMA. This committee ensures that we adhere to the highest ethical and operational standards, promoting consistency and excellence in our work. The Governance Committee also plays a critical role in identifying risks and implementing safeguards to protect our organization and the communities we serve.
  • Board of Trustees: Our Board of Trustees plays an essential role in providing strategic oversight and ensuring that UMMA's leadership remains accountable to our mission and values. The Board is composed of diverse, experienced leaders who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization. Their guidance strengthens our governance, enhances transparency, and ensures that we remain aligned with our long-term goals.

Key Elements of UMMA's Governance Model:

  • Collaboration and Coordination: Our governance model is designed to enhance collaboration and coordination across UMMA’s global operations. By fostering strong communication and partnerships within our teams, we ensure that our efforts are unified and effective.
  • Transparency and Accountability: We believe that transparency is crucial to building and maintaining trust with our donors and stakeholders. Our governance structure includes regular reporting, financial disclosures, and open communication about our decision-making processes. We are committed to being fully accountable for how we use the resources entrusted to us.
  • Ethical Leadership: The leaders at UMMA are held to the highest ethical standards. We prioritize integrity, fairness, and honesty in all our actions, ensuring that our work benefits those in need and adheres to the core principles of our mission.
  • Global Representation: Our governance structure ensures that all regions where UMMA operates are represented at the leadership level. This allows us to tailor our interventions to local contexts, respecting the unique needs and cultural dynamics of each community.
  • Continuous Improvement: Our governance model is not static; it is continuously reviewed and refined to meet the evolving needs of the organization and the communities we serve. We conduct regular assessments to ensure that our governance practices remain effective, responsive, and aligned with best practices in the non-profit sector.

Building Donor Trust:

  • Financial Integrity: UMMA is committed to financial transparency and integrity. We conduct regular audits, publicly disclose our financial statements, and ensure that donations are used efficiently to maximize impact. Our donors can trust that their contributions are making a meaningful difference.
  • Independent Oversight: Our Board of Trustees and Governance Committee provide independent oversight of our operations, ensuring that we are held accountable to our mission and values. This level of scrutiny helps protect the organization and ensures that we remain focused on delivering high-quality, impactful programs.
  • Ethical Standards and Safeguards: We have robust policies in place to prevent conflicts of interest, corruption, and unethical behavior. We are dedicated to creating a safe, respectful environment for our beneficiaries, staff, and partners, and we take swift action to address any violations of our standards.
  • Impact Reporting: Donors are regularly informed about the impact of their contributions through detailed reports and updates. We believe that maintaining open lines of communication and demonstrating the tangible results of our work are essential to building and sustaining donor trust.

At UMMA, our governance structure is more than just a framework for operations; it is a reflection of our commitment to collaboration, transparency, and excellence. By working together and upholding the highest standards, we not only strengthen our organization but also amplify our impact, ensuring that we remain a beacon of hope for those in need.