Our Policies

Heirs of Mountain Home > Our Policies

The Heirs of Mountain Home is an Alabama Nonprofit Corporation, recognized by the IRS as an exempt charity. The policies that have been established create reasonable and responsible boundaries for the organization to operate effectively, efficiently, and openly – all to ensure the betterment and long term care of this place we call Mountain Home.

Policies

General Policies

Our general policies closely resemble the things we were taught as children, and further the things we learned from the Bible.

  1. To act in a responsible and courteous manner at all times.
  2. To treat others as we would like to be treated.
  3. To show and share the Love of Christ in all situations.
  4. To ensure compliance with all regulations to maintain our nonprofit status.
  5. To provide information and assistance as needed.
  6. To show our thankfulness and gratitude to others.

Below is the entirety of our formal policies for the following topics:

Gift Acceptance Policy

Investment Policy

Code of Ethics & Conduct Policy

Conflict of Interest Policy

GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICY

It is important for Heirs of Mountain Home directors, officers, committee members, advisory board members, and staff (if the Corporation ever grows to the point of having staff) to be have a structured policy regarding gifts acceptance by the Corporation. To that end, this policy is being implemented prior to the Corporation actively seeking current or future gifts that can contribute to the mission of current, ongoing, and long-term care of Mountain Home.

The purpose of the gift acceptance policy is to protect the corporation’s reputation, tax-exempt status, charitable purposes, and to avoid excessive financial burdens or expenditures on the part of the Corporation to accept a gift offered by a donor.

The policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing acceptance of gifts applicable to nonprofit and charitable Corporations.

Any changes to this policy or exceptions to this policy shall require a Unanimous Written Consent of the then serving Board of Directors (Governing Body), whether in conjunction with recommendations of any authorized committee working on behalf of the Corporation.

ARTICLE I

POLICY AND PURPOSES

This Policy represents the policy of the Heirs of Mountain Home (the “Corporation”) governing the solicitation and acceptance of gifts by the Corporation. The board of directors or authorized committee (“Governing Body”) of the Corporation solicit current and deferred gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and others for purposes that will further and fulfill the Corporation’s mission.  Purposes of this Policy include:

(a) guidance for the Governing Body, officers, authorized committees, and other constituencies with respect to their responsibilities concerning gifts to the Corporation; and,

(b) guidance to prospective donors and their professional advisors when making gifts to the Corporation.

The provisions of this Policy shall apply to all gifts received by the Corporation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Corporation reserves the right to revise or revoke this Policy at any time, and to make exceptions to the Policy on a case-by-case basis. Any revision, revocation, or exceptions shall be via Unanimous Written Consent of the Governing Body.

The mission of the Corporation is: To inspire and empower a community to action in similar fashion to that used by the founding generations to build this community by, sharing their love of God, Family, Country, and Community. The mission of the Heirs of Mountain Home is to implement programs that engage members of the community, build stronger bonds of brotherly love in the community, secure the necessary financial resources to restore, repair, and maintain the grounds, structures, and grave markers while preparing for the long-term future care of this special place. 

To accomplish this mission, we have implemented a Veteran’s program to honor and remember those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, and will implement a Christian Fellowship to build upon the connectedness of those who live in the community or have family ties to the community, a history program that will help current and future generations to know more about their past and about their ancestors, many of which were part of the founding generations that forged the community in the 1800’s. We will also implement a program to undertake the work of restoration, repair, and maintenance of the grounds, structures, and grave markers, and to enlist the older generations with such skills knowledge to share and teach the younger generations.

ARTICLE II

USE OF LEGAL COUNSEL

A. The Corporation.  The Corporation shall seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate. Review by legal counsel is recommended for:

  • Closely held stock transfers that are subject to restrictions or buy-sell agreements;
  • Documents naming the Corporation as trustee;
  • Gifts involving contracts such as bargain sales, partnership agreements, or other documents requiring the Corporation to assume an obligation;
  • Transactions with a potential conflict of interest;
  • Gifts of real estate;
  • Pledge agreements;
  • Any gift with restrictions; and
  • Any other potential gift that falls outside the policies clearly stated herein.

B.  Donor.  For non-standard gifts, in order to avoid potential of any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest, the Corporation should encourage prospective donors to seek the assistance of their own legal and financial advisors in matters relating to their gifts and the resulting tax and estate planning consequences. 

ARTICLE III

GENERAL POLICY

The Corporation shall not accept gifts that:

  • Violate the terms of the Corporation’s Organizational documents;
  • Would jeopardize the Corporation’s status as an exempt corporation under federal or state law;
  • Are too difficult or expensive to administer;
  • Are for purposes that do not further the Corporation’s mission and objectives;
  • Are or appear to be in conflict with the Corporation’s Articles of Faith included in the Bylaws, or,

(6) Could damage the reputation of the Corporation.

Subject to Article IV below, all final decisions on the acceptance or refusal of a gift, shall be made by the Governing Body.

