Fair decisions
Planned programs, services, volunteer opportunities, and communications should be administered without unlawful discrimination. Decisions should follow written program criteria, free from personal bias, favoritism, or discrimination based on protected characteristics.
Subject to final legal review, the foundation intends not to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or family status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Program criteria
Planned programs may use lawful, mission-related criteria: U.S. veteran status, blindness or low vision, mission fit, the requested support, service capacity, available resources, and approved needs-based prioritization. Final criteria, documentation standards, waitlist rules, and appeal procedures are pending.
Reasonable accommodations
We intend to provide reasonable modifications and effective communication for equal access, unless a change would create an undue burden, fundamentally alter a program, or conflict with law or safety. Possible methods include accessible electronic documents, large print, phone assistance, additional time, alternate communication, or guided form completion.
Accessible communication
- Use plain language and explain what information is needed and why.
- Provide meaningful alternative text and accessible document formats.
- Support keyboard navigation, visible focus, zoom, and reduced motion.
- Keep sensitive records out of inaccessible or insecure channels.
- Provide a way to ask for help without affecting eligibility.
Concerns, review, and retaliation
People should be able to raise an access or discrimination concern without retaliation. Retaliation should also be prohibited when someone requests an accommodation, raises a good-faith concern, participates in a review, or exercises a protected right.
Before participant services begin, the foundation must approve a named policy owner, response timeframe, investigation procedure, decision notice, and appeal route.
Training and policy review
People responsible for intake, eligibility, training, support, and complaints should receive training in accessibility and non-discrimination suited to their roles. The board should review this policy regularly and document approved changes.