Vendor and Sponsor Relations Policy

(pending adoption by the board, September 2025)

 

This policy is subject to update/change at the discretion of the CAPSO board. 

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Purpose

The California Association of Private School Organizations (CAPSO) engages with vendors and sponsors to support its mission of protecting the independence of California’s private schools and advancing parental choice in education. This policy establishes standards for fair, transparent, and ethical relationships with vendors and sponsors to ensure that all partnerships reflect CAPSO’s values and comply with legal and nonprofit best practices.

 

Definitions

• Vendor: Any individual or entity that provides goods or services to CAPSO for a fee.

• Sponsor: Any individual or entity that provides financial or in-kind support to CAPSO in exchange for recognition, visibility, or association with CAPSO’s activities.

 

Guiding Principles

1. Mission Alignment: All vendor and sponsor relationships must align with CAPSO’s mission, values, and advocacy goals.

2. Transparency: CAPSO will conduct all procurement and sponsorship activities with transparency and fairness.

3. Integrity: CAPSO will avoid relationships that could compromise, or appear to compromise, the organization’s independence or credibility.

4.  Compliance: All vendor and sponsor relationships will comply with applicable nonprofit law, including restrictions on private benefit and political activity.

 

Vendor Relations

1. Selection Criteria

• Vendors will be selected based on quality, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and relevance to CAPSO’s needs.

• Preference may be given to vendors that demonstrate support for private education and ethical business practices.

2. Procurement Process

• For major contracts or engagements over a specified threshold (e.g., $5,000), CAPSO may seek multiple bids or proposals unless a sole-source justification is documented.

• All agreements must be documented in writing, reviewed by the Executive Director, and signed by an authorized representative.

3. Conflicts of Interest

• Board members and staff must disclose any actual or perceived conflicts of interest in vendor selection, consistent with CAPSO’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

• CAPSO will not enter into vendor agreements that improperly benefit any board member, staff member, or their relatives.

 

Sponsor Relations

Overview

CAPSO welcomes strategic partnerships with select sponsors who share our commitment to protecting the independence of private schools and advancing educational pluralism. Our tiered sponsorship program is designed to create high-impact, high-visibility opportunities for a limited number of aligned partners each year. We prioritize depth over breadth—fewer sponsors, greater engagement, and stronger alignment.

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Sponsorship Guidelines

• CAPSO retains full editorial and advocacy independence.

• Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service.

• All sponsorships are subject to CAPSO’s Vendor and Sponsor Relations Policy and must align with the organization’s values and 501(c)(3) obligations.

• Customized packages or multi-year commitments may be arranged with approval of the Executive Director.

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Use of Name and Logo

• Vendors and sponsors may not use CAPSO’s name or logo in marketing materials without express, written permission.

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Standards of Conduct for Vendors and Sponsors

As the statewide voice for California’s private K-12 schools, CAPSO is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect in all partnerships. Vendors and sponsors that engage with CAPSO agree to abide by the following standards of conduct:

1. Mission Alignment

• Vendors and sponsors must respect CAPSO’s mission to support and protect California’s private schools and the diverse communities they serve.

• Products, services, and messages promoted through CAPSO must not conflict with the values of independence, inclusivity, or educational integrity.

2. Professionalism

• All interactions with CAPSO staff, board, member organizations, and school leaders must be conducted with courtesy, respect, and professionalism.

• Vendors and sponsors should present accurate, complete, and truthful information about their products and services.

3. Non-Exclusivity and Transparency

• CAPSO’s partnerships are non-exclusive unless explicitly stated. Vendors and sponsors should not imply endorsement, exclusivity, or guaranteed access beyond what is explicitly offered.

• Sponsorship recognition (logos, speaking opportunities, etc.) will be provided only as outlined in the agreed sponsorship package.

4. Integrity in Marketing

• Vendors and sponsors may not use CAPSO’s name, logo, or event platforms for independent marketing purposes without prior written approval.

• Promotional materials must be appropriate for a professional education context and free of misleading claims.

5. Respect for Diversity

• CAPSO represents a broad and diverse membership. Vendors and sponsors agree to respect the religious, philosophical, and cultural diversity of CAPSO schools and refrain from activities or messaging that may be divisive, discriminatory, or offensive.

6. Confidentiality

• Vendors and sponsors may not use contact lists, meeting participation, or other CAPSO resources for unsolicited outreach beyond the scope of their sponsorship engagement.

• Confidential information shared in the context of CAPSO activities must not be disclosed or misused.

7. Compliance with Law and Policy

• All vendor and sponsor activities must comply with applicable state and federal laws and CAPSO policies.

• Vendors and sponsors must avoid conflicts of interest or activities that could compromise CAPSO’s independence or reputation.

8. Remedies for Non-Compliance

• CAPSO reserves the right to revoke sponsorship or vendor privileges at any time for violation of these standards.

• Fees already paid are non-refundable in cases of termination for non-compliance.

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Acknowledgment and Accountability

• All vendors and sponsors must agree to abide by CAPSO’s standards of conduct and respect CAPSO’s independence as a nonprofit advocacy organization.

• CAPSO reserves the right to discontinue any vendor or sponsor relationship that violates this policy or reflects negatively on the organization.

 

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at least every two years by the Executive Committee to ensure it remains appropriate and aligned with CAPSO’s mission and evolving operations.