ARTICLE IV

POLICY REGARDING SPECIFIC TYPES OF GIFTS

  1. Gifts Generally Accepted Without Review (Unrestricted Gifts of Cash).  The Corporation will accept unrestricted gifts of cash without prior review by the Governing Body, provided that, for donations of $10,000.00 or more, the identity of the donor has been vetted with respect to any reputational or policy issues.  Unrestricted gifts of cash are acceptable in any form.  Checks shall be made payable to the Corporation.
  • Gifts Subject to Governing Body Review Prior to Acceptance.  All gifts, other than unrestricted gifts of cash, must be reviewed by the Governing Body prior to acceptance, unless the Governing Body authorizes certain de minimis gifts or categories of gifts to be accepted without its review. The following guidelines also apply:
  • Tangible Personal Property: The Governing Body shall review and decide whether to accept gifts of tangible personal property by considering the following factors:
  • Whether the property furthers the mission of the Corporation;
    • The marketability of the property;
    • The restrictions on the use, display, or sale of the property; and
    • Carrying costs and possible liability for the property.
  • Marketable Securities:
  • Unrestricted marketable securities may be transferred to an account maintained by the Corporation at one or more brokerage firms or delivered physically with the transferor’s signature or stock power attached.  All marketable securities shall normally be sold as soon as practical following receipt, unless otherwise directed by the Corporation’s Governing Body.
  • If the marketable securities are restricted by applicable securities laws, the Governing Body shall make the final determination on the acceptance of the restricted securities.   
  • Closely-Held Securities:  Closely-held securities, including debt and equity positions in non-publicly traded companies, interests in LLPs and LLCs, or other ownership forms, can be accepted subject to the approval of the Governing Body of the Corporation.  The Governing Body shall review and decide whether to accept closely held securities based on the following factors:
  • Restrictions on the security that would prevent the Corporation from ultimately converting the securities to cash;
  • The marketability of the securities; and
  • Any undesirable consequences for the Corporation from accepting the securities.

If potential problems arise on initial review of the security, further review and recommendation by an outside professional may be sought before making a final decision on acceptance of the gift. The final determination on the acceptance of closely held securities shall be made by the Governing Body of the Corporation with advice of legal counsel when deemed necessary. Non-marketable securities shall be sold as quickly as possible.

  • Bequests:  Donors may make bequests to the Corporation under their wills and trusts.  A bequest will not be recorded as a gift until the gift is irrevocable.  When the gift is irrevocable, but is not due until a future date, the gift will be recorded in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Charitable Lead Trusts:  The Corporation may accept designations as income beneficiary of a charitable lead trust.  The Corporation may accept an appointment as trustee of a charitable lead trust.
  • Retirement Plan Beneficiary Designations:  The Corporation may accept designations as beneficiary of donors’ retirement plans.  Designations will not be recorded as gifts until the gift is irrevocable.  When the gift is irrevocable, the gift will be recorded in accordance with GAAP.
  • Life Insurance:  The Corporation may accept designations as beneficiary and owner of a life insurance policy.  The life insurance policy will be recorded as a gift once the Corporation is named as both beneficiary and irrevocable owner of a life insurance policy.  The gift shall be valued in accordance with GAAP rules. If the donor contributes future premium payments, the Corporation will include the entire amount of the additional premium payment as a gift in the year that it is made.  If the donor does not elect to continue to make gifts to cover premium payments on the life insurance policy, the Corporation may:
  • Continue to pay the premiums;
    • Convert the policy to paid up insurance, or
    • Surrender the policy for its current cash value.

Donors may name the Corporation as beneficiary or contingent beneficiary of their life insurance policies.  Designations will not be recorded as gifts until the gift is irrevocable.  Where the gift is irrevocable, the gift shall be recorded in accordance with GAAP.

  • Real Estate:  Gifts of real estate may include developed property, undeveloped property, or gifts subject to a prior life interest. 

Environmental Review.  Prior to acceptance of real estate, the Corporation shall require an initial environmental review of the property to ensure that the property has no environmental problem.  If the initial inspection reveals a potential problem, the Corporation shall retain a qualified inspection firm to conduct an environmental audit.  The cost of the environmental audit shall be an expense of the donor.

Title Binder.  A title binder shall be obtained by the Corporation prior to the acceptance of the real property gift when appropriate.  The cost of this title binder shall be an expense of the donor.

Factors for Acceptance.  The Governing Body and legal counsel shall review and decide whether to accept real property based on the following factors:

  • Whether the property is useful for the purposes of the Corporation;
  • The marketability of the property;
  • Any encumbrances, leases, restrictions, reservations, easements, or other limitations associated with the property;
  • Any carrying costs associated with the property, including insurance, property taxes, mortgages, notes or other costs;
  • Any concerns which the environmental audit revealed.
  • Remainder Interests in Property:  The Corporation will accept a remainder interest in a personal residence, farm, commercial property, or vacation property subject to the provisions above of Article IV.  The donor or other occupants may continue to occupy the real property for the duration of the stated life.  At the death of the life tenant(s), the Corporation may use the property or reduce it to cash.  Expenses for maintenance, real estate taxes, and any property indebtedness shall be paid by the donor or primary beneficiary.

