Conflicts Of Interest Policy

Section 1. Purpose

The Fistula Relief Foundation for Africa (hereinafter “FRFA”) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization. Maintenance of its tax-exempt status is important both for its continued financial stability and for public support. Therefore, the IRS as well as state regulatory and tax officials view the operations of FRFA as a public trust, which is subject to scrutiny by and accountable to such governmental authorities as well as members of the public.

Consequently, there exists between FRFA and its board, officers, and management employees and the public a fiduciary duty, which carries with it a broad and unbending duty of loyalty and fidelity. The board, officers, and management employees have the responsibility of administering the affairs of FRFA honestly and prudently, and of exercising their best care, skill, and judgment for the sole benefit of FRFA. Those persons shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions involved in their duties, and they shall not use their positions with FRFA or knowledge gained there from for their personal benefit. The interests of the organization must be the first priority in all decisions and actions.

Section 2. Persons Concerned

This statement is directed not only to directors and officers, but to all employees who can influence the actions of FRFA. For example, this would include all who make purchasing decisions, all persons who might be described as “management personnel,” and anyone who has proprietary information concerning FRFA.

Section 3. Areas in Which Conflict May Arise

Conflicts of interest may arise in the relations of directors, officers, and management employees with any of the following third parties:

    1. Persons and firms supplying goods and services to FRFA.
    2. Persons and firms from whom FRFA leases property and equipment.
    3. Persons and firms with whom FRFA is dealing or planning to deal in
        connection with the gift, purchase or sale of real estate, securities, or
        other property.
    4. Competing or affinity organizations.
    5. Donors and others supporting FRFA.
    6. Agencies, organizations, and associates which affect the operations of
        FRFA.
    7. Family members, friends, and other employees.

Section 4. Nature of Conflicting Interest

A conflicting interest may be defined as an interest, direct or indirect, with any persons or firms mentioned in Section 3. Such an interest might arise through:

    1. Owning stock or holding debt or other proprietary interests in any third
        party dealing with FRFA.
    2. Holding officer, serving on the board, participating in management, or
        being otherwise employed (or formerly employed) with any third party
        dealing with FRFA.
    3. Receiving remuneration for services with respect to individual
        transactions involving FRFA.
    4. Using FRFA’s time, personnel, equipment, supplies, or good will for other
        than FRFA-approved activities, programs, and purposes.
    5. Receiving personal gifts or loans from third parties dealing or competing
        with FRFA. Receipt of any gift is disapproved except for gifts of a value
         less than $50, which could not be refused without discourtesy. No
         personal gift of money should ever be accepted.

Section 5. Interpretation of this Statement of Policy

The areas of conflicting interest listed in Section 3, and the relations in those areas which may give rise to conflict, as listed in Section 4, are not exhaustive. Conflicts might arise in other areas or through other relations. It is assumed that the directors, officers, and management employees will recognize such areas and relations by analogy.

The fact that one of the interests described in Section 4 exists does not necessarily mean that a conflict exists, or that the conflict, if it exists, is material enough to be of practical importance, or if material, that upon full disclosure of all relevant facts and circumstances it is necessarily adverse to the interests of FRFA.

However, it is the policy of the board that the existence of any of the interests described in Section 4 shall be disclosed before any transaction is consummated. It shall be the continuing responsibility of the board, officers, and management employees to scrutinize their transactions and outside business and interests and relationships for potential conflicts and to immediately make such disclosures.

Section 6. Disclosure Policy and Procedure

Transactions with parties with whom a conflicting interest exists may be undertaken only if all of the following are observed:

   1. The conflicting interest is fully disclosed;
   2. The person with the conflict of interest is excluded from the discussion
       and approval of such transaction;
   3. A competitive bid or comparable valuation exists; and
   4. The board has determined that the transaction is in the best interest of
       the organization.

 

Disclosure in the organization should be made to the executive directors, who shall bring the matter to the attention of the board. Disclosure involving directors should be made to the board chair, who shall bring these matters to the board.

The board shall determine whether a conflict exists and in the case of an existing conflict, whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable to FRFA. The decisions of the board on these matters will rest in their sole discretion, and their concern must be the welfare of FRFA and the advancement of its purpose.

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