Grantmaking Integrity
As a grantmaking foundation, our inherent responsibility is to ensure that grant requests are handled objectively with care and that decisions are made solely on the strength of each project. Our policies underscore the importance of internal independent evaluation, and it is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees and staff to ensure that all our actions reinforce the integrity of the grantmaking process.
In order to maintain the utmost integrity, the trustees, the principle grantmakers of the Trust, will direct all potential grant applicants to the staff. The trustees will not meet with the applicants personally to discuss proposed projects.
Our Conflict of Interest Policy, updated annually and on record in the Trust offices, defines the relationships for both trustees and staff that could potentially raise questions about grantmaking objectivity. The general principle underlying this policy is the following:
A trustee or staff member will not take part in any Trust decision or grant evaluation that materially benefits him or her or his or her immediate family, or that directly benefits any organization with which he or she or an immediate family member has any formal relationship. If a grant request or other matter arises that may result in actual or potential conflict of interest, the trustee or staff member shall immediately disclose the actual or potential conflict. A trustee with an actual or potential conflict of interest shall be recused from voting and will leave the room during the vote.
To avoid any suggestion of impropriety or a conflict of interest in the eyes of prospective grantees or the public at large, trustees or staff will not accept personal gifts or gratuities from grantees or prospective grantees, service providers or vendors.
Because it is impossible to identify all of the possible situations which may arise that could result in unethical conduct by a staff member, it is each person’s duty to question any course of action that could be construed as illegal, unethical, a conflict of interest or an appearance of conflict and report the matter to the CEO. The CEO may request a ruling from the trustees.
Stewardship
Each trustee and staff member has the privilege and responsibility to serve as a steward of the Trust by assuring adherence to its mission, vision and values. It is our duty as stewards to be familiar with the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to our positions. Each of us is responsible for carrying out our assigned duties in accordance with all policies, rules and regulations.
Respect for others will apply to potential grantees, members of nonprofit organizations and others interacting with the Trust. We will treat them with respect and dignity at all times.
As stewards, the staff and trustees are obligated to treat one another with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior. Inappropriate workplace behavior such as discrimination or harassment is illegal, and the policies the Trust has established to address these issues apply in all instances.
Confidentiality
Information about potential grantees, vendors or investments is privileged and will not be shared outside the Trust. However, the judicious sharing of information about grant proposals or nonprofit organizations with other funders, or in collaborative efforts, may be necessary when staff is engaged in the due diligence process.
These restrictions, however, do not prohibit the sharing of financial information with auditors, attorneys, consultants, investment managers or professional colleagues, nor do they prohibit participating in surveys designed to benefit the philanthropic community.