Fundraising Code of Practice & Donations Policy

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In an effort to maintain a commitment to transparent conduct and activity we are aligning ourselves where ever and as fas as it is practicable to the Code of Fundraising Practice; viewed here

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

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This is not a legal requirement in the UK or Barbados.  But our aspiration will be to deliver the highest standards in charitable or other works that we engage in the pursuit or our Charitable aims. 

 

In short

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100 percent of all designated contributions for specific programs or emergency responses are used only on expenses related to supporting that program or response.

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We commit to spend your money in the most productive, efficient way possible.

 

Bajan Pride has not and will not collect money for what may appear to be a specific incident or purpose with the intention of using it for other purposes.

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Support comes entirely from private individuals, associations, foundations, and businesses who entrust Direct Relief with resources so that it can fulfill its humanitarian mission

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In relation to Donations

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We expect to be able to indicate the following 

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For Fundraisers

We should be clear with donors in advance of taking a donation where their donation  will go and only use their money

This also applies where we accept a donation which is subject to conditions on how it is spent (for example, to only fund a particular project).

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We shall take steps to minimise the risk of donations being used fraudulently. This includes checking that secure procedures are in place for processing donations The Institute of Fundraising website has more guidance on handling donations.

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We should also make sure we can demonstrate what if any relationship exists you have with us. We should be able to answer the following questions.  For example;

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What permissions do we have that allow us to collect in this area?

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Who do we work for / What proportion of your money goes to the charity?

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How can you be sure that we are who we say we are?

Are we wearing an ID badge

Be wary of any fundraiser that asks to see your bank card. Never share long card numbers, PINs or security codes. Genuine fundraising materials should feature the charity’s name and a landline contact number. 

If you are called by a telephone fundraiser, the number you are being called from should be an identifiable phone number rather than listed as “private” or “unknown”. If in doubt, ask to take a phone number so that you can independently verify their details with the charity directly and call them  back.

For door-to-door fundraisers, contact the charity directly if you’d like to check whether they are collecting in your area. If you have any concerns about giving your bank details at the door, you could contact the charity directly to set up your donation.

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To ensure that a website being used by a charity to accept donations is secure, check that the website address starts with ‘https’ as opposed to ‘http’.

 

Be wary of unsolicited emails from charities that you have never heard of or have no association with. Do not respond and never click on links contained within them. Report them and then delete them.

 

Do we support good fundraising practice?

By March 2017, fundraising organisations will have had the opportunity to register with the Fundraising Regulator to demonstrate their commitment to high fundraising standards and the Code of Fundraising Practice. From this date, check our website or look for the “registered with the Fundraising Regulator” badge on their fundraising materials to see if they are signed up.

 

Can I think it over?

If you are unsure and need time to think about a possible donation, you shouldn’t feel pressured to give there and then.

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NB. Charities with an income of less than £5,000 per year do not have to be registered with the Charity Commission.

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Charities reliant on IT and technology in their fundraising should ensure donors and funds raised are protected from cyber crime. The National Cyber Security Centre has guidance for small charities on how to protect our charity’s data, assets, and reputation.

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If you believe that you or your charity has been the victim of fraud, scams or extortion you should report this through the Action Fraud website. You should also report it as a serious incident to the

 

Charity Commission via RSI@charitycommission.gov.uk

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There may be circumstances where it would be inappropriate or unethical for a charity to accept a  donation. You should have a clear policy in place for accepting donations and take a risk based approach. For more information, see the CIoF’s guidance on accepting, refusing, and returning donations.

 

We must take all reasonable steps to treat a donor fairly, taking into account the needs of any potential donor who may be in a vulnerable circumstance or require additional care and support to make an informed decision.

 

There is more information available about the needs of people in vulnerable circumstances in the Institute of Fundraising’s ‘Treating Donors Fairly’ Guidance.;