Code of Ethics

The Arthritis Foundation’s People

1.  Diversity is essential to the Arthritis Foundation’s mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive, productive and professional environment, where volunteers and employees work together with mutual respect. We are sensitive and responsive to those we serve. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, bullying or any form of intimidation based on race, sex, gender identification, age, ethnic origin, religion, disabilities, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law. Violation may result in termination of employment or volunteer services.  
2. We promote a working environment that values respect, fairness and open communications, where employees and volunteers feel comfortable asking questions, making suggestions and raising concerns.
3. We work to protect and ensure the proper use of Arthritis Foundation assets as good stewards of our resources, keeping accurate records and following Foundation network and computer protocols and privacy policy standards.  
4. Employees and volunteers must report any policies or practices they believe are inappropriate to: their supervisor, who is the best person to speak to in most cases; a human resources representative; or through the nationwide, toll-free number available on the Arthritis Foundation intranet and website.

The Way the Arthritis Foundation Conducts Business

1.  We will grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration in accordance with state or federal statutes and the Arthritis Foundation’s policies, conducting business in good faith, avoiding or disclosing any conflicts of interest and obtaining maximum value.  
2. We strive to spend most of our annual budget on mission-related programs and services, meeting or exceeding national standards.

Conflicts of Interest

1. In any transaction, Arthritis Foundation employees and volunteers must place the interests of our organization above personal gain or interest and disclose all facts when there is a potential conflict of interest.
2. Arthritis Foundation employees must refrain from accepting gifts or favors of monetary value not in compliance with the Foundation’s gifts and gratuities policy or engaging in private business or professional activities where there is, or might appear to be, a conflict of interest. 
3. The Arthritis Foundation’s conflict of interest policy ensures disclosure of conflicts by volunteers and employees. Any conflict of interest, or appearance of such, must be appropriately managed by disclosure, recusal and/or other means.  

Roadmap For Ethical Decision Making

• Would I be comfortable telling my family, friends and co-workers what I did?
• Would I want my actions to be reported in the news?
• Do my actions demonstrate respect for my fellow employees, partners, constituents and others we serve?
• Would I feel okay if a co-worker, volunteer, vendor or other partner acted this way toward me?
• Will it be a positive reflection on me and the Foundation?
• Is it consistent with and support the Foundation’s Code of Ethics and our values?
• Is it legal?

1. To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities
3. To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements.
4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. This includes clarification of the donor’s intent at the outset of a funding relationship, volunteer willingness and capacity, and expected duration of ongoing support.
5. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
6. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.  
8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors. Professional advisors, consultant, referral sources or any others seeking to influence a donor’s philanthropic decision will inform the donor of any conflicts of interest, referral fees, dual retention arrangements or other such agreements.
9. To expect that the donors’ names and personal information will not be shared, sold or rented. This includes assurance that each donor’s privacy is adequately protected, including internal management and technology controls to prevent inadvertent or unwanted disclosure of personal information. The Inver Hills Foundation collects the following donor information: name, phone number, email address, and physical address. It is collected via website, when an individual donates or fills out a pledge form. The information is used to send a gift receipt, acknowledge the gift in annual report, for future solicitations, and for event invitations.  
10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
     
     The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. Reprinted with permission from the Association of Fundraising Professionals