No board member shall use his or her position, or the knowledge gained therefrom, in such a manner that a conflict between the interest of the organization or any of its affiliates and his or her personal interests arise.

Each board member has a duty to place the interest of the organization foremost in any dealings with the organization and has a continuing responsibility to comply with the requirements of this policy.

The conduct of personal business between any board or committee member and the organization and any of its affiliates is prohibited.

Board or committee members may not obtain for themselves, their relatives, or their friends a material interest of any kind from their association with the organization.

If a board member has an interest in a proposed transaction with the organization in the form of a significant personal financial interest in the transaction or in any organization involved in the transaction, or holds a position as trustee, director, or officer in any such organization, he or she must make full disclosure of such interest before any discussion or negotiation of such transaction.

Any board or committee member who is aware of a potential conflict of interest with respect to any matter coming before the board or committee shall not be present for any discussion of or vote in connection with the matter.

Relationship to Suppliers of Goods or Services

No trustee or staff member may participate in deliberations or actions resulting in the purchase of goods or services from any organization in which the trustee or staff member or his/her spouse has a direct financial interest or with which one of them is officially connected.

Acceptance of Gifts

No trustee or staff member may accept any payment or article of value from a grantee, potential grantee, or supplier, except nominal hospitality such as meals, or gifts presented to the Foundation through the trustee or staff member as its representative and them presented to the Foundation by the trustee or staff member. In general, trustees and staff members should make every effort to decline to accept gifts on behalf of the Foundation, but in cases where it could be considered ungracious to decline, the trustee or staff member should make clear that the gift is being accepted on behalf of, and will be given to, the Foundation.

Outside Activities of Staff

Nonprofit board or committee memberships, teaching assignments, and consultancies. The following guidelines should be followed by professional staff in responding to invitations that are extended because of the individual's Foundation affiliation and are related to the staff member's Foundation responsibilities:

The staff member should make a judgment as to the significance of the project and its appropriateness for Foundation staff participation and consider whether the invitation represents an important opportunity to perform in a professional capacity that contributes to objectives that are consistent with the Foundation's general interests.