NAM believes in transparency....
Annual Reports
Form 990
NAM 2020 (fye 9-30-21) - Public Post Copy
NAM 2019 (fye 9-30-20) - Public Post Copy
NAM 2018 (fye 9-30-19) - Public Post Copy
NAM 2017 (fye9-30-18) - Public Post Copy
NAM 2016 (fye2017) – Public Post Copy
Audited Financials
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT
Reason for Statement
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM), as a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization, depends on charitable contributions from the public and funding from other sources. Maintenance of its tax-exempt status is important both for its continued financial stability and for the receipt of contributions and public support. Therefore, the operations of NAM first must fulfill all legal requirements. NAM depends on the public trust and thus is subject to scrutiny by and accountability to both governmental authorities and members of the public.
Consequently, there exists between NAM and its boards (Board of Trustees and Endowment Board), officers, and employees a fiduciary duty that carries with it a broad and unbending duty of loyalty and fidelity. The boards, officers, and employees have the responsibility of administering the affairs of NAM honestly and prudently, and of exercising their best care, skill, and judgment for the sole benefit of NAM. Those persons shall exercise the utmost good faith in all transactions involved in their duties, and they shall not use their positions with NAM or knowledge gained there for their personal benefit. The interests of NAM must have the first priority in all decisions and actions.
Persons Concerned
This statement is directed not only to board members and officers, but to all employees who can influence the actions of NAM. For example, but not by way of limitation, this includes all who make purchasing decisions, all other persons who might be described as “management personnel,” and all persons who have proprietary information concerning NAM or its clients.
Key Areas in Which Conflict May AriseConflicts of interest may arise in the relations of board members, officers, and employees with any of the following third parties:
• Persons and firms supplying goods and services to NAM
• Persons and firms from whom NAM leases property and equipment
• Persons and firms with whom NAM is dealing or planning to deal in connection with the gift, purchase or sale of real estate, securities, or other property
• Competing or affinity organizations
• Donors and others supporting NAM
• Recipients of grants from NAM
• Agencies, organizations, and associations that affect the operations of NAM
• Family members, friends, and other employees
• Clients of NAM
Nature of Conflicting InterestA material conflicting interest may be defined as an interest, direct or indirect, with any persons and firms mentioned above. Such an interest might arise, for example, but not by way of limitation through
1. Owning stock or holding debt or other proprietary interests in any third party dealing with NAM
2. Holding office, serving on the board, participating in management, or being otherwise employed (or formerly employed) by any third party dealing with NAM
3. Receiving remuneration for services with respect to individual transactions involving NAM
4. Using NAM’s time, personnel, equipment, supplies, or goodwill other than for approved NAM activities, programs, and purposes
5. Receiving personal gifts or loans from third parties dealing with NAM. Receipt of any gift is disapproved except gifts of nominal value that could not be refused without discourtesy. No personal gift of money should ever be accepted.
Interpretation of This Statement of Policy
The areas of conflicting interest listed above, and the relations in those areas that may give rise to conflict, also as listed above, are not exhaustive. Conceivably, conflicts might arise in other areas or through other relations. It is assumed that the board members, officers, and employees will recognize such areas and relation by analogy.
The fact that one of the interests described above exists does not mean necessarily that a conflict exists, or that the conflict, if it exists, is material enough to be of practical importance, or if material that upon full disclosure of all relevant facts and circumstances that it is necessarily adverse to the interests of NAM.
However, it is the policy of the Board that the existence of any of the interests described above shall be disclosed on a timely basis and always before any transaction is consummated. It shall be the continuing responsibility of board members, officers, and employees to scrutinize their transactions and outside business interests and relationships for potential conflicts and to immediately make such disclosures.
Disclosure Policy and Procedure
Full disclosure of conflicts or potential conflicts is required. Transactions with related parties may be undertaken only if all of the following are observed:
1. A material transaction is fully disclosed in the audited financial statements of the organization;
2. The related party is excluded from the discussion and approval of such transaction;
3. A competitive bid or comparable valuation exists; and
4. NAM’s Board has acted upon and demonstrated that the transaction is in the best interest of the organization.
Staff disclosures should be made to the Chief Executive Officer (or if he or she is the one with the conflict, then to the Governance & Nominating Committee), who shall determine whether a conflict exists and is material, and if the matters are material, bring them to the attention of the Executive Committee.
Disclosure involving board members should be made to the Governance & Nominating Committee.
The Board shall determine whether a conflict exists and is material, and in the presence of an existing material conflict, whether the contemplated transaction may be authorized as just, fair, and reasonable to NAM. The decision of the Board on these matters will rest in their sole discretion, and their concern must be the welfare of NAM and the advancement of its purpose.