§ 1. The Development Fund is a religiously and politically independent environment and development organization. Spire is
the Development Fund’s youth group.
§ 2. Purpose
The Development Fund’s purpose is to contribute to the fight against poverty in developing countries, promote a fair distribution
and sustainable management of the world’s resources, an active and participatory democracy, human rights and solidarity.
The Development Fund supports grass-root initiatives and works to change the political and economic conditions that create
and sustain poverty, hunger and the destruction of the environment.
§ 3. Membership
Members of the Development Fund are those who have contributed at least NOK 600 annually, and have actively indicated their
interest in becoming a member. For students, conscripts, apprentices and the unemployed the annual fee is NOK 300. Membership
is valid as long as the annual fee is paid, or until they withdraw their membership.
§ 4. The Annual General Assembly (AGA)
a. The Annual General Assembly is held every year before the end of June. Any member who has paid the minimum fee the previous
year has the right to vote. Employees of the Development Fund that fulfil the criteria for membership, elect four representatives
with voting rights. Members of the Board have no right to vote on matters that concern the financial and annual reports.
AGA can make resolutions as long as it is legally called.
b. Members who wish to propose an item for the AGA agenda must submit it before the end of March.
c. The Board sends notice of the AGA including case documents to all members, at the latest six weeks before the assembly.
d. The Annual General Assembly shall deal with:
- The annual report for the past calendar year.
- The financial report for the last calendar year.
- The annual budget for the current year.
- Changes to the bylaws.
- Elections of: Chairperson of the Board, Members of the Board and Deputy Members of the Board according to nomination by the
Nomination Committee, which is nominated by the Board. The auditor is also nominated by the Board.
- Submitted items.
e. Changes in these bylaws must be made with 2/3 majority of the members present.
§ 5. The Board consist of the Chairperson and four elected Board members, as well as a Board member from the employees, and one from Spire.
a. The AGA elects a Chairperson and four Board members, as well as four deputy members in order of priority. The employee
representative in the Board, with his/her deputy, is elected by the employees, and Spire’s representative, with his/her deputy,
is elected by Spire. The Chairperson, Board members and deputies are elected for a period of two years, and may be re-elected
for another two periods.
b. The employee representative may not be elected to other duties.
c. The Board constitutes itself, and selects a Vice-Chairperson.
d. The Board shall be broadly composed and both genders shall have at least 40% representation.
e. The Board manages the Development Fund’s assets according to the organization’s guidelines and framework set by the AGA,
and appoints the Director. The Board grants the necessary mandate to the administration. Start-up and phase-out of considerable
projects and partnerships are decided by the Board. The Board is responsible for ensuring that accounts are maintained in
accordance with existing laws, regulations and generally accepted accounting principles, and that an annual audit is carried
out by a licensed accountant.
f. The Board has a quorum when at least half of the members are present. Resolutions can be passed by a simple majority.
In the case of a voting tie, the Chairperson has the deciding vote or the Vice-chair in the absence of the Chair. If the
neither the Chair nor the Vice- Chair is present, a moderator is to be elected, without the right of a deciding vote.
§ 6. Extraordinary General Assembly
An Extraordinary General Assembly is convened by the Board when a resolution to do so is passed by an ordinary Assembly,
by the Board, or when a minimum of 50 members with the right to vote request it. A request for an Extraordinary General Assembly
must be sent in writing to the Board of the Development Fund. If the request is for an amendment to a resolution passed at
a General Assembly, the demand must be presented within two weeks after the Assembly. The demand has a postponing effect on
the resolution. An Extraordinary General Assembly may overrule a resolution passed by an ordinary General Assembly.
§ 7. Dissolution of the Development Fund
A proposal for dissolution or closing down of the Development Fund must be approved by 2/3 majority at two consecutive, legally
called Annual General Assemblies, with identical resolutions. If the Development Fund is to be dissolved, a Liquidation Board
is to be elected, and is in charge of the liquidation process and allocates remaining funds in accordance with the purpose
of the organization.
Approved by the Annual General Assembly of the Development Fund on June 14th, 2007.
