Notice of Non-Discimination

Pollinator Partnership and NAPPC do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, or sex in administration of its programs or activities, and, Pollinator Partnership does not intimidate or retaliate against any individual or group because they have exercised their rights to participate in actions protected, or oppose action prohibited, by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7, or for the purpose of interfering with such rights.   

Kelly Bills, Executive Director, is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning non-discrimination requirements implemented by 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7 (Non-discrimination in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Assistance from the Environmental Protection Agency), including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (hereinafter referred to collectively as the federal non-discrimination laws). 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of NAPPC’s non-discrimination programs, policies or procedures, you may contact the non-discrimination coordinator:   

Kelly Bills

Executive Director of NAPPC

kelly@pollinator.org

415.362.1137

If you believe that you have been discriminated against with respect to a NAPPC program or activity, you may contact the Executive Director identified above or scroll down this page to learn how and where to file a complaint of discrimination.

If you require accessibility, disability-related accommodations, or interpretive service, please contact our non-discrimination coordinator, Kelly Bills, at kelly@pollinator.org

Grievance Procedure

Grievance Procedure - Purpose 

The purpose of this Grievance Procedure is to ensure Pollinator Partnership provides a fair, prompt, and accessible process for addressing complaints of discrimination in programs, services, and activities funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This policy ensures compliance with federal civil rights laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, the Age Discrimination Act, 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 & 7, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and other applicable statutes and regulations.  

Scope of Grievance Procedure 

This policy applies to all applicants, beneficiaries, employees, contractors, subcontractors, and other participants in EPA administered programs or activities funded in whole or in part by the EPA. Complaints may be filed by an individual or group who believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of:  

  • Race 
  • Color 
  • National origin 
  • Sex  
  • Religion 
  • Disability 
  • Age 
  • Any other protected status as required by applicable law 

Filing a Grievance 

  • Who May File: Any person, or their authorized representative, who believes they have been subjected to discrimination or retaliation/intimidation. 
  • How to File: Complaints may be submitted in writing, verbally, or electronically. Assistance will be provided to individuals with limited English proficiency or disabilities in preparing and submitting grievances. 
  • Where to File: Please submit a Grievance Form below or send an email or written correspondence to Kelly Bills, Executive Director of NAPPC, at kelly@pollinator.org with the following information and utilizing the subject line “Discrimination Complaint” or dial 415.362.1137:   
    • Name, address, and contact information of the complainant (or representative) 
    • Name of respondent (e.g., program name, County department) 
    • A description of the discriminatory act(s) (what occurred, when, where) 
    • The basis for the alleged discrimination (race, color, national origin, etc.) 
    • Names of any witnesses or other persons with relevant information 
    • Any documentation or evidence (if available) 
  • Time to File: Complaints should be filed within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. 
  • If assistance is needed: Appropriate assistance shall be provided to individuals with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency. Also, complaints in alternative formats shall be accepted from individuals with disabilities. Please reach out to the Non-discrimination Coordinator for more information. Contact Kelly Bills, Executive Director of NAPPC at kelly@pollinator.org or address a letter to Pollinator Partnership 1215 Market Street, STE 1215 San Francisco, CA 94104.
File a Grievance Form

Grievance Procedure Once a Complaint is Filed 

  1. Acknowledgment – NAPPC will acknowledge receipt of the grievance within 10 business days. 
  2. Preliminary Review – NAPPC staff will determine whether the grievance falls within the scope of this policy and notify the complainant of acceptance or referral within 30 business days. 
  3. Investigation – An investigation should include interviews of the complainant, any witnesses identified by the complainant, relevant staff of the subject of the investigation NAPPC and any witnesses identified by the subject of the investigation. An investigation should also include review of relevant documents, inspection of relevant premises and, if necessary, consultation with technical experts, including legal advisors. Staff may review facilities or any other documentation that may be provided. 

The preponderance of the evidence standard will be applied during the analysis of each complaint.  

  1. Resolution/Determination – Within 180 calendar days, NAPPC will issue written findings and, if applicable, propose corrective actions, unless NAPPC determines additional time is needed. The complainant will receive a written notice detailing: 
  2. The findings of the investigation 
  3. Whether discrimination or retaliation was found 
  4. A summary of the investigation process 
  5. Any corrective actions that will be implemented (if applicable) 
  6. Appeal – If the complainant disagrees with the resolution, they may file a written appeal within 15 calendar days. The written appeal should be addressed to the Savannah Christiansen, Operations Manager, 1215 Market Street, STE 1215 San Francisco, CA 94104. The Director (or their designee) will issue a final decision within 90 calendar days of receiving the appeal. 

Confidentiality 

All information related to grievance will be maintained as confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct a fair and thorough investigation.

Recordkeeping 

NAPPC will maintain records of all grievances, investigations, and resolutions for a minimum of three (3) years and make such records available to EPA upon request. When any complaint or other action is brought before the three-year period ends, the  NAPPC shall continue to keep the records beyond the three-year period until the complaint or action is resolved. 

NAPPC will also collect, maintain, and on request of the EPA, provide the following: 

  • A brief description of any lawsuits pending against the recipient that allege discrimination which 40 C.F.R., Parts 5 & 7 prohibits 
  • Racial/ethnic, national origin, age, sex, and disability data, or EPA Form 4700-4 information submitted with the County’s application for EPA funding 
  • A log of discrimination complaints which identifies the complaint, the date it was filed, the date the recipient’s investigation was completed, the disposition, and the date of disposition, and the date of disposition 
  • Reports of any compliance reviews conducted by any other agencies 

The NAPPC Nondiscrimination Policy and Procedures are reviewed on an annual basis, and revised as necessary, to ensure prompt and fair resolution of discrimination complaints and ongoing compliance with 40 C.F.R. Parts 5 and 7.