Nonprofits enjoy the public’s trust, and therefore must comply with a diverse array of legal and regulatory requirements. Organizations should conduct periodic reviews to address regulatory and fiduciary concerns. One of leadership’s fundamental responsibilities is to ensure that the organization governs and operates in an ethical and legal manner. Fostering exemplary conduct is one of the most effective means of developing internal and external trust as well as preventing misconduct. Moreover, to honor the trust that the public has given them, nonprofits have an obligation to go beyond legal requirements and embrace the highest ethical practices. Nonprofit board, staff, and volunteers must act in the best interest of the organization, rather than in furtherance of personal interests or the interests of third parties. A nonprofit should have policies in place, and should routinely and systematically implement those policies, to prevent actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. In this way, ethics and compliance reinforce each other.
A conflict of interest exists where the interests or concerns of a key insider (such as a board member, employee, or volunteer, or their family member) are seen as competing with the interests or concerns of the nonprofit organization. A sound conflict of interest policy should identify the types of conduct or transactions that raise conflict of interest concerns.
Most common are situations where the insider has a financial interest in the actions of the organization. For example, the potential for a conflict exists where an organization contracts to purchase or lease goods, services, or property from an insider. Conflicts are, however, not limited to situations involving direct, financial interests. A conflict may also exist where an insider obtains a benefit or advantage that s/he would not have obtained without her/his relationship with the organization.
The key word to be used as a benchmark in questionable situations is benefit: would the employee or board member (as an insider to the organization) benefit in an inappropriate way from a certain action or decision being made by the organization?
The fact that a conflict exists does not necessarily mean that the organization shouldn’t proceed with a specific action or transaction. In most instances, there is nothing unlawful about an organization transacting business with an insider. Rather, what is important in these circumstances is assuring that such transactions are scrutinized to determine whether the action or transaction is in the best interests of the organization. Furthermore, transactions should be scrutinized for any potential negative impact it might have on the nonprofit’s reputation.
Want access to resources like our Sample Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Statement and our Conflicts of Interest Educational Resource Packet? Join the Standards for Excellence Institute. Located in Maryland? Join Maryland Nonprofits for these resources and more!
From the Standards for Excellence®: An Ethics and Accountability Code for the Nonprofit Sector. The Standards for Excellence code, developed by the Standards for Excellence Institute, includes specific benchmarks and measures that provide a structured approach to building capacity, accountability, and sustainability in your nonprofit organization. The code identifies 6 major areas of nonprofit governance and management: Mission, Strategy, and Evaluation; Leadership: Board, Staff, and Volunteers; Legal Compliance and Ethics; Finance and Operations; Resource Development and Fundraising; and Public Awareness, Engagement and Advocacy.
The Standards for Excellence® Institute, a program of Maryland Nonprofits, provides the best possible resources to nonprofits nationwide, helping build their capacity to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of their communities. Members of the Standards for Excellence Institute gain access to an online community with an expansive library of resources and customizable templates. The Institute also offers nonprofit accreditation and recognition, a national network of consultants licensed to provide training on the Code, and professional volunteer opportunities.