Safety
CSF is committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability in all operations. This policy ensures that board members, officers, employees, contractors, and subrecipients can report concerns about potential misconduct, policy violations, or unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.
Reporting Responsibility
It is the responsibility of all board members, officers, employees, and contractors to report, in good faith, any concerns regarding:
Violations of law, regulation, or CSF policy;
Fraud, financial impropriety, or misuse of organizational resources;
Conflicts of interest or other ethical breaches; or
Actions that could endanger the safety, welfare, or rights of others.
No Retaliation
CSF strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports a concern, participates in an investigation, or refuses to participate in suspected unlawful or unethical activities. Retaliation includes adverse employment action, harassment, or any form of discrimination. Any employee found to have engaged in retaliatory conduct will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Reporting Procedure
Individuals may report concerns verbally or in writing to:
Their direct supervisor;
The Designated Officer (responsible for internal control oversight); or
Any Board member if the concern involves executive leadership.
If the concern involves the Board or a Designated Officer, reports may be directed to the Board Treasurer or Board Chair. Reports may also be submitted confidentially via email or sealed correspondence to the attention of “Whistleblower Review – Confidential.”
Investigation and Oversight
The Designated Officer or designee shall ensure that all concerns are promptly reviewed and investigated. The Designated Officer will maintain a written record of all reports, findings, and resolutions. Findings related to significant legal, financial, or ethical issues must be presented to the Board of Directors for review.
Accounting and Auditing Matters
Any concerns related to accounting, internal controls, or auditing practices shall be reported directly to the Treasurer or Finance Committee, who will ensure independent investigation and corrective action as warranted.
Acting in Good Faith
Anyone filing a complaint must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the information disclosed indicates a violation. Allegations that prove to be intentionally false or made with malicious intent will be treated as a serious disciplinary offense.
Confidentiality
Reports may be submitted confidentially and will be handled to the maximum extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate and fair investigation. Identities of complainants will be protected except when disclosure is necessary for due process or required by law.
Compliance Officer
For the purposes of this policy, the Designated Officer serves as CSF’s Compliance Officer, unless the Board designates another official. The Compliance Officer shall report annually to the Board on the number and nature of reports received and the outcomes of investigations.
Other Reports
Reports of suspected waste, fraud, or abuse should follow CSF’s Disclosures Policy, which outlines reporting channels and federal compliance procedures. This Whistleblower Policy ensures protection from retaliation for anyone making such disclosures in good faith.
Adoption
This policy was adopted by the CSF Board of Directors on 08/31/2025 and applies to all CSF employees, officers, contractors, subrecipients, and board members.
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