About Arthritis Treatments Healthy Living Juvenile Arthritis Professionals Science Get Involved DONATE Your Local Area Sign In Back Code of Ethics This is the Arthritis Foundation’s Code of Ethics to ensure integrity and dignity. Code of Ethics At the Arthritis Foundation, we must earn the trust of our constituents every day. They support our mission because they trust us to be good stewards of resources and uphold rigorous standards of conduct. We have adopted this Code of Ethics to inform employees, volunteers, donors and all other constituents that we will conduct our business with integrity and abide by the highest standards of lawful and ethical behavior. We expect all employees and volunteers to know, embrace and follow this Code. The Arthritis Foundation’s Core Values The conduct of employees and volunteers of the Arthritis Foundation is grounded in integrity and dignity. As we carry out our mission, we must be good stewards of resources, uphold the highest ethical standards and take ownership of our work. We will be honest, act in good faith, deliver on our commitments and be accountable for our actions. We speak up and make sensible decisions. Transparency, openness and responsiveness to public concerns are integral to our culture and behavior. We will put the mission, objectives, policies and reputation of the Arthritis Foundation first and foremost. In the case of errors or omissions, we won’t pass the buck, will admit our mistakes without recriminations and work to improve our processes. Employees and volunteers of the Arthritis Foundation must go beyond simply following the laws and regulations governing our work; we must behave morally and always strive to “do what is right.” We must do our best to strive for operational excellence and deliver awesome results to achieve our mission. We must continually strive to learn, grow and improve. We expect employees and volunteers to be team leaders and players at the same time. Staying focused and making meaningful contributions every day. We will be truthful and accurate in recording, reporting and maintaining information to meet financial and legal obligations. We respect and maintain confidentiality regarding constituents’ records and employees’ personal information, with access requiring appropriate authorization and a legitimate business need. Employees and volunteers must adhere to the principles of the Donor Bill of Rights, adopted by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Association for Healthcare Professionals (AHP) and Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) see attached Exhibit “A”. The Arthritis Foundation’s People Diversity is essential to the Arthritis Foundation’s mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive, productive and professional environment, where volunteers and employees work together with mutual respect. We are sensitive and responsive to those we serve. We prohibit discrimination, harassment, bullying or any form of intimidation based on race, sex, gender identification, age, ethnic origin, religion, disabilities, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law. Violation may result in termination of employment or volunteer services. We promote a working environment that values respect, fairness and open communications, where employees and volunteers feel comfortable asking questions, making suggestions and raising concerns. We work to protect and ensure the proper use of Arthritis Foundation assets as good stewards of our resources, keeping accurate records and following Foundation network and computer protocols and privacy policy standards. Employees and volunteers must report any policies or practices they believe are inappropriate to: their supervisor, who is the best person to speak to in most cases; a human resources representative; or through the nationwide, toll-free number available on the Arthritis Foundation intranet and website. The Way the Arthritis Foundation Conducts Business We will grant all competitive suppliers equal consideration in accordance with state or federal statutes and the Arthritis Foundation’s policies, conducting business in good faith, avoiding or disclosing any conflicts of interest and obtaining maximum value. We strive to spend most of our annual budget on mission-related programs and services, meeting or exceeding national standards. Conflicts of Interest In any transaction, Arthritis Foundation employees and volunteers must place the interests of our organization above personal gain or interest and disclose all facts when there is a potential conflict of interest. Arthritis Foundation employees must refrain from accepting gifts or favors of monetary value not in compliance with the Foundation’s gifts and gratuities policy or engaging in private business or professional activities where there is, or might appear to be, a conflict of interest. The Arthritis Foundation’s conflict of interest policy ensures disclosure of conflicts by volunteers and employees. Any conflict of interest, or appearance of such, must be appropriately managed by disclosure, recusal and/or other means. Roadmap For Ethical Decision Making Recognize your responsibility to do what is right. Use good judgment and avoid even the suggestion of improper behavior. If ever in doubt, ask yourself: Would I be comfortable telling my family, friends and co-workers what I did? Would I want my actions to be reported in the news? Do my actions demonstrate respect for my fellow employees, partners, constituents and others we serve? Would I feel okay if a co-worker, volunteer, vendor or other partner acted this way toward me? Will it be a positive reflection on me and the Foundation? Is it consistent with and support the Foundation’s Code of Ethics and our values? Is it legal? If the answer is “NO” to any of these questions, don’t do it. Exhibit “A” The Donor Bill of Rights Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights: To be informed of the organization's mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization's governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities To have access to the organization's most recent financial statements. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given. This includes clarification of the donor’s intent at the outset of a funding relationship, volunteer willingness and capacity, and expected duration of ongoing support. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors. Professional advisors, consultant, referral sources or any others seeking to influence a donor’s philanthropic decision will inform the donor of any conflicts of interest, referral fees, dual retention arrangements or other such agreements. To expect that the donors’ names and personal information will not be shared, sold or rented. This includes assurance that each donor’s privacy is adequately protected, including internal management and technology controls to prevent inadvertent or unwanted disclosure of personal information. The Inver Hills Foundation collects the following donor information: name, phone number, email address, and physical address. It is collected via website, when an individual donates or fills out a pledge form. The information is used to send a gift receipt, acknowledge the gift in annual report, for future solicitations, and for event invitations. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers. The Donor Bill of Rights was created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Giving Institute: Leading Consultants to Non-Profits. Reprinted with permission from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes. Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others. First Name* Last Name* Email Address* Zip Code* Phone Number Do you have arthritis? Yes Get Involved Live Yes! Arthritis Community Live Yes! Connect Group Live Yes! Online Community Local Office Events Webinars Blog Store About About Us Annual Report Careers Code Of Ethics Financials Privacy Notice Terms of Use Espanol Join Us Jingle Bell Run Let's Get a Grip on Arthritis JA Camps Walk to Cure Arthritis Home Office 1355 Peachtree St NE Suite 600 Atlanta, GA 30309 Helpline: 1.800.283.7800 Contact Us Atlanta, GA 57° Arthritis Index BENEFICIAL See More Details Arthritis Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) EIN 58-1341679 I Want to Contribute I Need Help Donate Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Volunteer Join us and become a Champion of Yes. There are many volunteer opportunities available. Live Yes! INSIGHTS Take part to be among those changing lives today and changing the future of arthritis. Partner Proud Partners of the Arthritis Foundation make an annual commitment to directly support the Foundation’s mission. Donate Ways to Give Every gift to the Arthritis Foundation will help people with arthritis across the U.S. live their best life. Whether it is supporting cutting-edge research, 24/7 access to one-on-one support, resources and tools for daily living, and more, your gift will be life-changing. Make a Donation Help millions of people live with less pain and fund groundbreaking research to discover a cure for this devastating disease. Please, make your urgently-needed donation to the Arthritis Foundation now! Become a Member Become an Arthritis Foundation member today for just $20 and you'll receive access to helpful tools..... and more. Make a Honor or Memorial Gift Honor a loved one with a meaningful donation to the Arthritis Foundation. We'll send a handwritten card to the honoree or their family notifying them of your thoughtful gift. Gift Planning I want information on ways to remember the AF in my will, trust or other financial planning vehicles. Other Ways to Give Match Gift Donate a Car Donor-Advised Funds