Statement from the Board

Our Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The Board of The Cade Moore Foundation recognizes that maintaining the highest standards of integrity across our network of partner organizations, stakeholders, and affiliated entities requires vigilance and open channels of communication. We understand that individuals throughout our extended community may observe concerning activities or potential misconduct that warrants attention.

To this end, we have established an anonymous reporting system to provide a secure channel for raising concerns. We encourage anyone who becomes aware of potential issues—whether related to financial impropriety, ethical violations, safety concerns, or other misconduct—to come forward through this platform.

We want to emphasize that:

• We will make every reasonable effort to protect the anonymity of individuals who submit reports in good faith

• We will endeavor to handle all reports with appropriate discretion and sensitivity

• We will strive to investigate credible concerns to the extent feasible given our resources and authority

• Our system provides for two-way anonymous communication, allowing for clarification and follow-up while attempting to preserve confidentiality

Important Considerations:

This reporting channel was primarily intended for individuals external to our organization—including employees, volunteers, and stakeholders of partner organizations, affiliated entities, and other connected institutions; however, members of the CMF Community are welcome to use the tool as well.

We acknowledge that our ability to directly address concerns may be limited by the autonomous nature of these external organizations. While we will make reasonable attempts to raise substantiated concerns with appropriate parties, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or interventions within organizations outside our direct control.

We will make good faith efforts to protect reporters from retaliation to the extent reasonably possible; however, we must acknowledge that our influence over employment or other decisions made by independent organizations is inherently limited. We encourage reporters to carefully consider their own circumstances and, where appropriate, to also utilize reporting mechanisms within their own organizations or relevant regulatory bodies.

The Board remains committed to fostering an environment of ethical conduct throughout our network and will continue to refine our processes as we learn and grow.

Whistleblower and Anonymous Reporting Policy

Last Reviewed: 06/2025

1. Purpose and Scope

This policy establishes guidelines for the submission and handling of concerns regarding potential misconduct, ethical violations, or other issues affecting our organization and its network of affiliated entities. This policy is designed to provide a framework for anonymous reporting while recognizing the practical limitations of our authority and resources.

2. Reporting Mechanism

2.1 Anonymous Reporting Platform

The organization endeavors to maintain an anonymous reporting system that:

• Attempts to preserve the confidentiality of the reporter's identity

• Seeks to provide secure, encrypted communication channels

• Strives to enable two-way communication while maintaining anonymity

• Makes reasonable efforts to protect submitted information from unauthorized access

2.2 Scope of Reports

The system is intended to receive reports concerning:

• Suspected financial irregularities or fraud

• Potential conflicts of interest

• Possible violations of applicable laws or regulations

• Concerns regarding safety or security

• Alleged harassment, discrimination, or other misconduct

• Other matters of significant ethical concern

3. Protections and Limitations

3.1 Anonymity Efforts

The organization will make reasonable attempts to:

• Protect the identity of individuals who submit reports

• Limit access to identifying information to authorized personnel

• Implement appropriate technical and procedural safeguards

• Respect requests for confidentiality to the extent practicable

3.2 Important Limitations

Reporters should understand that:

• Absolute anonymity cannot be guaranteed in all circumstances

• Legal obligations may require disclosure of certain information

• The organization's ability to investigate may be limited by the level of detail provided

• Technical limitations or unforeseen circumstances may affect system security

4. Handling of Reports

4.1 Initial Review

Upon receiving a report, designated personnel will endeavor to:

• Acknowledge receipt through the anonymous communication channel where feasible

• Conduct a preliminary assessment of the concern's credibility and severity

• Determine appropriate next steps based on available information and resources

4.2 Investigation Process

The organization will make reasonable efforts to:

• Investigate credible concerns within the scope of our authority

• Seek additional information through the anonymous channel as needed

• Coordinate with appropriate internal or external parties when warranted

• Balance thoroughness with available resources and practical constraints

4.3 External Organization Concerns

For matters involving external entities:

• We will attempt to raise substantiated concerns through appropriate channels

• We acknowledge our limited authority over independent organizations

• We may suggest alternative reporting avenues when appropriate

• Outcomes will depend on the cooperation and policies of external parties

5. Retaliation

5.1 Non-Retaliation Efforts

The organization opposes retaliation against good faith reporters and will:

• Attempt to design processes that minimize retaliation risks

• Endeavor to address retaliation concerns within our sphere of influence

• Consider retaliation allegations as serious matters warranting review

5.2 Limitations on Protection

We acknowledge that:

• Our ability to prevent retaliation by external organizations is limited

• Employment decisions by other entities remain outside our direct control

• Reporters should consider their own risk tolerance and circumstances

6. Good Faith Reporting

This system is intended for good faith reports of genuine concerns. The organization reserves the right to:

• Decline to pursue reports that appear frivolous or malicious

• Take appropriate action regarding knowingly false reports

• Prioritize resources based on the severity and credibility of concerns

7. Data Retention and Privacy

The organization will make reasonable efforts to:

• Retain report data only as long as necessary for legitimate purposes

• Implement appropriate data security measures

• Comply with applicable privacy laws and regulations

• Balance transparency with confidentiality obligations

8. Policy Administration

8.1 Oversight

This policy is subject to oversight by the Board of Directors, which retains discretion to:

• Modify procedures based on experience and changing circumstances

• Allocate resources according to organizational priorities

• Interpret policy provisions in light of specific situations

8.2 Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed periodically and may be updated to reflect:

• Lessons learned from policy implementation

• Changes in legal or regulatory requirements

• Evolution of best practices in the field

• Modifications to available technology or resources

9. Contact Information

Anonymous Reporting Portal: Anonymous Reporting Form
 

10. Disclaimer

This policy is intended as a general framework and does not create contractual rights or obligations. The organization retains discretion in implementing these guidelines and reserves the right to modify its approach based on specific circumstances. Nothing in this policy should be construed as legal advice, and individuals with specific concerns should consider consulting with appropriate advisors.

This policy reflects the organization's current intentions and practices but remains subject to modification at the discretion of the Board