(10)  Restricted Gifts:  A gift with restrictions will be accepted only if and when the restrictions are approved by the Governing Body.       

 (11) Named Funds:  A donor, or group of donors, may contribute and name a fund and restrict the use of the income or principal of the fund.  Named funds require a minimum contribution of $100,000.00 and are subject to Governing Body approval like any other restricted gift. 

ARTICLE V

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS

  1. Gift Agreements.  Where appropriate, the Corporation shall enter into a written gift agreement with the donor, specifying the terms of any restricted gift, which may include provisions regarding donor recognition. 
  • Pledge Agreements. Acceptance by the Corporation of pledges by donors of future support of the Corporation (including by way of matching gift commitments) shall be contingent upon the execution and fulfillment of a written charitable pledge agreement specifying the terms of the pledge, which may include provisions regarding donor recognition.
  • Fees.  The Corporation will not accept a gift unless the donor is responsible for:         
    (1) the fees of independent legal counsel retained by donor for completing the gift;    
    (2) appraisal fees;
    (3) environmental audits and title binders (in the case of real property); and,     
    (4) all other third-party fees associated with the transfer of the gift to the Corporation.
  • Valuation of Gifts.  The Corporation shall record gifts received at their valuation on the date of gift, except that, when a gift is irrevocable, but is not due until a future date, the gift may be recorded at the time the gift becomes irrevocable in accordance with GAAP.
  • IRS Filings upon Sale of Gifts.  To the extent applicable, the Governing Body shall file IRS Form 8282 upon the sale or disposition of any charitable deduction property sold within three (3) years of receipt by the Corporation. “Charitable deduction property” means any donated property (other than money and publicly traded securities) if the value claimed by the donor exceeds $5,000 per item or group of similar items donated by the donor to one or more donee Corporations (e.g., the property listed in Section B on Form 8283).  The Corporation shall file this form within 125 days of the date of sale or disposition of the asset.  NOTE: This section of the policy shall be reviewed annually and updated as required based on changes in the requirements for filings from the IRS.
  • Written Acknowledgement.  The Governing Body of the Corporation shall provide written acknowledgement of all gifts made to the Corporation and comply with the current IRS requirements in acknowledgement of the gifts. 
  • Changes to or Deviations from the Policy.  This Policy has been reviewed and accepted by the Corporation’s Governing Body, which has the sole power to change this Policy.  In addition, the Governing Body must approve in writing through Unanimous Written Consent, any deviations from this Policy.

H. Donor Recognition. If requested by the donor, the Corporation will publicly acknowledge them as a donor on the Corporation website. The Corporation will not endorse or sell products as part of a corporate donation.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

INVESTMENT POLICY

Purpose of Investment Policy

            The purpose of this Investment Policy is to provide a clear statement of the Corporation’s investment objective, to define the responsibilities of the Board of Directors and any other parties involved in managing the Corporation’s investments, and to identify or provide target asset allocations, permissible investments and diversification requirements.

Investment Objective

            The overall investment objective of the Corporation is to maximize the return on invested assets while minimizing risk and expenses. This is done through prudent investing and planning, as well as through the maintenance of a diversified portfolio.

            The long-term objective for the Heirs of Mountain Home is to make the best use of all funding received by the Corporation for the ongoing and future care of Mountain Home. At the time this policy is enacted, it is not known if or when there will be sufficient funds available to make any investments to leverage funds received to earn additional funding. This policy is being put into place to lay the foundational processes that will be used to make any investment. Further, the Corporation will never engage in high-risk or speculative investment practices.  

General Provisions

  • All transactions shall be for the sole benefit of the Corporation.
  • The Directors shall consider updating the Corporation’s investment policy on an annual basis.
  • The Directors shall conduct an annual review of the Corporation’s investment assets to verify the existence and marketability of the underlying assets or satisfy themselves that such a review has been conducted in connection with an independent audit (if any) of the Corporation’s financial statements.
  • Any investment that is not expressly permitted under this Policy must be formally reviewed and approved by the Directors.
  • The Directors will endeavor to operate the Corporation’s investment program in compliance with all applicable state, federal and local laws and regulations concerning management of investment assets.
  • Investments shall be diversified with a view to minimizing risk.

Delegation of Responsibility; Reliance on Experts and Advisors

  • The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for the investment and management of the Corporation’s investment assets.
  • The Board may delegate authority over the Corporation’s investments to a properly formed and constituted Investment Committee, being a Board Committee comprised only of directors.
  • The Board or Board Committee may hire outside experts as investment consultants or investment managers.
  • The Board may also establish an advisory committee (which may include non-directors) to provide investment advice to the Board or to the Board Committee.  Advisory committees have no authority to act for the Board, but may monitor compliance with the investment policy, recommend changes, and assist the Board or Board Committee in selecting and retaining Investment Managers to execute this Investment Policy.

