Conflict of Interest Policy

American Friends of LIBI

American Friends of LIBI (“AFL”) is committed to using every donation responsibly and in the best interests of the soldiers and communities we support. To protect that trust, we follow a Conflict of Interest Policy that guides how our leaders make decisions.

This page is a plain-language summary of that policy. 

Who is Covered

This policy applies to people (“covered persons”) who have a significant role in guiding AFL, including:

• Board members
• Officers
• Key employees
• Members of Board-authorized committees

 

What Is a Conflict of Interest?

A conflict of interest happens when a covered person’s personal, professional, or financial interests (or those of a close family member) could interfere with their duty to act solely in the best interests of AFL.

Examples include:

• AFL considering a contract with a business owned by a Board member or their family.
• A Board member or key employee being paid by a vendor that wants to work with AFL.
• A covered person using information or opportunities gained through AFL for personal benefit.

 

Having a potential conflict is not, by itself, wrong. Problems arise only if the conflict affects decisions or is not handled openly and properly.

Our Principles

To manage conflicts of interest, AFL follows these core principles:

Transparency: Covered persons must disclose any conflicts of interest, including financial interests in organizations that do business with AFL.

Recusal from Decisions: A person with a conflict does not vote on – and does not improperly influence – decisions related to that conflict.

Best Interests of AFL: When a conflict exists, disinterested Board members decide whether the transaction or relationship is in AFL’s best interests, it is fair and reasonable, and it supports AFL’s mission and charitable purposes.

If they can find a better option without a conflict, they will pursue that instead.

Gifts and Favors: Covered persons do not solicit or accept gifts or favors from those doing or seeking to do business with AFL if it could influence – or appear to influence – their decisions. Occasional, modest tokens of appreciation may be acceptable if they are not intended to sway judgment.

Addressing Violations

If the Board believes a covered person has violated this policy, the Board will review the situation, give the person an opportunity to explain, and decide on appropriate steps. These may include corrective measures or, if necessary, removal from a position, consistent with AFL’s bylaws and applicable law.

Our Commitment to Donors and Stakeholders

Conflicts of interest are a normal risk in any organization. What matters is how they are handled. At American Friends of LIBI, we:

• Require openness and disclosure
• Keep decision-making in the hands of disinterested leaders
• Review our practices periodically
• This helps ensure that decisions are made for one reason only: to further AFL’s mission and the impact of your support.

 

For any questions related to this or other AFL policies, please Contact Us