Transparency & Governance

Leadership, Accountability, and Responsible Stewardship

Valliant Foundation is committed to ethical governance, responsible use of charitable resources, and transparent leadership in support of people experiencing homelessness.

Mission-Driven Leadership Board oversight aligned with charitable and scientific purposes.
Documented Governance Formal policies support accountability and sound decision-making.
Public Benefit Focus Programs and research are designed to serve community needs.
Board of Directors

Independent Leadership and Community Experience

Our board brings experience in emergency care, nursing, research, education, nonprofit service, community outreach, and organizational governance.

Sarah Jean Valliant, President of Valliant Foundation
President

Sarah Jean Valliant

Sarah Jean Valliant, NREMT, has served as an emergency medical technician in San Francisco and has experience supporting callers through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. She has led systematic reviews, public-health research, and nonprofit operations. She founded Valliant Foundation and serves as President of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Carole Kulik, Board Member and Chief Health and Wellness Officer
Board Member & Chief Health and Wellness Officer

Dr. Carole Kulik

Dr. Carole Kulik, DNP, ACNP, RN, HCIC, is a nursing professor at San Francisco State University with more than 35 years of experience in clinical nursing, education, leadership, and research. Her expertise in evidence-based practice, scholarly writing, and public health strengthens the Foundation’s clinical and research oversight.

Zackary Samples, Vice President of Valliant Foundation
Vice President

Zackary Samples

Zackary Samples is a philosophy graduate student and aspiring attorney committed to community service, thoughtful governance, and lifelong learning. His experience supporting youth through after-school and summer programs informs his work advancing the Foundation’s strategic direction and community-centered mission.

Linda Helin, Treasurer of Valliant Foundation
Treasurer

Linda Helin

Linda Helin grew up in Sweden and became a registered nurse in 2004. After moving to the United States, she developed and supported children’s programs across several states. Her healthcare background and longstanding humanitarian commitment support the Foundation’s financial stewardship and service to people experiencing homelessness.

Brenda Derin, Secretary of Valliant Foundation
Secretary

Brenda Derin

Brenda Derin has dedicated significant time to community service through volunteer work at several synagogues and at a homeless health resource desk in Marin County. Her experience connecting individuals with support and essential services contributes to the Foundation’s commitment to dignity, access, and community accountability.

Public Documents

Governance, Accountability, and Organizational Impact

Review documents describing the Foundation’s charitable purpose, governance structure, conflict-management procedures, program development, and organizational progress.

Articles of Incorporation

Review the Foundation’s nonprofit public-benefit purpose, charitable mission, dedication of assets, dissolution provisions, and governance structure.

View Articles of Incorporation

Conflict of Interest Policy

Review the policy governing disclosure, recusal, independent board review, documentation, annual disclosure, and corrective action.

View Conflict of Interest Policy

Foundation Progress Report

Review the Foundation’s program growth, outreach activities, research development, volunteer involvement, and organizational progress.

View Progress Report

Our Governance Commitments

Valliant Foundation seeks to maintain responsible oversight, ethical decision-making, accurate records, and mission-aligned use of charitable resources.

Board Oversight Strategic, financial, and ethical matters are reviewed through board governance.
Conflict Management Individuals with potential conflicts disclose them and do not participate in the final vote.
Financial Stewardship Funds are directed toward charitable programs, research, outreach, and organizational capacity.
Public Accountability Governance, financial, and impact materials will be expanded as the organization grows.
Tax-Exempt Application Pending

IRS Recognition Status

Valliant Foundation has submitted an application to the Internal Revenue Service for recognition of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3).

The Foundation will publish its IRS determination letter and applicable public filings after they become available.

Organizational Information

Public Benefit and Institutional Accountability

Valliant Foundation maintains organizational records and governance practices designed to support responsible nonprofit operations.

Legal Name Valliant Foundation
Employer Identification Number EIN 99-4447577
Organization Type California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation
Research Ethics & Oversight

Institutional Review Board Registration

Valliant Foundation maintains an active Institutional Review Board registration through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Human Research Protections.

OHRP Registration
Institution Number IORG0012734
IRB Registration Number IRB00015049
Active — Expires February 11, 2029

Independent Ethical Review of Research

The Valliant Foundation IRB provides ethical review and oversight for applicable research involving human participants. Its role includes reviewing participant protections, informed-consent procedures, privacy, confidentiality, risks, and the ethical conduct of research.

IRB registration confirms that the board is listed in the federal OHRP registration database. It does not mean that every Valliant Foundation project is federally funded or that registration alone constitutes approval of a particular study.
Verify OHRP Registration