ADOPTED BY THE RIVER VALLEY UNITED WAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS: January 9, 2006

The River Valley United Way, Inc. is committed to the highest ethical standards.  The success of our United Way depends upon the ethical conduct of everyone affiliated with the River Valley United Way, Inc.  Recognizing that the reputation of our United Way is our most valuable asset, it is essential that representatives of the organization not engage in any conduct which is, or could be perceived as, unethical, immoral or otherwise detrimental. While no document can anticipate all the challenges that may arise, this code establishes key guidelines to assist our volunteers and staff in making good decisions that are ethical and in accordance with applicable legal requirements. 

Therefore, in all our endeavors as representatives of the River Valley United Way, we shall adhere to the following:  

1. Personal and Professional Integrity:  A personal commitment to integrity in all circumstances benefits each individual as well as the organization.  We therefore:

·   Strive to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, service and achievement in working toward the United Way mission.

·   Communicate honestly and openly and avoid misrepresentation.  This includes all publicity made on behalf of the RVUW.

·   Promote a working environment where honesty, open communication and minority opinions are valued.

·   Exhibit respect and fairness toward all those with whom we come in contact.

 2. Accountability: RVUW is responsible to its stakeholders, which include donors, members of RVUW organizations, and others who have placed faith in RVUW.  To uphold this trust we:

·    Promote good stewardship of United Way resources.

·    Refrain from using organizational resources for non- RVUW purposes.

·    Observe and comply with all laws and regulations affecting United Way.

3. Solicitation and Voluntary Giving:  The most responsive contributors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved.  We therefore:

·    Promote voluntary giving in dealing with donors.

·    Refrain from any use of coercion in fundraising activities.

4. Diversity and Equal Opportunity:  RVUW ensures volunteers and staff broadly reflect the diversity of the community.  RVUW is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principle of diversity.  We therefore:

·    Value, champion and embrace diversity in all United Way activities.

·    Recognize the distinct differences of individuals and organizations and capitalize on the strengths of each.

·    Support equal employment opportunity programs throughout RVUW.

5. Conflict of Interest:  To avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of the conflict of interest which could tarnish the reputation of RVUW, as well as undermine the public’s trust in all United Way organizations, RVUW volunteers will:

·     Avoid any activity or outside interest that conflicts or appears to conflict with the best interest of the River Valley United Way, including involvement with a current or potential United Way vendor, grantee, or competing organization unless disclosed to and not deemed to be inappropriate by the United Way Board of Directors.

·      Avoid knowingly taking any action, or making any statement, intended to influence the conduct of the United Way in such a way as to confer any financial benefit to themselves, their immediate family members or any organization in which they or their immediate family members have a significant interest as stakeholders, directors, or officers.

·      Disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts of interest in any matter coming before the Board of Directors, if they are Board members, or any committee upon which they serve.

·      Annually file with the Executive Director a disclosure of all known potential conflicts of interest.

RVUW staff and representatives will:

·     Ensure that outside employment and other activities do not adversely affect the performance of their RVUW duties or the achievement of RVUW’s mission.

·     Ensure that travel, entertainment and related expenses are incurred on a basis consistent with the mission of RVUW and not for personal gain or interests.

·     Decline any gift, gratuity or favor in performance of RVUW’s duties except for promotional items of nominal value, and any food, transportation, lodging or entertainment unless directly related to RVUW business.

·     Refrain from influencing the selection of staff, consultants or vendors who are relatives or personal friends or affiliated with, employ or employed by a person with whom they have a relationship that adversely affects the appearance of impartiality.

6. Confidentiality:  Confidentiality is a hallmark of professionalism. We therefore:

·      Ensure that all information which is confidential, privileged or nonpublic is not disclosed inappropriately.

7. Political Contributions:  As a charitable corporation, RVUW is prohibited from making contributions to any candidate for public office or any political committee.  We therefore:

·    Refrain from making any contribution to any candidate for public office or political committee on behalf of RVUW. Including the use of RVUW facilities for political campaign activities.

·    Refrain from making any contribution to any candidate for public office or political committee in a manner that may create the appearance that the contribution is on behalf of RVUW.

Volunteers and staff are encouraged to seek guidance from the Executive Board concerning the interpretation or application of this Code of Ethics.  Any known or possible breaches of the Code of Ethics should be disclosed to the Executive Board for investigation and prompt and fair resolution.