Responsibilities of the Board, or if Authority is Delegated,  the Investment Committee

The Board, or if authority is delegated, the Investment Committee, is charged with the responsibility of managing the investment assets of the Corporation. The specific responsibilities of the Board or the Investment Committee, as applicable, include:      

  1. Communicating the Corporation’s financial needs to the Investment Managers on a timely basis.
  2. Determining the Corporation’s risk tolerance and investment horizon and communicating these to the appropriate parties.
  3. Establishing reasonable and consistent investment objectives, policy guidelines and allocations which will direct the investment of the assets, to be reviewed by the Board on an annual basis.
  4. Prudently and diligently selecting one or more qualified investment professionals, including investment managers(s), investment consultant(s), and custodian(s).
  5. Regularly evaluating the performance of investment manager(s) to assure adherence to policy guidelines and to monitor investment objective progress.
  6. Developing and enacting proper control procedures; e.g., replacing investment manager(s) due to a fundamental change in the investment management process, or for failure to comply with established guidelines.

Responsibilities of Investment Managers

  • Each investment manager will invest assets placed in his, her or its care in accordance with this investment policy.
  • Each investment manager must acknowledge in writing acceptance of responsibility as a fiduciary.
  • Each investment manager will have full discretion in making all investment decisions for the assets placed under his, her or its care and management, while operating within all policies, guidelines, constraints, and philosophies outlined in this Investment Policy.  Specific responsibilities of investment manager(s) include:      
  • Discretionary investment management, including decisions to buy, sell, or hold individual securities, and to alter allocation within the guidelines established in this statement.
  • Reporting, on a timely basis, monthly investment performance results.
  • Communicating any major changes in the economic outlook, investment strategy, or any other factors that affect implementation of investment process.
  • Informing the Board, or if authority is delegated, the Investment Committee, regarding any changes in portfolio management personnel, ownership structure, investment philosophy, etc.
  • Voting proxies, if requested by the Board, or if authority is delegated, the Investment Committee, on behalf of the Corporation.
  • Administering the Corporation’s investments at reasonable cost, balanced with avoiding a compromise of quality. These costs include, but are not limited to, management and custodial fees, consulting fees, transaction costs and other administrative costs chargeable to the Corporation.

General Investment Guidelines

  • A copy of this Investment Policy shall be provided to all Investment Managers.
  • Board resolution(s) passed regarding additional Investment Policy, Requirements, Authorizations, or other shall be provided to all Investment Managers.
  • The Corporation is a tax-exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  This tax-exempt status should be taken into consideration when making Corporation investments. [Application to the IRS is forthcoming as of the date of this policy, once exemption has been granted, this policy will be updated to reflect the approve.]
  • The Corporation is expected to operate in perpetuity, but the current global economies and uncertainties dictate an ultra-conservative approach; therefore, a 5-year investment horizon shall be employed at such time as there is funding available for investment purposes. Interim fluctuations should be viewed with appropriate perspective. At some future date, if the climate of global economies and uncertainties improves significantly and remains improved for a period of not less than two years, the then serving Board of Directors may choose to increase the investment horizon to 10 years. 
  • A cash account shall be maintained with a zero to very low risk tolerance to keep cash available for operational expenses, tax obligations and other anticipated expenses. These cash and cash equivalent accounts combined with zero or low-risk fixed income investments will make up the lion’s share of the Corporate portfolio.
  • Transactions shall be executed at reasonable cost, taking into consideration prevailing market conditions and services and research provided by the executing broker.

Permitted investments include: Cash and cash equivalents, e.g., Cash, Bank accounts, Short-term, liquid securities (such as Commercial paper, Short-term government bonds, Treasury bills, Money market funds, as well as fixed income securities: e.g., Certificates of Deposit (CD), Bonds, U.S. Treasuries, Corporate, or Municipal Bonds. Mutual Funds, or ETFs, and marketable securities including equities.

No fixed income security shall have an equivalent credit quality below investment grade at the time of purchase, defined as:    

  1. BBB by Standard & Poors for straight bonds and convertibles
  2. Baa3 by Moody’s Investor Service for straight bonds and convertibles
  3. A1 by Standard & Poors for short term securities
  4. P1 by Moody’s Investor Service for short-term securities
  5. AAA for money market accounts

The following transactions are prohibited: Purchase of non-negotiable securities, derivatives, high risk or junk bonds, private placements, precious metals, commodities, short sales, any margin transactions, straddles, warrants, options, life insurance contracts, leverage or letter stock.

