Common Ground Pacific
Conflict of Interest Policy
Article I. Purpose:
The purpose of the Conflict of Interest Policy is to protect the mission, integrity, and tax-exempt status of the 501(c)(3) non-profit Common Ground Pacific. All members, volunteers, ambassadors, leaders, and representatives of Common Ground Pacific shall act in the best interests of the Corporation and avoid situations in which personal interests could interfere with organizational decision-making.
Article II. Conflicts of Interest:
Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest exists when an individual’s personal, financial, family, academic, professional, or other interests may interfere with, influence, or appear to influence their ability to act in the best interests of Common Ground Pacific’s mission.
Examples of Potential Conflicts
The following are some examples of actions or activities which may create an actual conflict
of interest or give the appearance of a conflict. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
Using a leadership position within the Corporation for personal gain or benefit.
Receiving compensation, gifts, funds, or other benefits in connection with the Corporation’s initiatives, fundraising efforts, partnerships, or programs that are used for personal benefit.
Participating in decisions involving a family member, close friend, school organization, or any separate entity while representing the Corporation that does not support the mission of Common Ground Pacific.
Directing Corporation funds, donations, opportunities, or resources toward personal interests.
Using confidential information obtained through the Corporation, including personal information of leaders, members, or clients, for personal interests.
Providing preferential treatment that is inconsistent with the mission and objectives of the Corporation.
Article III. Procedures
Duty to Disclose
In connection with any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest, an interested person (any member, leader, or director that has a direct or indirect conflict of interest) shall disclose the existence of the conflict and all relevant facts to the Board of Directors. Disclosure must occur before any recommendation or decision relating to the matter.
Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists
After the disclosure of conflict and any relevant information, the interested person may discuss and answer questions from the Board of Directors. The Board, along with other leaders, shall determine whether a conflict of interest exists.
Procedures for Addressing a Conflict of Interest
An interested person may provide information or clarification to the Board regarding the matter but cannot participate in the decision-making process regarding the conflict.
The Board may review alternative options that do not present a conflict of interest when reasonably available.
The Board shall determine whether the proposed action or arrangement is in the best interests of Common Ground Pacific, consistent with its mission, and fair to the Corporation.
Any decision regarding a matter involving a conflict of interest must be made solely by disinterested members of the Board of Directors.
Article IV. Violations and Enforcement
Violations of the Conflict of Interest Policy
If the Board has reasonable cause to believe that an individual has failed to disclose a conflict of interest, the Board shall inform the interested person and provide an opportunity for explanation.
If, after reviewing the facts and circumstances, the Board determines that a conflict of interest was not properly disclosed or that this policy was otherwise violated, the Board will take appropriate disciplinary action. This includes a warning, suspension from activities for any amount of time, removal from leadership positions, removal from the Corporation entirely, or other disciplinary measures determined by the Board of Directors.