Mended Reeds, as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization depends on charitable contributions from the public. Maintenance of its tax-exempt status is important both for its continued financial stability and for the receipt of contributions and public support. Therefore, the IRS as well as state corporate and tax officials, view the operations of Mended Reeds as a public trust which is subject to scrutiny by and accountability to such governmental authorities as well as to members of the public.

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

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

1. Persons and firms supplying goods and services to Mended Reeds.
2. Persons and firms from whom Mended Reeds leases property and equipment.
3. Persons and firms with whom Mended Reeds 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 Mended Reeds.
6. Agencies, organizations, and associations which affect the operations of Mended Reeds.
7. Family members, friends, and other employees.

Furthermore, conflicting interest might arise through:

1. Owning stock or holding debt or other proprietary interests in any third party dealing with Mended Reeds.
2. Holding office, serving on the board, participating in management, or being otherwise employed (or formerly employed) in any third party dealing with Mended Reeds.
3. Receiving remuneration for services with respect to individual transactions involving Mended Reeds.
4. Using Mended Reeds’ time, personnel, equipment, supplies, or good will for other than Mended Reeds approved activities, programs, and purposes, except that minor, reasonable use is allowable at the discretion of the Executive Director or the Board.
5. Receiving personal gifts or loans from third parties dealing with Mended Reeds. Receipt of any gift is disapproved except gifts of nominal value which could not be refused without discourtesy. No personal gift of money should ever be accepted.

The previous list of examples described above does not mean necessarily 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 that it is necessarily adverse to the interests of Mended Reeds. However, it is the policy of the board that the existence of any of the interests described shall be disclosed before any transaction is consummated. It shall be the continuing responsibility of board, officers, and management employees to scrutinize their transactions and outside business interests and relationships for potential conflicts and to immediately make such disclosures.

Disclosure should be made according to Mended Reeds standards. Transactions with related parties may be undertaken only if all of the following are observed:

1. A material transaction is fully disclosed in the audited financial statements of the organization;
2. The related party is excluded from the discussion and approval of such transaction;
3. A competitive bid or comparable valuation exists; and
4. The organization's board has acted upon and demonstrated that the transaction is in the best interest of the organization.

Disclosure in the organization should be made to the chief executive (or if she or he is the one with the conflict, then to the board chair), who shall determine whether a conflict exists and is material, and if the matters are material, bring them to the attention of the board chair.

Disclosure involving directors should be made to the board chair, who shall bring these matters, if material to the board. The board shall determine whether a conflict exists and is material, and in the presence of an existing material conflict, whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable to Mended Reeds. The decision of the board on these matters will rest in their sole discretion, and their concern must be the welfare of Mended Reeds and the advancement of its purpose.

NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Mended Reeds is committed to equal opportunity for all persons without regard to sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, marital status, disability or sexual orientation. It is the policy of Mended Reeds to comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding equal opportunity. In keeping with that policy, Mended Reeds is committed to maintaining a work environment that is free of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Accordingly, Mended Reeds will not tolerate unlawful discrimination against or harassment of any of our employees or others present at our facilities by anyone, including any supervisor, co-worker, vendor, member, or customer of Mended Reeds.