Code of Conduct
Vision: Creating positive outcomes for future generations
Mission:We invest in and partner with grantees and other stakeholders to achieve significant, lasting and measurable results in environmental conservation, science and the San Francisco Bay Area community.
Personal and Professional Integrity: The Foundation expects all its employees and collaborators to act with honesty and integrity.
Compliance with Laws: The Foundation, in all of its actions, world-wide, will fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Open Door Policy: In support of our commitment to legal compliance, the Foundation has implemented an Open Door Policy for Reporting Misconduct and Concerns which encourages appropriate consideration of ethical issues, all in a safe and non-retaliatory environment. The Policy also requires employees to report conduct or activities that are unlawful or in violation of Foundation policies, and provides procedures for prompt investigation.
Conflicts of Interest: The Foundation has a Conflict of Interest Policy that requires conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict to be avoided or appropriately managed through disclosure, recusal or other means.
Governance: The Foundation’s Board of Trustees actively directs and oversees the activities of the Foundation and sets its mission and strategic direction.
Responsible Stewardship: The Foundation manages its endowment, its grantmaking budget and administrative expenses responsibly and prudently. Grant funds are disbursed in a manner consistent with our charitable purposes, our donors’ intent and in support of our vision and mission.
Sharing of Information: The Foundation is committed to providing the public with information about our mission, initiatives, program activities and grantees. Information about the Foundation, including its annual IRS Report on Form 990 and audited financial statements, are available to the public on our website. We promote open sharing of information and data by and between grantees and other stakeholders.
Learning Organization: The Foundation regularly reviews its program and operational effectiveness, and has mechanisms to incorporate lessons learned into future programs and operations.
Grantee Relationships: The Foundation takes an active and involved approach in its relationships with grantseekers and grantees, working to achieve shared outcomes and goals. We seek to collaborate productively with our grantees, other funders and stakeholders. We are committed to treating our grantees and grantseekers with trust, respect, integrity and transparency.