Whistleblower Policy

One Familee is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency. This policy provides a framework for reporting concerns and protecting those who report in good faith.

Effective Date: September 20, 2025

1. Purpose and Commitment

One Familee is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in all our operations. This Whistleblower Policy establishes procedures for:

  • The reporting of suspected wrongful conduct by directors, officers, employees, and volunteers
  • The receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints
  • The protection of individuals who report concerns in good faith

As an organization dedicated to radical transparency and direct individual support, we encourage open communication and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all:

  • Board members and officers
  • Employees (full-time, part-time, and temporary)
  • Volunteers
  • Contractors and consultants
  • Anyone acting on behalf of One Familee

3. Reportable Concerns

3.1 Types of Concerns

You should report suspected violations including but not limited to:

Financial Misconduct

  • Fraud or deliberate error in financial statements
  • Misappropriation of funds or assets
  • Improper use of donor funds
  • Falsification of donation records
  • Unauthorized use of organizational resources

Legal and Regulatory Violations

  • Violations of federal, state, or local laws
  • Non-compliance with IRS regulations for 501(c)(3) organizations
  • Violations of Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) for India operations
  • Breach of donor privacy or data protection laws

Ethical Violations

  • Conflicts of interest not properly disclosed
  • Discrimination or harassment
  • Retaliation against whistleblowers
  • Misrepresentation of beneficiary needs or circumstances
  • False or misleading information to donors

Operational Concerns

  • Failure to properly vet beneficiaries
  • Misuse of volunteer information
  • Breach of confidentiality
  • Actions that compromise our transparency commitment
  • Health and safety violations

3.2 Good Faith Reporting

Reports must be made in good faith. You are not required to prove your concern but must have reasonable belief that wrongdoing has occurred or may occur.

4. Reporting Procedures

4.1 Reporting Channels

Concerns may be reported through multiple channels:

Primary Channel:

Alternative Channels:

  • Direct report to the Board Chair
  • Direct report to any Board member
  • Written letter to: One Familee, Attn: Board of Directors [Mailing Address]

For Financial Concerns:

  • Report directly to the Treasurer or Finance Committee Chair
  • Email: info@onefamilee.org (Subject: "Financial Concern - Confidential")

4.2 Anonymous Reporting

  • Anonymous reports are accepted and will be investigated
  • Consider providing contact information to facilitate investigation
  • Anonymous reporters cannot be guaranteed protection from retaliation

4.3 Information to Include

When making a report, please provide:

  • Detailed description of the concern
  • Names of individuals involved
  • Dates, times, and locations
  • Supporting documentation if available
  • Witnesses who may have information
  • Any attempts to address the issue previously

5. Investigation Process

5.1 Initial Receipt

  • All reports will be acknowledged within 48 hours (if contact information provided)
  • Initial assessment conducted within 5 business days
  • Determination of appropriate investigation approach

5.2 Investigation Committee

Depending on the nature of the complaint:

  • Financial matters: Treasurer and Finance Committee
  • Governance matters: Board Chair and Governance Committee
  • Operational matters: Executive Director and designated Board member
  • Conflicts involving leadership: Independent Board committee

5.3 Investigation Procedures

  • Maintain confidentiality to the extent possible
  • Conduct fair and impartial investigation
  • Interview relevant parties and review documentation
  • Document all findings and decisions
  • Complete investigation within 30 days when feasible

5.4 Corrective Action

If wrongdoing is substantiated:

  • Appropriate corrective action will be taken
  • May include disciplinary action up to termination
  • Legal authorities notified if required
  • Internal controls strengthened to prevent recurrence

6. Protection Against Retaliation

6.1 No Retaliation Policy

One Familee strictly prohibits retaliation against anyone who:

  • Makes a good faith report of suspected wrongdoing
  • Participates in an investigation
  • Opposes practices believed to violate law or policy

6.2 Forms of Prohibited Retaliation

  • Termination or demotion
  • Harassment or discrimination
  • Reduction in volunteer opportunities
  • Exclusion from activities or communications
  • Any adverse action affecting terms of engagement

6.3 Reporting Retaliation

If you experience retaliation:

  • Report immediately using the channels above
  • Retaliation complaints receive priority investigation
  • Confirmed retaliation results in disciplinary action

7. External Reporting

7.1 Government Agencies

Nothing in this policy prevents reporting to:

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • State Attorney General
  • Federal or state law enforcement
  • Other appropriate government agencies

7.2 Legal Rights

This policy does not limit legal rights under federal or state whistleblower laws.

Contact Information

For questions about this policy, please contact us at info@onefamilee.org

Last updated: October 4, 2025