9. Conflict of Interest and Ethics
The Scott G. Green Foundation is built on trust, accountability, and the highest ethical standards. As stewards of public trust and guardians of a sacred mission, Board members must lead with transparency, fairness, and integrity in all matters.
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Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest arises when a Board member’s personal, professional, or financial interests could compromise—or appear to compromise—their ability to make impartial decisions in the best interest of the Foundation.
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Board members are required to:
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Disclose any real or perceived conflicts at the earliest possible time, including those related to contracts, partnerships, funding, employment, or family relationships.
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Recuse themselves from discussions or votes where a conflict exists or could be reasonably perceived, to protect the integrity of the Board’s decision-making process.
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Update their disclosure annually by completing and signing the Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy form.
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Examples of potential conflicts include:
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A Board member’s business is bidding on a Foundation contract.
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A close relative is being considered for a paid staff or consultant role.
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The Board member stands to personally benefit from a grant or property transaction under review.
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Proactively addressing conflicts does not suggest wrongdoing—it reflects professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to public trust.
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Code of Ethics
Board members are also expected to uphold the Foundation’s values by:
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Acting in the best interest of the organization at all times.
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Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive Board materials and discussions.
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Avoiding self-dealing or the appearance of impropriety.
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Treating fellow Board members, staff, volunteers, and community partners with respect.
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Being honest and transparent in all communications and decisions.
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Any violations of ethical standards or unresolved conflicts of interest may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the Board.
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By modeling ethical leadership, Board members ensure that the Scott G. Green Foundation’s work is carried out with credibility, integrity, and community trust—values that are essential to preserving both history and hope.