Governance

The management and Board of Directors of LifePoint Charitable Endowment, Inc. embrace an aggressive governance process, full transparency, and compliance with charitable ethical standards as a means to maintaining investor, donor, and public trust and confidence. LifePoint is committed to:

  • Providing accurate, clear, timely, and comprehensive information about the programs, activities, and finances of the organization.
  • Serving the purposes for which LifePoint has been created.
  • Complying with all IRS regulations, and all state and federal laws.
  • Maintaining a knowledgeable and committed Board of Directors to provide oversight.
  • Managing risk and preventing fraud and enrichment of insiders.

Governance Approach
The management of LifePoint Charitable Endowment, Inc. has used both IRS regulations and published work by the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector in establishing its governance policies. Since 2004, the Panel on the Nonprofit Sector has regularly published guidelines and recommendations for prudent governance of charitable organizations. The Panel was created at the encouragement of the Senate Finance Committee and has brought together thousands of people involved with charities and foundations to develop and refine recommendations to Congress, the IRS, and the charitable community.

It is the intent of LifePoint to continually comply with the spirit of those recommendations and determine how those principles are applied to LifePoint.

Governance Principles and Guidelines
LifePoint Charitable Endowment has adopted a set of governance principles to ensure its effectiveness and accountability. Some are required by law, while others will help provide strong, effective governance.

1. Mission Statement - LifePoint has a well-defined mission statement regarding its purpose and to guide its work. Progress toward the LifePoint mission is reviewed regularly, and re-validated formally by the Board on an annual basis.

2. Compliance - Adherence to federal and state laws and regulations is continually reviewed.

3. Operating Bylaws, Policies and Procedures - LifePoint has established an employee handbook, code of ethics, conflict of interest policy, "whistleblower" policy, and privacy policy. All policy documents are signed annually by management, employees, and the Board of Directors.

4. Document Retention and Contingency Plan - Established standards for document integrity, retention, destruction, backup procedures, contingency planning, and systems reliability review are in place.

5. Risk Management/Indemnification Policies - The Board is responsible for understanding the major risks to which the organization is exposed, reviewing those risks on a periodic basis, and ensuring that processes/systems have been established to manage risk. The Board regularly reviews the organization's need for general liability insurance, as well as directors' and officers' liability insurance.

6. IRS Reporting - Reporting includes Form 990 for 501(c) (3) organizations, and any required forms are available to the public. LifePoint provides acknowledgement of donor contributions in accordance with IRS regulations.

7. Financial Reports - LifePoint maintains accurate financial statements, records, reports, and budgets which are reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. An official Annual Report is published. There are separate roles for the CEO and the CFO to ensure appropriate checks and balances.

8. Audits - LifePoint operates on an annual budget approved by the Board of Directors. An independent audit is conducted annually.

9. Board of Directors - An active and involved Board is in place to ensure that the organization meets its obligations to the law, its donors, its staff and volunteers, its clients, and the public at large. The Board is responsible for protecting the assets of the organization and providing oversight of its financial, human, and material resources. The key elements of the Board of Directors include:

  • There are at least 5 members on the Board, each with a defined term to serve. The 5 members include at least 2 officers of LifePoint and 3 from the community at large. The Board members are chosen for their passion for the work of LifePoint, and their unique skills to provide operational oversight of the organization.
  • The Board meets at least 3 times per year.
  • The Directors receive no compensation, and have all signed appropriate conflict of interest documents.
  • The Board provides financial oversight and approves the annual business plan and budget.
  • The Board receives regular education and training to ensure that they understand their duties, legal and ethical responsibilities, are familiar with the organization's activities, are familiar with its financial status, and have full and accurate information to make informed decisions.
  • The Board conducts an annual evaluation of the Officers, and ensures that executive compensation is reasonable.
  • The Board will regularly review the articles of incorporation, bylaws, and governing instruments to ensure the organization is abiding by the rules it has set for itself.
  • Accurate minutes and records are kept of all meetings.

10. Privacy Policy - LifePoint will preserve the trust and support of donors by requiring that donor information be handled with the respect and confidentiality. As a matter of policy, LifePoint will not make available the names and contact information except where disclosure is required by law. At the time of contribution, all donors will be provided an easy way to indicate that they do not wish their names or contact information to be shared outside the organization.

Code of Ethics

LifePoint Charitable Endowment is committed to the highest ethical standards. Our success depends upon the ethical conduct of everyone affiliated with LifePoint. Recognizing that our reputation is our most valuable asset, it is essential that representatives of the organization not engage in any conduct which is, or could be perceived as, unethical, immoral or otherwise detrimental. While no document can anticipate all the challenges that may arise, this code establishes key guidelines to assist our Board of Directors, staff, or designees in making good decisions that are ethical and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Therefore, in all our endeavors as representatives of LifePoint Charitable Endowment, we shall adhere to the following:

1. Personal and Professional Integrity: A personal commitment to integrity in all circumstances benefits each individual as well as the organization. We therefore:

  • Strive to meet the highest standards of performance, quality, service and achievement.
  • Communicate honestly and openly and avoid misrepresentation.
  • Promote a working environment where honesty, open communication and minority opinions are valued.
  • Exhibit respect and fairness toward all those with whom we come in contact.

