Insight

Conflict-of-interest checklist for nonprofits

Not-for-profit board officers, directors, trustees and key employees must avoid conflicts of interest because it’s their duty to do so. Any direct or indirect financial interest in a transaction or arrangement that might benefit one of these individuals personally could result in the loss of your organization’s tax-exempt status — and its reputation
Here’s a quick checklist to gauge whether your nonprofit is doing what it takes to avoid conflicts of interest:

  • Do you have a conflict-of-interest policy in place that specifies what constitutes a conflict and lists exceptions?
  • Do you require board officers, directors, trustees and key employees to annually pledge to disclose interests, relationships and financial holdings that could result in a conflict of interest?
  • Do they understand that they must speak up if issues arise that could pose a possible conflict?
  • Do you provide training in conflicts of interest?
  • Do you have procedures in place that outline the steps you’ll take when a possible conflict of interest arises?
  • Are individuals with possible conflicts asked to present only the facts, and then remove themselves from any discussion of the issue?
  • Do you keep minutes of the meetings where the conflict of interest is discussed, noting those members present and voting, and indicating the final decision reached?\
  • Do you put projects out for bid — with identical specifications — to multiple vendors?
  • Do you supply a written contract to each vendor that details the service the company will provide, specific deliverables, cost estimates and a time frame for delivery?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, contact us. We can help you make sure that you have an adequate conflict-of-interest policy in place and a full set of procedures to support it.

© 2018

Related Insights

The tax consequences of employer-provided life insurance | quickbooks consulting in alexandria va | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Tax Prep, Planning & Strategy

The tax consequences of employer-provided life insurance

If your employer provides life insurance, you probably find it to be a desirable fringe benefit. However, if group term life insurance is part…
Selling your home for a big profit? Here are the tax rules | cpa in bel air md | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Tax Prep, Planning & Strategy

Selling your home for a big profit? Here are the tax rules

Many homeowners across the country have seen their home values increase in recent years. According to the National Association of Realtors, the…
Guaranteeing a loan to your corporation? There may be tax implications | business consulting and accounting services in harford county | Weyrich, Cronin & Sorra

Management Advisory Services & Business Consulting

Guaranteeing a loan to your corporation? There may be tax implications

Let’s say you decide to, or are asked to, guarantee a loan to your corporation. Before agreeing to act as a guarantor, endorser or indemnitor…

Connect with us

Use the form below to send us an email. WCS responds directly to all inquiries and general questions within 24 hours of posting.

This contact form is deactivated because you refused to accept Google reCaptcha service which is necessary to validate any messages sent by the form.