Diversification

  • The Corporation will always maintain a conservative and reasonable diversification of investment assets between asset classes and investment categories.
  • Investments in the equity securities of any one company shall not exceed 3% of the portfolio nor shall the total securities position (debt and equity) in any one company exceed 8% of the portfolio.
  • Reasonable sector allocations and diversification shall be maintained. No more than 8% of the entire portfolio may be invested in the equities securities of any one sector.
  • Investments within the investment portfolio should be readily marketable.
  • The investment portfolio should not be a blind pool; each investment must be available for review.

Asset Allocation

The asset allocation policy shall be predicated on the following factors:

  1. Historical performance of capital markets adjusted for the perception of the future short and long-term capital market performance.
  2. The correlation of returns among the relevant asset classes.
  3. The perception of future economic conditions, including inflation and interest rate assumptions.
  4. Liquidity requirements for the projected mission related charitable expenditures.
  5. The relationship between the current and projected assets of the Corporation and projected liabilities.
  6. Impacts of global economic insecurities, disasters and wars that have direct impacts on the capital markets, inflation, interest rates, availability of capital, and similar matters.

Allocation Range

The Corporation has developed the following allocation and range based on the primary Corporate investment objective to make the best use of all funding received by the Corporation for the ongoing and future care of Mountain Home. This objective requires conservative, low-risk investment options for the majority of any investments made, whether they are unrestricted or restricted use investments.

The Board may revisit and revise the allocation range based on the general investment guidelines shown previously in this policy, in conjunction with consultation with the Investment Manager(s), Broker(s), or Consultant(s). 

Asset Allocation RangeTargetUpper limit
Cash & Equivalents Cash, Bank accounts, Short-term, liquid securities (such as Commercial paper, Short-term government bonds, Treasury bills, Money market funds50%40 – 80%
Fixed Income Certificates of Deposit (CD), Bonds, U.S. Treasuries, Corporate, or Municipal Bonds. Mutual Funds, ETFs40%0 – 60%
Equities: Domestic Large Cap5%0 – 10%
Equities: Domestic Small/Mid Cap5%0 – 10%

Rebalancing shall be done on a semi-annual basis or more frequently if deemed necessary.

Performance

Performance objectives are to be met on a net of fees basis.  The investment performance of each asset allocation class will be measured on two levels: against inflation objectives for the total Corporation and against index objectives for individual portfolio components. 

Investment performance shall be measured no less than quarterly on a net of fees basis.  Performance shall be evaluated on a two-three-year basis to allow for reasonable market fluctuations and volatility.

# # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

CODE OF ETHICS & CONDUCT POLICY

ARTICLE I

Summary of Policy

The successful operation and reputation of the Heirs of Mountain Home is built upon the principles of fair dealing and ethical conduct of all directors, officers, committee members, advisory committee members, and volunteers (an employees should the corporation go to that level in the future, which is not expected). Our reputation for integrity and excellence requires careful observance of the spirit and letter of all applicable laws and regulations, as well as a scrupulous regard for the highest standards of conduct and personal integrity, using the Holy Bible as our guide.

The Heirs of Mountain Home will comply with all applicable laws and regulations and expects its directors, officers, and others associated with its operation to conduct business in accordance with the letter, spirit, and intent of all relevant laws and the instructions and examples provided in the Holy Bible, and to refrain from any illegal, dishonest, or unethical conduct.

Code of Ethics Summary

To Live by The Golden Rule – to treat others as we want to be treated, to love our neighbors of ourselves.

To be aware we live in a fallen world and maintain our commitment to living as Christians, following the instructions and teachings given to us in the Holy Bible which is the Word of God.

To act with integrity in everything we do.

To take responsibility for our decisions and their consequences.

We are committed to:

  • Acting honestly, truthfully and with integrity in all that we do and with all who we interact.
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest, and appropriately handling actual or apparent conflicts of interest.
  • Treating everyone fairly, with dignity and respect, in accordance with the Golden Rule
  • Being responsible, transparent, and accountable for our actions.
  • Acting responsibly toward the community in which we work and for the benefit of the community that we serve.
  • Continually align our priorities with our values.
  • Complying with both the spirit and the letter of the law.
  • Having and exercising an extra-mile attitude in all that we do for the Glory of God.

To be the type of people envisioned in the Golden Rule and to live for Christ, boldly;

* To care more than others may think is wise

* To risk more than others think is safe

* To dream more than others think is practical

* To expect more than others this is possible

* To work more than others think is necessary (to do more than our fair share)

* To be obedient to the Holy Spirit when others disagree or dismiss.

ARTICLE II

How were the Foundation of our Ethical Standards Determined

The Historical Impacts of Education on Ethical and Moral Behavior and
Strength of Character and Integrity in the United States

At the beginning of colonial times, and continuing forward, the education system was heavily influenced by European intellectuals. Their beliefs regarding education, human potential, and learning still shape much of American education.

During the revolutionary period (1750-1820), Benjamin Franklin was often quoted as having said, “The good Education of youth has been esteemed by wise men in all ages, as the surest foundation of the happiness both of private families and of commonwealths.”

