About This Document
This Conflict of Interest Policy provides guidelines for managing actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest within a non-profit organization. It protects the organization's integrity, ensures regulatory compliance (especially for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities), and upholds public trust in its operations and decision-making processes.
Who Should Use This Template
Non-profit organizations applying for or maintaining 501(c)(3) status
Charities, educational, religious, or scientific organizations seeking strong internal ethics controls
Boards of Directors looking to prevent personal gain conflicts among directors, officers, or employees
Nonprofits wishing to document best practices for handling conflicts transparently
What the Template Includes
Definitions of Conflict of Interest and "Immediate Family"
Procedures for disclosure, review, and management of conflicts
Obligations for recusal from votes and decisions where conflicts exist
Annual conflict disclosure statements for all Board members and employees
Periodic internal reviews to ensure ongoing compliance
Enforcement measures, including disciplinary actions for violations
Guidelines for use of outside experts if conflicts involve significant organizational decisions
Editable Word format for easy adaptation to specific organizational needs
Instructions for Completing the Template
Insert your Non-Profit Organization’s full name wherever indicated.
Customize the list of Covered Persons if your nonprofit includes volunteers, advisors, or contractors beyond directors, officers, and employees.
Establish who within your organization is the designated reviewer for disclosures (e.g., Audit Committee, Ethics Officer, or Board Chair).
Define the timeline and format for submitting Annual Conflict of Interest Statements.
Review procedures for addressing conflicts and violations to ensure they match your nonprofit’s disciplinary practices.
Have all Board members and staff sign acknowledgment forms annually, keeping them in official corporate records.
Incorporate the policy into your Board handbook, employee handbook, or volunteer materials as needed.
Important Reminder
This document is provided as a template to assist with standard non-profit compliance practices.
It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney to review and tailor the Conflict of Interest Policy to your organization’s specific size, activities, and regulatory obligations, particularly if you intend to apply for or maintain 501(c)(3) status.
About This Document
This Conflict of Interest Policy provides guidelines for managing actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest within a non-profit organization. It protects the organization's integrity, ensures regulatory compliance (especially for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entities), and upholds public trust in its operations and decision-making processes.
Who Should Use This Template
Non-profit organizations applying for or maintaining 501(c)(3) status
Charities, educational, religious, or scientific organizations seeking strong internal ethics controls
Boards of Directors looking to prevent personal gain conflicts among directors, officers, or employees
Nonprofits wishing to document best practices for handling conflicts transparently
What the Template Includes
Definitions of Conflict of Interest and "Immediate Family"
Procedures for disclosure, review, and management of conflicts
Obligations for recusal from votes and decisions where conflicts exist
Annual conflict disclosure statements for all Board members and employees
Periodic internal reviews to ensure ongoing compliance
Enforcement measures, including disciplinary actions for violations
Guidelines for use of outside experts if conflicts involve significant organizational decisions
Editable Word format for easy adaptation to specific organizational needs
Instructions for Completing the Template
Insert your Non-Profit Organization’s full name wherever indicated.
Customize the list of Covered Persons if your nonprofit includes volunteers, advisors, or contractors beyond directors, officers, and employees.
Establish who within your organization is the designated reviewer for disclosures (e.g., Audit Committee, Ethics Officer, or Board Chair).
Define the timeline and format for submitting Annual Conflict of Interest Statements.
Review procedures for addressing conflicts and violations to ensure they match your nonprofit’s disciplinary practices.
Have all Board members and staff sign acknowledgment forms annually, keeping them in official corporate records.
Incorporate the policy into your Board handbook, employee handbook, or volunteer materials as needed.
Important Reminder
This document is provided as a template to assist with standard non-profit compliance practices.
It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney to review and tailor the Conflict of Interest Policy to your organization’s specific size, activities, and regulatory obligations, particularly if you intend to apply for or maintain 501(c)(3) status.
