top of page

OUR CODE OF ETHICS

All members of the TOHUMLUK FOUNDATION are obligated to read, adopt, and abide by all the ethical principles listed below.

 

It is assumed that all TOHUMLUK FOUNDATION volunteers have read and accepted these published ethical guidelines and subsequently completed the Volunteer Declaration.

​

All members of the SEED FOUNDATION are expected to act in accordance with common sense and good faith even in situations and circumstances not covered by these rules.

Our Principles

At Tohumluk Foundation, our commitment extends beyond the projects we deliver. It is reflected in the way we treat people, manage resources, build partnerships and uphold the trust placed in us. These principles guide everyone who represents our Foundation.

 

Respect for People

We believe every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect.

We foster an inclusive environment where people are valued regardless of their background, beliefs, language, gender, age or socio-economic circumstances. We encourage open dialogue, respect different perspectives and reject all forms of discrimination, intimidation, harassment and abuse.

 

Service Excellence

We are committed to delivering meaningful, high-quality services that respond to the real needs of the communities we serve. We continuously strengthen our knowledge, skills and organizational capacity while embracing innovation and technology to improve the quality, effectiveness and accessibility of our work.

 

Social Responsibility

We recognize our responsibility to society and the environment.

Every project we undertake reflects our mission of creating positive social impact, protecting cultural heritage, promoting sustainable development and contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.

 

Professional Conduct

Everyone representing Tohumluk Foundation is expected to act responsibly, professionally and ethically.

We communicate accurately and responsibly, avoid making unauthorized public statements on behalf of the Foundation, and conduct ourselves in ways that protect the reputation and credibility of our organization.

 

Transparency & Accountability

Trust depends on openness. We are committed to transparent governance, responsible financial management and accurate reporting. We communicate honestly with our donors, partners, volunteers and stakeholders and ensure that our records and operations meet the highest standards of integrity.

 

Independence & Impartiality

Tohumluk Foundation is an independent, non-partisan civil society organization. We do not promote political parties or ideological agendas. Our decisions are guided solely by our mission, our values and the needs of the communities we serve.

 

Responsible Communication

We use all communication channels, including social media, responsibly and ethically. Official communications represent the Foundation as a whole and are managed through established governance processes to ensure accuracy, consistency and accountability.

 

Confidentiality

We respect the privacy of everyone connected with our work. We safeguard confidential information relating to our beneficiaries, volunteers, employees, partners and donors, and we handle personal data responsibly and in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

 

Responsible Stewardship

We recognize that every financial contribution, every volunteer hour and every resource entrusted to us carries responsibility. We use our resources efficiently, avoid waste and ensure that they are directed toward advancing our mission and maximizing social impact.

 

Learning & Continuous Improvement

We believe that organizations grow by learning. We encourage lifelong learning, knowledge sharing, mentorship and professional development, creating an environment where volunteers and team members can continuously develop their skills and contribute more effectively.

 

Safe & Respectful Working Environment

We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful working environment where everyone can contribute with confidence and where health, safety and well-being are always valued.

 

Ethical Governance

Integrity is fundamental to our work. We maintain clear standards for identifying and addressing conflicts of interest, preventing corruption, protecting intellectual property and ensuring that decisions are always made in the best interests of Tohumluk Foundation and the communities we serve.

​

We encourage anyone representing the Foundation to raise ethical concerns through appropriate governance channels, ensuring that every concern is handled responsibly, fairly and confidentially.

​

Making Ethical Decisions

At Tohumluk Foundation, ethical conduct is a shared responsibility. When faced with uncertainty, we encourage everyone representing the Foundation to take a thoughtful, responsible and transparent approach before making decisions.

 

1. Identify the Issue

Ask yourself:

  • Does the situation appear inconsistent with our values or ethical principles?

  • Could it violate applicable laws, regulations or Foundation policies?

  • Could it harm individuals, communities or the reputation of Tohumluk Foundation?

  • Am I uncertain about the appropriate course of action?

Recognizing a potential ethical concern is the first step toward resolving it responsibly.

 

2. Reflect Before Acting

Before making a decision:

  • Gather the relevant facts and documentation.

  • Clearly define the ethical question or concern.

  • Consider the possible consequences of each option.

  • Think about who may be affected by your decision.

  • Seek advice from trusted colleagues or Foundation representatives when appropriate.

Thoughtful reflection helps ensure balanced and informed decisions.

 

3. Evaluate Your Options

Consider whether your intended action:

  • Aligns with the mission and values of Tohumluk Foundation.

  • Complies with applicable laws and internal policies.

  • Reflects accepted professional standards.

  • Minimizes potential risks.

  • Serves the best interests of the communities and stakeholders involved.

Choose the course of action that best reflects integrity, fairness and responsibility.

 

4. Test Your Decision

Before moving forward, ask yourself:

  • Would I be comfortable if this decision became public?

  • Would I make the same decision if I were personally affected?

  • Does this decision reflect honesty, fairness and respect?

  • Would a reasonable and impartial person consider this the right course of action?

If uncertainty remains, seek additional guidance before proceeding.

 

5. Act with Integrity

Once you have reached a well-considered decision, act responsibly and document your reasoning where appropriate.

If an ethical concern cannot be resolved informally, or if you believe there has been a serious breach of the Foundation’s ethical standards, report the matter through the Foundation’s established governance procedures.

 

Questions Worth Asking

Before making any important decision, consider the following:

  • Is it legal?

  • Is it fair?

  • Is it consistent with our values?

  • Does it protect the dignity and rights of everyone involved?

  • Would I be comfortable explaining this decision publicly?

  • Does it strengthen the trust placed in Tohumluk Foundation?

If the answer to any of these questions is uncertain, additional reflection or guidance may be needed.

 

Reporting Ethical Concerns

Tohumluk Foundation encourages the timely reporting of concerns regarding suspected unethical, illegal or inappropriate conduct.

Reports should be made in good faith and supported, whenever possible, by relevant information or documentation. Every report is reviewed confidentially, fairly and impartially in accordance with the Foundation’s governance procedures.

 

The Foundation is committed to protecting the rights of everyone involved and to ensuring that concerns are addressed responsibly, transparently and with respect for due process.

bottom of page