Education in the colonies reflected the colonists’ beliefs, values, and concerns. Most colonists believed education should help save souls and emphasized the scriptures. New England colonies established town schools with a strong Puritan tradition. Different groups in the middle colonies established parochial schools that preserved their various languages and beliefs. Informal education in early America meant learning from the family, working through apprenticeships, and learning from the increasing number of published books and newspapers of books and newspapers.

As was the case in pre-colonial era education, early curriculum materials in the colonies were based on the Old and New Testaments. The hornbook was the first reader for many students. The hornbook was a form of children’s primer common in both England and America from the late 16th to the late 18th century. It was a sheet containing the letters of the alphabet was mounted on a wooden frame and protected with thin, transparent plates of horn. The frame was shaped like a table-tennis paddle, had a handle, and was usually hung at the child’s belt. The earliest sheets were of vellum; later they were of paper. They contained first a large cross, from which the hornbook was called the Christ’s Cross row, or crisscross row. The alphabet in large and small letters followed. The vowels then formed a line, and their combinations with the consonants were given in a tabular form. The usual blessing— “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen”—followed, then the Lord’s Prayer, the whole concluding with the Roman numerals. Later, primers-textbooks designed to impart rudimentary reading skills-were developed.

Early geographies, dictionaries, and spellers emphasized patriotic and moral themes. In 1836, McGuffey Readers were first produced; they emphasized virtues and patriotic nationalism. The McGuffey Readers series for grades 1-6 were incorporated widely by the mid 1800’s and were used well into the early 1900’s.

Early schools were judged successful if they provided rudimentary education in the basic skills of reading, writing, and arithmetic at low cost. The success or failure of schools varied for students depending on their race, gender, or social class. Compared to other societies of the time, however, education in early America was remarkably successful.

The foundations of education during the period from 1600 to the early 1800’s produced so many outstanding leaders that were part of our country’s early history. In fact, a report from the Thomas Jefferson Research Institute indicated in the days when the men who led the founding of our nation were growing up over 90% of the educational thrust was of a moral, ethical, and religious nature. And yet, by the 1950’s the percentage of that same educational thrust was so small it could not be measured. The logical question that comes to mind is could that be the reason that three million Americans in 1776 produced the likes of Washington, Madison, Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams, etc., and why in the early years of the 21st Century there are none to the same caliber?

A strong moral education empowers a person to make good ethical choices. The educational system in our country has slowly and systematically removed all of those early cornerstones. The result has been a decline in obedience to the Holy Word of God we have in the Bible, a decline in its core tenants being taught to our children, the removal of prayer in our schools, removal of the Pledge of Allegiance from our schools, followed by a continuing breakdown of the family, an increase in the number of divorces and single parent homes, an increasing disregard for the sanctity of life, respect of others, the need for personal responsibility, and many others.

Regardless of how we arrived at this place, we are here. Chaos abounds but the Word of God remains today as it was in the days it was written – the irrefutable and definitive Word of God by which we are to live. In these times, the Golden Rule matters even more as it provides the standard by which we are to conduct ourselves, in terms a small child can understand. It is therefore why we commit ourselves to this code of ethics and conduct, that through our actions we might bring honor and glory to the House of God, His Church, and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ARTICLE III

OUR FOUNDATIONAL STANDARD

There are two things key to ethics; a standard to follow and the will to follow the standard.

Simply stated, ethics is all about how we meet the challenge of the right thing when doing so costs more than we want to pay. We have the capability to know right from wrong, good from evil, and propriety from impropriety. The harder thing is the commitment to do what is right, good, and proper – ethics requires action.

The Holy Word of God found in the Bible, provides us with the standard to follow; it is the Golden Rule. The following from the Old and New Testaments clearly give us the Golden Rule and the standard which is to guide our behavior.

  • Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
  • Matthew 7:12 Jesus said, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
  • Matthew 19:18 Jesus said, “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
  • Luke 6:31 Jesus said “…And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”
  • Romans 13:9 …and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
  • Galatians 5:13-14 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Universally, we all want to be valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and to not be taken advantage of by others. This common ground is the continual application of the Golden Rule. Understanding this common ground gives us the key that unlocks the Golden Rule in our lives. The Golden Rule makes intangible things tangible. There is no need to know the law, the nuances of philosophy, the meaning or inner workings of anything – it only requires that we imagine ourselves in the place of another person. There are no loophole and no complicated rules, only to do unto others as we would want them to do unto us.

If we had only one rule, it would be The Golden Rule. If we get that one right, no other rules are needed.

ARTICLE IV

OUR FOUNDATIONAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

We shall strive daily to live up to The Golden Rule. To apply it to every action we take, and every decision we make.

We will hold ourselves accountable to our foundational standards, to the instructions left to us by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and from all of the Anointed Holy Word of God contained in the Bible. We will strive to avoid the five major factors that could prevent our conduct from maintaining alignment with those instructions. These are the most common factors when ethics are compromised; pressure from others, our desires of pleasure, the appeal of power, pride which precedes a fall, and misplaced priorities.

