Page 10 - FERC_2024 Handbook

FERC Handbook

FERC Confidentiality Policy
The Foundation for the Education of Rural Children (FERC) maintains and manages much
information that must be kept confidential. This includes information about donors, prospective
donors, grantees, and prospective grantees. The effective functioning of FERC also requires
respecting the confidentiality of discussions that take place and information that is shared in the
course of conducting FERC business.
The FERC Board and Advisory Committee (AC) have adopted this Policy on Confidentiality to
assist the FERC’s Board and AC members and volunteers in fulfilling their confidentiality
obligations and commitments. While the policy addresses some common confidentiality concerns,
it is not an exhaustive list of all situations where a confidentiality obligation may arise. Questions
about whether the information is confidential or about situations in which confidential information
may be released or discussed should be directed to the FERC Chairperson. As used in this Policy,
the term “FERC personnel” includes the FERC’s Board and AC members and volunteers.
General Rule:
Information in the possession of FERC and discussions of FERC business should generally be
presumed to be confidential. All FERC personnel at every level are responsible for maintaining
confidentiality.
Confidentiality of Donor Information:
Except as required by law, FERC will not disclose information about a donor or a donor’s gift.
However, unless otherwise requested by the donor, FERC may publish the names of individual /
corporate donors in the FERC’s Annual Report/Newsletter and other reported listings. In the case
of memorial/Legacy gifts, FERC will provide the names of donors unless the donor has requested
anonymity. FERC will not disclose the amount of any gift without the donor’s consent.
Confidentiality With Respect to Scholarship Applicants, Selected Students, and Sponsors:
FERC will protect the financial and personal information that scholarship applicants submit to
FERC. This includes information provided by sponsors to fund the scholarships.
FERC will disclose minimal information regarding a sponsored student to his/her sponsor such as
a photograph, name, and nickname plus very basic information about the family.
When FERC provides an update to a sponsor on his/her student’s progress, it will include only
general information such as Grade Point Average (GPA), career aspirations, community
involvement, etc.
FERC protects all personal information provided by sponsors.
Confidentiality of FERC Business:

Except as authorized by FERC’s Board and/or AC, or by an appropriate board sub-committee,
discussions and records of FERC’s operations are generally not to be disclosed. This includes
information about FERC’s financial operations, fundraising, investments, personnel, and
contractual relationships. The positions of FERC personnel should not be discussed, even within
FERC, except in the course of official FERC meetings and processes where those subjects are
discussed.
Exceptions:

This policy does not apply to disclosures to attorneys, accountants, and other professionals
providing assistance to FERC. It also does not apply to disclosures to tax authorities, government

Updated: 4 Mar 2024 9