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Legal

Foundation Policies

How OFUSA governs itself, stewards gifts, awards scholarships, procures, and protects the community.

Last updated: 10 August 2026

1. Governance

OFUSA is governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee elected by the membership. The Board sets strategy and approves the annual budget; the Executive Committee runs day-to-day operations.

Meetings are minuted and financial statements are presented to members at the annual general meeting.

2. Donation and stewardship policy

Every gift is receipted with a unique reference. Restricted gifts are applied only to the programme named by the donor.

Administrative overhead is kept to the minimum required for compliance and stewardship; the balance goes to programme delivery in Opobo and among the diaspora.

Gifts may be declined where their acceptance would conflict with the Foundation's charitable purpose or reputation.

3. Scholarship policy

Awards are made on documented need and academic merit. Applications are reviewed by the Programmes Committee; a member of the committee related to an applicant must recuse themselves.

Recipients report on progress each term; continued support depends on satisfactory standing.

4. Procurement policy

Requests above the delegated threshold require three quotations and the approval of both the Financial Secretary and the President.

Conflicts of interest must be declared in writing before any award. All requests, approvals, and rejections are recorded in the audit log.

5. Community moderation

Boards and chat are moderated by appointed members. Content that is abusive, discriminatory, commercial, or that discloses another person's private information will be removed.

Repeat breaches lead to suspension. Appeals go to the Executive Committee.

6. Safeguarding and heritage integrity

Photographs of minors are published only with guardian consent. Family tree records are visible to members and can be restricted by the contributing family.

Historical entries cite their source; corrections from families and archives are welcomed and applied promptly.

7. Whistleblowing

Concerns about finance, conduct, or safeguarding can be raised confidentially with any Board member or by email to info@opobofoundationusa.org or support@opobofoundationusa.org. Retaliation against a good-faith reporter is itself a breach of policy.