2. Accountability: LifePoint is responsible to its stakeholders, donors, beneficiaries, and others who have placed faith in LifePoint. To uphold this trust we:

  • Promote good stewardship of our resources.
  • Refrain from using organizational resources for non- LifePoint purposes.
  • Observe and comply with all laws and regulations affecting LifePoint.

3. Solicitation and Voluntary Giving: The most responsive donors are those who have the opportunity to become informed and involved. We therefore:

  • Promote voluntary giving in dealing with donors.
  • Refrain from any use of coercion in fundraising activities.

4. Diversity and Equal Opportunity: LifePoint is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principle of diversity. We therefore:

  • Support equal employment opportunity programs throughout LifePoint.
  • Value, champion and embrace diversity in all activities.
  • Recognize the distinct differences of individuals and organizations and capitalize on the strengths of each.

5. Conflict of Interest: To avoid any conflict of interest or the appearance of the conflict of interest which could tarnish the reputation of LifePoint, as well as undermine the public's trust, LifePoint Directors, Officers, and staff will:

  • Avoid any activity or outside interest that conflicts or appears to conflict with the best interest of the LifePoint Charitable Endowment unless disclosed to and not deemed to be inappropriate by the Board of Directors.
  • Disclose all known conflicts or potential conflicts of interest in any matter coming before the Board of Directors, if they are Board members, or any committee upon which they serve.
  • Annually file with the CEO or CFO a disclosure of all known potential conflicts of interest.
  • Ensure that outside employment and other activities do not adversely affect the performance of their LifePoint duties or the achievement of LifePoint's mission.
  • Ensure that travel, entertainment and related expenses are incurred on a basis consistent with the mission of LifePoint and not for personal gain or interests.
  • Decline any gift, gratuity or favor in performance of LifePoint's duties except for promotional items of nominal value, and any food, transportation, lodging or entertainment unless directly related to LifePoint business.

6. Confidentiality: Confidentiality is a hallmark of professionalism. We therefore:

  • Ensure that all information which is confidential, privileged or nonpublic is not disclosed inappropriately unless required by law.

7. Political Contributions: As a charitable corporation, LifePoint is prohibited from making contributions to any candidate for public office or any political committee. We therefore:

  • Refrain from making any contribution to any candidate for public office or political committee on behalf of LifePoint, including the use of LifePoint facilities for political campaign activities.

Employees and volunteers are encouraged to seek guidance from the Board of Directors concerning the interpretation or application of this Code of Ethics. Any known or possible breaches of the Code of Ethics should be disclosed to the Board for investigation and prompt and fair resolution.

Donor Relations

In soliciting cash contributions and life insurance policy donations from individuals and charities, LifePoint Charitable Endowment will use information and material that is truthful. LifePoint will respect the privacy concerns of individual donors and expend funds consistent with donor intent. LifePoint will disclose important and relevant information to potential donors and beneficiaries.

LifePoint will respect the rights of donors and beneficiaries. Donors and charities can expect:

  • To be informed of the mission of LifePoint, the way resources will be used, and the capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purpose.
  • To expect the Board of Directors to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
  • To have access to LifePoint's most recent financial reports.
  • To be assured that gifts will be used for the purposes for which they are given.
  • To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
  • To be assured that information about donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality.
  • To be approached and served in a professional manner.
  • To be encouraged to ask questions and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.
  • LifePoint not to share donor information outside the organization unless given permission to do so by the donor.

LifePoint to keep information on donors including name, address, phone number, email address, employer, and history of donations on a secure, password protected database.

 

 

 

Privacy Policy

LifePoint Charitable Endowment, Inc. is committed to safeguarding personal information and will never sell, trade, or rent personal information to third parties.

Our Privacy Policy

  • We do not sell donor or beneficiary information.
  • We do not provide donor or beneficiary information to persons or entities outside of LifePoint who are doing business for their own marketing purposes.
  • We contractually require any persons or entities that provide products or services on our behalf to protect the confidentiality of donor and beneficiary information.
  • We afford prospective donors and beneficiaries the same protections as existing donors and beneficiaries in regard to the use of personal information.

Confidentiality and Security
The security of account information is important to us. Only those persons who need to know your information to perform their job have access to it. In addition, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural security measures that comply with federal regulations to protect private information.

Our employees have limited access to private information based upon their responsibilities. All employees are instructed to protect the confidentiality of private information as described in these policies.

Information That We Collect
In the process of completing transactions, we may obtain nonpublic personal information which may include the following:

  • Information we receive on applications, questionnaires, subscription documents or other forms including name, address, social security number, assets and income.
  • Information about transactions with us, our affiliates, or others, such as donations, etc.
  • Information from other third parties such as medical histories, life expectancy analyses, creditworthiness and other information.