We sill continually confirm our priorities. We will strive to keep the important things at the forefront and to not allow them to be overtaken by the unimportant.

We will strive to act responsibly in all matters. To understand that integrity requires our beliefs and actions must line up with each other. To conduct ourselves in a manner that others cannot say that we act in a manner contrary to what we have verbally declared. To live the Golden Rule by:      

  1. Taking responsibility for our actions
  2. Developing and/or maintaining personal discipline
  3. Acknowledging our own weaknesses, and to
  4. Continually align our priorities with our values as children of God Almighty
  5. Quickly admitting wrongdoing and ask for forgiveness.
  6. Taking special care with finances entrusted to us for the benefit of our charitable purposes.
  7. Remembering our family must be placed ahead of our work.
  8. Always placing the highest value on people, and
  9. To have an extra-mile attitude. To be the type of people envisioned and instructed through the Golden Rule. In that,
    * To care more than others may think is wise
    * To risk more than others think is safe
    * To dream more than others think is practical
    * To expect more than others this is possible
    * To work more than others think is necessary (to do more than our fair share)
    * To be obedient to the Holy Spirit when others disagree or dismiss.

To take as our own a set of rules developed by a young pastor who felt intimidated by the position as spiritual leader of so many people much older than he. His way of putting the Golden Rule into action in a manner that showed his respect for others while clearly indicating the respect he also expected in return.

We include his rules and pray the Lord will give us the courage and strength to live up to them in all dealings, in all matters, in all circumstances that we may find ourselves.

  1. If you have a problem with me, come to me (privately).
  2. If I have a problem with you, I’ll come to you (privately).
  3. If someone has a problem with me and comes to you, send them to me. (I’ll do the same for you.)
  4. If someone consistently will not come to me, say, “Let’s go see him together. I am sure he will see us about this. ” (I will do the same for you.)
  5. Be careful how you interpret me-I’d rather do that. On matters that are unclear, do not feel pressured to interpret my feelings or thoughts. It is easy to misinterpret intentions.
  6. I will be careful how I interpret you.
  7. If it’s confidential, don’t tell. If you or anyone else comes to me in confidence, I won’t tell unless (a) the person is going to harm himself/herself, (b) the person is going to physically harm someone else, (c) a child has been physically or sexually abused. I expect the same from you.
  8. I do not read unsigned letters or notes.
  9. I do not manipulate; I will not be manipulated; do not let others manipulate you. Do not let others try to manipulate me through you.
  10. When in doubt, just say it. If I can answer it without misrepresenting something or breaking a confidence, I will.

# # # # # # # # # # # #

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

ARTICLE I

PURPOSES

It is important for Heirs of Mountain Home directors, officers, committee members, advisory board members, and staff (if the organization ever grows to the point of having staff) to be aware that both real and apparent conflicts of interest or dualities of interest sometimes occur in the course of conducting the affairs of the corporation and that the appearance of conflict can be troublesome even if there is in fact no conflict whatsoever.  Conflicts occur because the many persons associated with the corporation should be expected to have and do in fact generally have multiple interests and affiliations and various positions of responsibility within the community.  In these situations, a person will sometimes owe identical duties of loyalty to two or more corporations.  The purpose of the conflict-of-interest policy is to protect the corporation’s tax-exempt interest when it is contemplating entering into a transaction or arrangement that might benefit the private interest of an officer or director of the corporation or might result in a possible excess benefit transaction.  The policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.

Conflicts are undesirable because they potentially or eventually place the interests of others ahead of the corporation’s obligations to its charitable purposes and to the public interest.  Conflicts are also undesirable because they often reflect adversely upon the person involved and upon the institutions with which they are affiliated, regardless of the actual facts or motivations of the parties. However, the long-range best interests of the corporation do not require the termination of all association with persons who may have real or apparent conflicts that are harmless to all individuals or entities involved.

Each member of the board of directors, officers, committee members, advisory board members, and staff of the corporation has a duty of loyalty to the corporation.  The duty of loyalty generally requires a director, officer, committee member, advisory board member, and staff member to prefer the interests of the corporation over the director’s/staff’s interest or the interests of others.  In addition, directors and staff of the corporation shall avoid acts of self-dealing which may adversely affect the tax-exempt status of the corporation or cause there to arise any sanction or penalty by a governmental authority.

In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement. 

ARTICLE II

DEFINITIONS

  • Interested Person 

Any director, principal officer, or member of a committee with governing board delegated powers, who has a direct or indirect financial interest, as defined below, is an interested person.

