California State Protocol Foundation

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California State Protocol Foundation - The California State Protocol Foundation (the “Foundation”), formerly the Golden State Host Foundation founded in 2001, lessens the burden of the government of the State of California by funding the various events that promote California as a place to do business.

Fundraising - The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) organization and raises funds from individuals, corporations, and other foundations that will be used to pay for State events that a particular department of the government would pay for traditionally. For example, the Foundation will cover the expenses of events initiated by the Governor’s Office of Protocol that welcome visiting heads of state and other dignitaries to California and promote governmental cooperation between California and these other governments. The foundation also supports the Governor in a variety of efforts that promote California products, services and tourist attractions that promote California as a place to invest and do business. The Foundation also sponsored events - like the California Film event during the Governor's trade mission to China in 2005 - that supported industries and products key to the State's economic vitality

Nonpartisan Events - The Governor’s Office of Protocol will initiate the nonpartisan state events for the public purposes of the State of California; they will not be conducted to promote the agenda of a political party or any special interest group. The events will be initiated by Governor’s Office of Protocol to improve the official relations of California with other states and countries, and to promote opportunities for the development of communities and economic development in different regions within the State of California – public benefits that serve the interests of all Californians.

Political Activities - The Foundation does not engage in any prohibited political activities. Specifically, it does not intend to participate in, or intervene in (including the publishing or distributing of statements), any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. No staff hours or expenditures will be made for these prohibited political activities.

Lobbying - The Foundation does not advocate the adoption or rejection of any specific legislation. Its goals and purposes may be achieved other than through the action of any legislative body. It does not plan to conduct any voter education activities. The Foundation does not propose to contact legislators, nor to urge the public to contact legislators, in order to oppose, support, or propose specific legislation. It will not advocate the adoption or rejection of specific legislation.

Relationships with Other Organizations - The Foundation does not control and is not controlled by any other organization. The Foundation does, however, intend to cooperate with other public service organizations and with governmental and international agencies as part of its charitable and educational mission. Some of the individuals who sit on the Foundation’s Board are members or employees of the California Chamber of Commerce, but there is no legal connection between the two organizations.

Governor Schwarzenegger's Office of Protocol - In March 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger’s Office of Protocol officially opened its doors. The Governor’s Office of Protocol was established to advise the Governor and First Lady of California on international, diplomatic and consular matters; assist with scheduling and briefings for courtesy visits with the Governor; and in coordinating special events. The Office of Protocol works closely with the Consular Corps and the international business community to enhance the State’s role as a center for diplomacy, culture and commerce.

In addition to serving as a liaison between the Governor’s Office and foreign dignitaries, the Governor’s Office of Protocol is charged with procuring and preparing a gift for Governor Schwarzenegger to present to each foreign dignitary with whom he meets. The Office of Protocol takes pride in ensuring that each gift is distinctly Californian, representative of this Governor and reflective of the interests of the individual for whom it is intended.

The California State Protocol Foundation is a California Non-Profit Organization. As such, Form 990 Income Tax Returns have been placed on this site and are available for public inspection. The files are available in PDF (Adobe Acrobat) format.