Governance & Accountability

TRUE OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM (T.O.P.) 

Conflict of Interest Policy 

 

 

1. Purpose 

The purpose of this Conflict of Interest Policy is to protect the integrity, transparency, and accountability of the True Opportunity Program (TOP). 

This policy ensures that all decisions are made in the best interest of the organization, free from personal, financial, or professional bias. 

 

2. Definition of Conflict of Interest 

A conflict of interest exists when a Board Member, Officer, or key participant has a direct or indirect interest that could influence—or appear to influence—their decision-making. 

This includes, but is not limited to: 

  • Financial gain or compensation  

  • Ownership or employment in a related business  

  • Family or personal relationships  

  • Contractual or vendor relationships  

  • Personal benefit from organizational decisions  

 

3. Covered Individuals 

This policy applies to: 

  • Board of Directors  

  • Officers (President, Treasurer, Secretary)  

  • Executive Leadership (CEO, COO)  

  • Key staff, contractors, and decision-makers  

 

4. Duty to Disclose 

All covered individuals are required to: 

  • Disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest  

  • Do so before discussion or decision-making occurs  

  • Provide full transparency regarding the nature of the conflict  

Disclosure must be made: 

  • During Board meetings  

  • In writing when appropriate  

  • As soon as the conflict becomes known  

 

5. Procedures for Addressing Conflicts 

When a conflict is disclosed: 

A. Determination 

  • The Board (excluding the interested party) will determine if a conflict exists  

  • Decision made by majority vote  

B. Recusal 

The individual must: 

  • Abstain from voting  

  • Refrain from influencing the discussion  

  • Leave the room if necessary  

C. Documentation 

The following must be recorded in meeting minutes: 

  • Nature of the conflict  

  • Names of individuals involved  

  • Decision made  

  • Any abstentions  

 

6. Compensation & Financial Transactions 

Any transaction involving a potential conflict must be: 

  • Fair and reasonable  

  • In alignment with TOP’s mission  

  • Approved by disinterested Board Members  

Examples include: 

  • Hiring a Board member for services  

  • Purchasing materials from a related business  

  • Contracts involving personal connections  

 

7. Annual Disclosure Requirement 

All Board Members and Officers must complete an Annual Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form, confirming: 

  • Any existing conflicts  

  • Any potential future conflicts  

  • Commitment to compliance with this policy  

 

8. Violations of Policy 

Failure to disclose a conflict may result in: 

  • Review by the Board  

  • Disciplinary action  

  • Removal from position (by majority vote)  

 

9. Guiding Principle 

TOP operates under a strict standard: 

“The mission comes before the individual.” 

All decisions must prioritize: 

  • Organizational integrity  

  • Responsible use of funds  

  • Long-term impact