Starting with your mandatory DNR meetings, you were given language that is required to be added to your club or trail association bylaws if you receive GIA funds from the DNR. The language is for a Conflict-of-Interest Policy. You do NOT need to hire an attorney to complete this work.

You are required to complete these two steps:

Step 1: Take the language provided by the DNR and call it Addendum “A.” Attach Addendum “A” to the back of your current bylaws.

Step 2: During your normal meeting, someone makes a motion to add Addendum “A,” containing the Conflict-of-Interest Policy language, to your current bylaws. A second is made and recorded. A call to vote is taken, and the meeting record should show that the motion was approved.

Keep a record of that vote, as you may need to prove to your “sponsor” that this was properly validated. As a best practice, also keep a copy of your new bylaws with Addendum “A” attached. Your “sponsor” may ask to see your complete bylaws, including Addendum “A,” prior to funding your club or trail association’s benchmarks.

Here is the language provided by the DNR to make your Addendum “A” legal:

Club leadership (officers and those making any decisions on expenditures) must avoid actual or potential/perceived conflicts of interest when conducting club business and managing GIA funds. Club leadership with an actual or potential/perceived conflict must disclose it to the club’s officers, ensure the disclosure is recorded in meeting minutes and abstain from related decisions. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action or affect the club’s eligibility for reimbursements and future grant funding.

Please reach out directly to your local DNR REPRESENTATIVE with questions regarding the requirements for DNR grantees.

REQUIREMENTS FOR DNR GRANTEES