Fundraising Policy

Fundraising Policy

NCDV Ethical Fundraising Policy

1. Introduction

1.1          The National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) have a commitment to our stakeholders, clients and the general public that our fundraising, in all of its forms, is transparent, legal and respectful.

1.2          NCDV will be accountable and ensure that our fundraising activity is carried out in line with:

The Code of Fundraising Practice

https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk/code

The Institute of Fundraisings (IoF) Treating Donors Fairly https://ciof.org.uk/IoF/media/IOF/Header%20images/Treating-donors-fairly.pdf?ext=.pdf 

2. Rationale for Fundraising

2.1          NCDV aims to maintain a broad base of different sources of funding to assist our mission of:

“Helping people identify the early signs of domestic abuse, make decisions for a better life and help make domestic abuse socially unacceptable.”

3. Scope of Fundraising

3.1          Charitable funds consist of but are not exclusively limited to:

• Corporate sponsorship
• Charitable foundation funds
• Money raised through fundraising events
• Money donated in response to a fundraising appeal
• Legacy funds
• Public donations via our website

4. Ethical Responsibility

4.1          NCDV has a responsibility to its donors, stakeholders and clients to consider the ethical issues that may arise in working with or accepting funding from an organisation/individual and the associated risks.

4.2          NCDV actively seeks opportunities to work together with external organisations and individuals to achieve shared objectives. However, it is vital that we maintain our independence and do not allow any external partnership to bring the name of NCDV into disrepute. We therefore accept financial support from, and partnership working with, companies and individuals on the following conditions:

• We believe it will result in a benefit to the people who use our service
• The Directors are satisfied that no adverse publicity will result from accepting such support
• There is no attempt on the part of the company or individual to influence NCDV policy or practice either explicitly or implicitly
• That initiatives do not compromise the independent status of NCDV

4.3          NCDV will not accept funding from individuals or organisations directly involved in activities that run contrary to our objectives, vision and aims. It will not accept financial support or partnerships with companies involved with any of the following activities:

• Illegal activities
• Human rights abuses
• Sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia, transphobia or discrimination towards any vulnerable, isolated or ethnic group
• Unsuitable or inappropriate products or services
• Anything that could cause damage to NCDV’s reputation or harm our relationship with our partners
• Personal gifts to NCDV staff

5. Treating Donors Fairly

5.1          NCDV will take all necessary steps to understand if the donor is able to make an informed decision about donating to NCDV and respond appropriately. If a supporter is deemed unable to make an informed decision, then NCDV must not accept the donation. In line with the IoF Treating Donors Fairly guidance, we commit to;

Being respectful: This means being mindful of and sensitive to any particular need that a donor may have. It also means striving to respect the wishes and preferences of the donor.

Being responsive: This means being ready to adapt our approach and be flexible to meet the needs of individuals. It also means being prepared to ask questions or take additional steps when necessary.

Being fair: This means we will not make decisions based solely on a particular characteristic, such as a person’s appearance, the way they talk, any medical condition, or disability. Fairness means responding to people as individuals.

Being accountable: This means we will take responsibility for our actions, ensuring that our work is carried out in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice. We will consider the processes and procedures that are needed, and be prepared to explain our decisions and approach.

6. Safeguarding funds and donations

6.1          All legal requirements will be applied to our fundraising activities.

6.2          Appropriate financial procedures will be put in place to safeguard, appropriate and report on all funds received.

6.3          NCDV Directors are responsible for fundraising compliance and the control and management of funds, although they may delegate day-to-day responsibility to others.

7. Product/Service Endorsement

7.1          NCDV does not endorse or approve the products or services of any company. A statement to this effect will be included alongside any branding or promotion associated with products.

7.2          Our GDPR procedures cover our funding partners and donors and we do not share data with them about our staff, beneficiaries or stakeholders. Only authorised NCDV staff have access to data.

8. Donor recognition

8.1          A donor is entitled to appreciation. Each donation will be acknowledged by NCDV. The names of donors may be published in our newsletter, website and/or social media with permission and agreement from the donor.

9. Fundraising by staff

9.1          Participation in fundraising activities by NCDV staff and volunteers is voluntary and should not be imposed on individuals. Approval must be sought from the Directors prior to the commencement of any staff fundraising activity and insurances checked to ensure cover.

10. Complaints

NCDV will respond to complaints from donors in a timely and respectful way in line with our complaint procedure available on our website.