Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

Our vision at Inlightenup is that a transparent, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem driving global social good is not only possible but achievable. Integrity and trust are central to our values and define our approach to collaboration with partners and clients. The principles outlined in this Charter serve as a governing framework for ethical practice and accountability — for both our organization and those with whom we work. This framework affirms our collective duty and shared responsibility to uphold our mission.

2. Organizational Compliance

Compliance with the provisions set forth below constitutes an essential condition of any ongoing professional relationship with Inlightenup. Noncompliance with these policies may result in (1) corrective action plans; (2) removal of Inlightenup endorsement or branding; (3) suspension or termination of funding, advisory, or partner relationships; and / or (4) legal action.

2.1 Mission & Strategy Alignment

Documented purpose, vision, and mission statements aligned to social good objectives
Qualitative and quantitative target impact metrics
Documented strategy to achieve or progress towards target impact metrics over a set period

2.2 Fiscal Responsibility

No more than 20% of annual expenditures may be allocated to administrative or overhead costs. The remaining 80% or more must directly support programmatic, community, or project activities that fulfill the organization’s stated mission
Documented financial and operational controls to manage expenditures, budgets, and use of collected funds
Dedicated financial leadership and oversight, with outlined roles and responsibilities

2.3 Employee / Volunteer Relationship & Give-Back Requirement

Each employee of the entity shall contribute a minimum of 5% of their gross salary to the entity’s cause or designated community program. This contribution reinforces shared accountability and ensures that all team members are personally invested in the mission’s success
Equitable employment standards for employees, including fair hiring practices, performance management processes, and on-/off-boarding processes
Fair pay, including market-standard salaries, for all employees, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, religion, or nationality
Documented organizational ethics code and procedure to address violations
Volunteers must be held to equitable operational and ethical standards

2.4 Transparency and Data Sharing

All financial, operational, and impact data of the entity must be fully transparent and accessible to Inlightenup. This includes audited financial statements, donor reports, impact metrics, and project-level budgets.
Data will be stored and shared using systems approved by Inlightenup to ensure traceability and compliance.

2.5 Periodic Evaluation and Audit

Inlightenup will conduct periodic audits and evaluations of each affiliated entity.
Reviews will assess:
- Financial accountability and efficiency
- Programmatic outcomes versus planned objectives
- Adherence to administrative cost caps and employee give-back requirements
- Governance and ethical compliance
- Findings will be documented, and corrective actions will be required for any deficiencies identified.
Inlightenup, at its discretion, retains the right to observe Board of Directors meetings and provide comment or influence on strategic and financial decisions

2.6 Legal Compliance and Anti-Fraud Obligation

Each entity must comply fully with all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards of the jurisdiction(s) in which it operates. This includes entity and tax-compliant registration, as required by local laws.
Under no circumstances may the entity, its directors, officers, or employees engage in fraudulent, deceptive, corrupt, or illegal activities.
Any violation, or suspicion, of such unlawful conduct must be immediately reported to relevant authorities and Inlightenup. Confirmed violations may constitute grounds for immediate termination of the engagement between Inlightenup and the entity and may result in legal action.

3. Review and Amendment

This Governance Framework will be reviewed annually by Inlightenup’s Executive Committee and updated as necessary to reflect evolving standards of impact governance, compliance, and accountability.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.