Information That We Share
In the course of our normal business we may be required to share certain personal information to complete the transaction. We use or share information in a limited and carefully controlled manner in order to identify and protect donors and beneficiaries against fraud, enable us to complete transactions quickly and efficiently and to provide proper customer service.

Sharing Information with Unaffiliated Third Parties
We disclose information with unaffiliated third parties as required or permitted by law. Please be assured that we take steps to assure that those parties respect the donors' and beneficiaries' privacy by limiting the use of the information to the purpose for which it was disclosed. These unaffiliated third parties may include:

  • Companies that perform services that we do not provide ourselves.
  • Companies that provide services necessary to effect a transaction or provide services to LifePoint.
  • Government agencies, courts, parties to lawsuits, or regulators in response to subpoenas. In such cases, we share only the information that we are required or authorized to share.

Financial Management and Controls

LifePoint maintains accurate financial statements, records, reports, and budgets which are reviewed regularly by the Board of Directors. An official Annual Report is published. There are separate roles for the CEO and the CFO to ensure appropriate checks and balances.

LifePoint operates on an annual budget approved by the Board of Directors. An independent audit is conducted annually.

Internal control is composed of all related adopted policies and procedures of LifePoint Charitable Endowment to safeguard its assets, to insure the accuracy and reliability of its financial data, and to promote operational efficiency.

Procedures will be developed by the CEO or CFO to provide for the separation of duties to the extent of available staff.

The accounting records of LifePoint will be kept in accordance with generally accepted not-for-profit accounting practices. The books of original entry (computer general ledger), the source documents, and other financial records are the basis of the accounting system. The security of these documents is necessary to LifePoint to provide reliable, accurate, and consistent auditable financial information. Records of LifePoint must be maintained to meet specific requirements of the various funding sources including length of time records must be retained.

All financial documents, when not being used by authorized personnel, will be adequately stored and secured. Security specifically relates, but is not limited, to the following: checks, payroll records, financial records, donor records, purchase orders and general ledgers. Electronic media will be backed up and stored off site every working day.

Business Continuity and Contingency Plan

Business continuity planning is critical to protect human life, recover critical operations, preserve customer confidence and good will, and protect against litigation. Business continuity planning at LifePoint Charitable Endowment contemplates the continuance of operation when something has happened to disrupt that continuity. That disruption might be a disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, or fire. Additionally, there are many other lesser factors that might contribute to a short or long term interruption in business operations. This plan outlines a process by which LifePoint can recover its operations in the event of significant disruption. There are seven elements to the LifePoint Business Continuity Plan:

1. Employee safety
LifePoint business continuity starts with a plan to ensure the safety of all employees, and identify their whereabouts during a disaster. Regular evacuation training is conducted to prepare employees for escape and recovery from the premises during a disaster. The COO is assigned the responsibility for developing and testing the safety and evacuation plan. In the event of a natural disaster, a call tree has been developed to locate and recognize the wellness of all employees.

2. Access to capital
LifePoint has access to adequate capital to continue operations in the event of disaster or unforeseen events. LifePoint will continue to reserve for unforeseen events, and can access lines of credit established to support the business.

3. Maintaining mission critical services
LifePoint has identified the key functions, activities, staff, and data required to maintain business continuity. The business continuity plan identifies how the work of LifePoint will be continued in an emergency without a disruption to donors and beneficiaries. The operations plan includes the identification of work flow contingency in the event key employees are not available to perform their normal tasks. An essential part of the recovery process includes a plan for hardware, software, and data access in order to maintain operations.

4. Backup and restoration of company records and financial information
LifePoint will maintain and have access to vital records in the event of an unforeseen event, including all hard copy and data information concerning donors, beneficiaries, employees, financials, and life insurance policies. The restore process will be tested regularly and reviewed with the Board annually by the COO. Full offsite data backup is in place.

5. Communications
In the event of a disaster or significant disruption, the business continuity plan outlines the communication process to key constituents, including employees, the Board of Directors, donors, and beneficiaries. All key contact information will be updated regularly. The CEO, CFO, or COO may initiate the communications plan.

6. Management continuity
A management succession plan is in place to identify leadership and operational transitions, and to ensure continuity of service. The Board of Directors will review the management continuity plan, and will be active in implementing the succession plan if necessary. In the event of the loss of either the CEO or CFO, they will immediately assume the other's responsibilities until a successor can be named and approved by the Board. In most cases, key officers and directors of LifePoint will travel separately for business or leisure in order to mitigate risk.

7. Location
In the event of a disaster or disruption of service, the business recovery staff will convene at a physical location known as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). In some cases, it may be necessary to recover in a location for a longer period of time. Some employees may work from home and those tasks and staff are identified. Several options for relocation during a long-term recovery are being established to include real time access to data.