ETHICAL ENGAGEMENT POLICY

As a strategic growth consultancy led by Felicia Ford, who also holds leadership roles within philanthropic organizations, we have developed and implemented the following Ethical Engagement Policy to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical clarity in all business and funding related activities. 

No services are rendered “informally,” and no dual relationships are assumed. If Felicia is compensated for strategic guidance, that engagement is scoped, contracted, and completed before any funding request is initiated to any foundation where she holds fiduciary or allocation authority. We do not engage in strategic work for organizations that Felicia may later vote to fund. 

If your organization intends to apply for philanthropic funding from an institution where Felicia holds board-level or allocation authority, she will be fully recused from all discussions, reviews, and decisions—and that recusal will be documented and placed in the official record. 

All nonprofit clients receive a Pre-Engagement Disclosure 

Before contracts are issued, nonprofit clients receive a pre-engagement disclosure. 

This ensures that both parties understand what’s being agreed to, what boundaries are in place, and how Felicia’s roles are structured to preserve trust across every engagement.

1. Separation of Roles 

Felicia Ford serves in multiple capacities across sectors—as a philanthropic board leader, strategic advisor, and public thought partner. To uphold the integrity of each role: 

All paid strategic advisory work is conducted exclusively through Felicia Ford & Co.® 

No compensation is accepted from individuals, organizations, or initiatives that intend to seek funding from a foundation or organization where Felicia holds fiduciary responsibility or voting authority. 

2. Engagement Guidelines 

To prevent any real or perceived conflict of interest: 

Felicia Ford & Co.® will not provide advisory services to any organization currently seeking or intending to seek funding from a foundation where Felicia serves in a governance or allocation role. 

If an advisory engagement occurs prior to any funding conversation or incorporation, that engagement must be completed, compensated in full, and formally closed before any funding request is initiated. 

3. Recusal Policy 

If a former advisory client applies for funding from a foundation where Felicia has authority: 

Felicia will formally recuse herself from all related conversations, reviews, voting, or influence. 

A written statement of recusal will be filed with the board and remain in the official record. 

4. Transparency Protocol 

Felicia Ford & Co.® provides all potential local to the business office non-profit clients with a Pre-Engagement Disclosure form outlining this policy. Clients must acknowledge and agree to these terms before engagement begins. 

5. Public Accountability 

This policy exists to protect our clients, our partners, and the long-term reputation of our brand.

For questions or to request a scope of work under this policy, please email: info@feliciafordandco.com