Whistleblower Policy

1. Purpose. This Policy is intended to encourage and enable staff members, volunteers, officers, and directors to raise concerns within Raft Foundation, Inc. (“The Foundation”) have guidance about which staff or board members or outside parties to whom such information can be reported for investigation and appropriate action. The Policy also exists to ensure that all reporters are protected from retaliation.

2. Policy. If any staff member, volunteer, officer, or director of the Foundation reasonably believes that the Foundation is in violation of any of its adopted policies or that any of the Foundation’s activities, policies, or practices are illegal (i.e., in violation of any applicable federal or state law, regulation, or rule), the Foundation encourages that person to follow the complaint procedure below.

3. Procedure. A staff member or volunteer who wishes to express concern about any policy, practice, or activity of the Foundation may make an oral complaint to the staff member or volunteer’s immediate supervisor. If the staff member or volunteer is not satisfied with the supervisor’s response, the supervisor is the subject of the individual’s concern, or the individual is otherwise uncomfortable speaking with their supervisor, the staff member or volunteer may then make the complaint orally or in writing, about the claimed violation to the Executive Director. If the staff member or volunteer’s supervisor happens to be the Executive Director, the staff member or volunteer may make the complaint to the President. If the position of President is held by the Executive Director, the staff member or volunteer may make the complaint to the Secretary. Directors and officers should submit their complaints in writing directly to the Secretary. If the Secretary is the subject of the director or officer’s concern, they should submit their complaints in writing to the President.

4. Handling of Reported Violations. The Foundation’s Executive Director, or if concerning the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, will promptly investigate all submitted complaints. Appropriate corrective action will be recommended to the Foundation’s Board of Directors if warranted by the investigation.

5. Accounting and Auditing Matters. The Foundation’s Executive Director shall immediately notify the Board of Directors of any concerns or complaints regarding corporate accounting practices, internal controls, or auditing. The Executive Director shall work with the board until the matter is resolved.

6. Acting in Good Faith. Anyone filing a written complaint concerning a violation or suspected violation must act in good faith and have reasonable grounds for believing the disclosed information indicates a violation. A whistleblower who makes a report that is proven to be unsubstantiated AND made with malicious intent is subject to discipline, including termination or other legal means, to protect the reputation of the Foundation and members of the board and staff.

7. No Retaliation. No staff member, volunteer, officer, or director who, in good faith, has submitted a complaint regarding some activity, Policy, or practice of the Foundation shall be subject to retaliation or, in the case of an employee, adverse employment consequences. Moreover, a volunteer or employee who retaliates against someone who has submitted a complaint regarding some activity, Policy, or practice of the Foundation in good faith is subject to discipline up to and including dismissal from the volunteer position or termination of employment. Reports of complaints, and investigations pertaining thereto, shall be kept confidential to the extent possible, consistent with the need to conduct an adequate investigation. 

8. Compliance. The underlying purpose of this Policy is to support The Foundation’s goal of legal compliance. Should it be required, information on how to file a complaint to the New York Attorney General can be found at https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint. Violations occurring in another state may also be reported to the attorney general of that state. The support of all staff members, officers, directors, and volunteers is necessary to achieve compliance with various laws and regulations.