Ethical Fundraising policy

Ethical Fundraising & Receiving Gifts Policy 

1. Intro 

This policy sets out how we manage the ethical issues and social responsibility within fundraising. 

Specifically, we always aim to be open, honest, fair and to operate in a legal way that meets not only the law but also fundraising regulation and best practice. All our fundraising activity must comply with Code of Fundraising Practice. 

Everyone who is involved in fundraising (staff or volunteers) has a responsibility to be aware of and comply with the ethical issues and procedures in this policy.  

This Policy has been developed in recognition of the best interests of the charity, its staff, volunteer and beneficiaries. 

1. People and Organisation 

The trustees are aware of and will comply with Charity Commission guidance CC3a, regarding trustees responsibilities, particularly in relation to always acting in the charity’s best interests and managing any conflicts of interest.   

1. The trustees are also aware of and follow the 6 principles in Charity Commission 20 (Charity Fundraising: a guide to trustees duties). 

1. We will always be honest about what we can achieve when asking for funds, submit realistic budgets, use the funds for the purpose intended and ensure that we provide any reports required, on time.  

1. We will ensure that everyone is aware of and consistently complies with the regulatory guidance on fundraising behaviours and respond promptly and effectively to any fundraising complaints.  

3. 3. Supporters 

Supporters have a right to expect us to provide clear, truthful information on our work, including reporting on how we spend the funding we are given and managing donors’ information responsibly. 

We will comply with the guidance issued by the Charity Regulators and UK law, including in respect of openness and honesty with our supporters and members of the public. 

We will respect the privacy and contact preferences of our donors. We will respond promptly to requests to cease contacts or complaints and act to address their causes. 

4. Our Beneficiaries

How we represent our beneficiaries, in our communications, is always respectful of them and portrays them in the way they would wish to be seen.  We will only use personal information that they have given consent for and for the purposes they have agreed and will not disclose anything that might put them at risk. 

5. Donors 

We will ensure that there is not: 

• Unreasonable intrusion on privacy. 

• Unreasonably persistent fundraising. 

• Undue pressure to donate. 

And we will not accept a donation that is not in the charity’s best interests. 

1. Commercial Partners 

We will not partner with any organisation that produces goods/services or acts in a way that is contrary to our charitable objects, or BEDROCK values. 

We are aware of and comply with the Charity Commission RS2 – Charities and Commercial Partners.  We will ensure that any commercial agreement represents a fair deal for the charity and. 

• Clearly establishes what we expect to gain from it, prior to entering into an agreement. 

• Set up appropriate systems to monitor and review the partnership.  

• Take appropriate steps to identify and manage any risks. 

• Ensure from the outset that the expectations of both the charity and the company have been agreed and. 

• Can be managed effectively and appropriately.  

• Sponsorship opportunities are ethical. 

1. Fundraising and receipt of gifts  

We rely on effective fundraising to generate the resources needed to achieve our charitable aims and objectives. 

Fundraising is highly visible and is one of the principle influences on the public perception of charities. We recognise that all fundraising and receipt of gifts should comply with the most rigorous standards and be responsible, effective, efficient and in line with our values. 

If supporters wish their donation(s) to be used in a specific way, or for a specific purpose, they may make a restricted donation by providing written instructions with their donation. We will always respect this. 

1. Donations and gifts from different sources 

ZHC receives donations and gifts from online and face to face fundraising among different supporter groups. These include community, corporate organisations and individuals.  

Any donor details on file will be stored and used in accordance with General Data Protection Procedures. 

Donations from collection boxes / general fundraising will be recorded as unrestricted income in the accounts. 

Donations following a specific fundraising campaign (e.g. for tenant engagement events) will be recorded as a designated fund in the accounts. 

1. Grant Applications and Acceptance 

New opportunities for grant funding may be identified by any member of staff with support from the Fundraising Manager. 

The Chief Executive/Fundraising Manager will determine whether an application is to be made, with reference to the annual plan, and with reference to the ARFC & Board of Trustees if appropriate. 

The Fundraising Manager is responsible for ensuring that reports are submitted to grant funders in accordance with grant conditions. Senior members of staff leading funded projects must ensure the grant is spent in accordance with project delivery deadlines. 

1. Making a complaint about fundraising or gifts  

Staff members, volunteers or members of the public should feel able to raise concerns about our fundraising and gift practice should they have concerns relating to actions taken or not taken by emailing [email protected].  

Should concerns about fundraising prove impossible to resolve within the charity the next step will be to raise the issue with the Fundraising regulator on: www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/complaints/make-a-complaint  

1. Review of the Policy  

This Policy with be reviewed at least annually as part of ZHC’s good governance process.