Far West Helping Foundation Corp

1. Purpose and Scope

Far West Helping Foundation Corp (FWHFC) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability.

This Code of Conduct applies to employees, board members, officers, volunteers, interns, consultants, vendors, subcontractors, and partner agencies acting on behalf of FWHFC.

2. Mission and Guiding Principles

FWHFC strengthens individuals and families by providing resources, education, and support that promote stability, equity, opportunity, and community resilience across Florida.

• Integrity
• Respect
• Accountability
• Service Excellence
• Confidentiality
• Equity and Inclusion
• Transparency
• Compliance

3. Standards of Professional Conduct

All FWHFC representatives must act with honesty, courtesy, professionalism, and respect in every interaction.

• Perform duties responsibly and within deadlines.
• Protect FWHFC’s reputation and public trust.
• Serve clients without bias, favoritism, or discrimination.
• Use FWHFC’s name, logo, and resources only for authorized purposes.
• Report suspected misconduct, conflicts, or violations promptly.

4. Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality

FWHFC representatives must avoid situations that could compromise, or appear to compromise, organizational integrity or public trust.

• Disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest immediately.
• Do not use FWHFC position, property, or information for personal gain.
• Protect client, donor, staff, financial, and internal records.
• Maintain confidentiality during and after service with FWHFC.

5. Compliance with Laws and Policies

FWHFC complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws, nonprofit requirements, grant terms, and internal policies.

• Follow 2 CFR Part 200, grant rules, and funding requirements where applicable.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, invoices, timesheets, and documentation.
• Use funds only for approved and intended purposes.
• Report fraud, waste, abuse, or non-compliance immediately.

6. Workplace Behavior and Respect

FWHFC is committed to a safe, respectful, inclusive, and professional workplace.

• No discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying, or retaliation.
• Respect diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity.
• Communicate professionally and resolve conflicts respectfully.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and mission-focused work environment.

7. Use of Organizational Resources

FWHFC resources must be used responsibly, ethically, and only for approved organizational purposes.

• Protect equipment, vehicles, facilities, funds, records, technology, and data.
• Do not use resources for personal gain, outside business, or political activity.
• Follow financial, procurement, privacy, and data protection procedures.
• Use FWHFC branding only with proper authorization.

8. Reporting Violations and Whistleblower Protection

FWHFC encourages good-faith reporting of suspected misconduct, policy violations, fraud, conflicts, harassment, discrimination, or unsafe conduct.

• Reports may be made to a supervisor, Executive Director, Compliance/EEO Officer, or Board Chairperson.
• Reports may be verbal, written, confidential, or anonymous.
• Retaliation against good-faith reporters is strictly prohibited.
• All reports will be reviewed promptly and handled as confidentially as possible.

9. Disciplinary Action and Accountability

Violations of this Code may result in corrective or disciplinary action based on the nature and severity of the conduct.

• Verbal or written warning
• Performance improvement plan
• Suspension or reassignment
• Termination of employment, volunteer service, or partnership
• Legal referral when required

10. Acknowledgment and Adoption

All FWHFC employees, board members, and volunteers are expected to review, understand, and comply with this Code of Conduct.

Approved By: Clebert Merat, Executive Director

Board Approval Date: ___________________________

Effective Date: ___________________________

Review Cycle: Annual, or as required by law, regulation, grant, or organizational need.