  • Financial Interest 

A person has a financial interest if the person has, directly or indirectly, thorough business, investment, or family:

(a)  An ownership or investment interest in any entity with which the corporation has a transaction or arrangement,

(b)  A compensation arrangement with the corporation or with any entity or individual with which the corporation has a transaction or arrangement, or

(c)  A potential ownership or investment interest in, or compensation arrangement with, any entity or individual with which the corporation is negotiating a transaction or arrangement.

Compensation includes direct and indirect remuneration as well as gifts or favors that are not insubstantial.  A financial interest is not necessarily a conflict of interest.  Under Article III, Section 2, a person who has a financial interest may have a conflict of interest only if the appropriate governing board or committee decides that a conflict of interest exists.

ARTICLE III

PROCEDURES

  • Duty to Disclose

In connection with any actual or possible conflict of interest, an interested person must disclose the existence of the financial interest and be given the opportunity to disclose all material facts to the directors and members of committees with governing board delegated powers considering the proposed transaction or arrangement.

  • Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest Exists 

After disclosure of the financial interest and all material facts, and after any discussion with the interested person, he/she shall leave the governing board or committee meeting while the determination of a conflict of interest is discussed and voted upon.  The remaining board or committee members shall decide if a conflict of interest exists.

  •    Procedures for Addressing the Conflict of Interest
  • An interested person may make a presentation at the governing board or committee meeting, but after the presentation, he/she shall leave the meeting during the discussion of, and the vote on, the transaction or arrangement involving the possible conflict of interest.

(b)  The chairperson of the governing board or committee shall, if appropriate, appoint a disinterested person or committee to investigate alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement.

(c)   After exercising due diligence, the governing board or committee shall determine whether the corporation can obtain with reasonable efforts a more advantageous transaction or arrangement from a person or entity that would not give rise to a conflict of interest.

(d)  If a more advantageous transaction or arrangement is not reasonably possible under circumstances not producing a conflict of interest, the governing board or committee shall determine by a majority vote of the disinterested directors whether the transaction or arrangement is in the corporation’s best interest, for its own benefit, and whether it is fair and reasonable. In conformity with the above determination, it shall make its decision as to whether to enter into the transaction or arrangement.

  •     Violations of the Conflicts of Interest Policy
  • If the governing board or committee has reasonable cause to believe a member has failed to disclose actual or possible conflicts of interest, it shall inform the member of the basis for such belief and afford the member an opportunity to explain the alleged failure to disclose.

(b)  If, after hearing the member’s response and after making further investigation as warranted by the circumstances, the governing board or committee determines the member has failed to disclose an actual or possible conflict of interest, it shall take appropriate disciplinary and corrective action.

ARTICLE IV

RECORDS OF PROCEEDINGS

  • Minutes

The minutes of the governing board and all committees with board delegated powers shall contain:

  • The names of the persons who disclosed or otherwise were found to have a financial interest in connection with an actual or possible conflict of interest, the nature of the financial interest, any action taken to determine whether a conflict of interest was present, and the governing board’s or committee’s decision as to whether a conflict of interest in fact existed.

(b)  The names of the persons who were present for discussions and votes relating to the transaction or arrangement, the content of the discussion, including any alternatives to the proposed transaction or arrangement, and a record of any votes taken in connection with the proceedings.

ARTICLE V

COMPENSATION

5.1   A voting member of the governing board who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the corporation for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.

5.2   A voting member of any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the corporation for services is precluded from voting on matters pertaining to that member’s compensation.

5.3.  No voting member of the governing board or any committee whose jurisdiction includes compensation matters and who receives compensation, directly or indirectly, from the corporation, either individually or collectively, is prohibited from providing information to any committee regarding compensation.

ARTICLE VI

ANNUAL STATEMENTS

Each director, principal officer, member of a committee, or with governing board delegated powers shall annually sign a statement which affirms such person:

(a)   Has received a copy of the conflicts of interest policy,

(b)   Has read and understands the policy,

(c)   Has agreed to comply with the policy, and

(e)   Understands that the corporation is charitable and in order to maintain its federal tax exemption it must engage primarily in activities which accomplish one or more of its tax-exempt purposes.

ARTICLE VII

PERIODIC REVIEWS

To ensure the corporation operates in a manner consistent with charitable purposes and does not engage in activities that could jeopardize its tax-exempt status, periodic reviews shall be conducted.  The periodic reviews shall, at a minimum, include the following subjects:

(a)  Whether compensation arrangements and benefits are reasonable, based on competent survey information and the result of arm’s length bargaining.

(b)  Whether partnerships, joint ventures, and arrangements with management corporations conform to the corporation’s written policies, are properly recorded, reflect reasonable investment or payments for goods and services, further charitable purposes and do not result in inurement, impermissible private benefit or in an excess benefit transaction.

ARTICLE VIII

USE OF OUTSIDE EXPERTS

When conducting the periodic reviews as provided for in Article VII, the corporation may, but need not, use outside advisors.  If outside experts are used, their use shall not relieve the governing board of its responsibility for ensuring periodic reviews are conducted.

© Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.
Theme Designed by Fly Themes.