Whistleblower Protection & Ethics Reporting Policy

1. Purpose

This policy is designed to encourage ethical transparency and protect all individuals within the CrownThrive ecosystem who report violations of policy, law, or integrity. It establishes protected channels for reporting, outlines investigative processes, and enforces non-retaliation measures.

2. Scope

Applies to: CrownThrive, LLC employees, partners, and contractors ThriveAlumni members, Board appointees, and committee members Affiliate platform administrators, mentors, and participants ThriveFund grantees, applicants, and reviewers

3. What May Be Reported

Covered reports include, but are not limited to: Abuse of power or unethical governance Misuse of ThriveFund, donations, or grants Financial fraud or false reporting Election manipulation or vote tampering Conflicts of interest or failure to disclose dual roles Discriminatory behavior or harassment Platform-specific censorship or abuse of moderation

4. Reporting Channels

4.1 Internal Channels Reports can be submitted via: ThriveAlumni Legal Depot’s [Protected Ethics Form] Direct email to: [email protected] Private submission to the Judicial or Compliance Chair 4.2 Anonymous Reporting Reports may be submitted anonymously and will still be reviewed with equal urgency and protection.

5. Confidentiality & Protection

All reports will remain confidential unless legal enforcement requires otherwise. Reporters’ identities will not be disclosed without written consent. Reporters will not face expulsion, demotion, committee removal, or harassment.

6. Non-Retaliation Clause

Strictly enforced: Any form of retaliation, harassment, ostracism, or manipulation directed at a whistleblower will result in: Immediate investigation by the Judicial Committee Suspension of all leadership roles for the retaliating party Referral to external legal counsel if necessary

7. Investigation Process

Upon submission: A 48-hour acknowledgment is sent to the whistleblower (if not anonymous) A triage team from the Compliance Committee conducts a preliminary review High-severity cases are referred to the Judicial Committee for full audit and review A decision or action plan must be delivered within 21 business days

8. Findings & Actions

Potential outcomes of a verified report: Formal warning or required training Disqualification from nomination or voting rights Suspension or permanent removal from role Governance reforms or policy updates Referral to civil authorities or legal counsel

9. Immunity for Good Faith Reporting

Even if a report is ultimately unsubstantiated, members who report in good faith will remain protected. Only malicious or knowingly false reports will result in disciplinary action.

10. Record Retention

All whistleblower complaints and actions taken will be documented and archived in the CrownThrive Judicial Logs for 5 years. Access is limited to Judicial and Compliance Chairs and Founders.

11. Enforcement & Review

This policy is enforced by the Judicial Committee, overseen by the Compliance Officer, and subject to CrownThrive’s internal legal review cycle every two years. 📌 Document Version: v1.0 📅 Effective Date: July 30, 2025 📁 Maintained by: Compliance & Ethics Committee, Judicial Committee, and Founders' Oversight Board