How good is your Gift Acceptance Policy?

Rogare and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising review the ethics of gift acceptance and refusal.

Last month, the fundraising think tank, Rogare, and the Chartered Institute of Fundraising published some valuable guidance on the ethics of gift acceptance and refusal. Their joint report, Take it or Leave It, recognises the challenges that many charities face when promised donations that pose a level of risk to their reputation or their work. Clare Stanley, Director of Policy and Communications at the CIoF says, “There is no single solution to these challenges, and every organisation needs to develop their own approach that will enable them to fulfil their charitable objectives.”

Principles or consequences?

As well as providing a useful refresher on the need for a relevant, robust Gift Acceptance Policy, the report also suggests using ethics to solve the moral conundrum that can come with some donations. Delving into the different approaches of teleological (consequentialist) or deontological (principle-based) ethical systems, it offers clear and accessible support for decision-making. It also encourages charities to reflect critically on their rationale for accepting and refusing gifts and gain deeper insights into their collective understanding of what is and isn’t appropriate.

Keeping your integrity intact

“One thing we always review with our clients is their Gift Acceptance Policy,” says Gifted’s Chief Executive, Amy Stevens. “This is essential to ensuring their integrity isn’t compromised and creates an opportunity to remove any restrictions or minor nuances that might unnecessarily inhibit their ability to pursue or accept a donation.”

Importantly, the advantage of having the right policy in place doesn’t just benefit the recipient. “A clear policy gives confidence to the donor,” adds Amy. “It provides reassurance that the charity is operating ethically and that their gift will be managed in line with their wishes.”

Of course, everyone’s policy will be different based on their cause, the economic or political climate, or any faith requirements. In our experience working with international organisations over the past year, we’ve also seen national security and the environment feature strongly when it comes to policy preferences. The key thing is to develop an approach that keeps your integrity intact, doesn’t breach fundraising regulations and can be consistently applied, without being so strict as to cause unnecessary difficulties for gift acceptance down the line.

If your organisation needs help or advice on reviewing its approach to gift acceptance or other policy frameworks, get in touch with one of our directors and find out more about our services.