Ethical Fundraising

Our donor commitment is to abide by the Fundraising Code of Ethics which declares that a trust relationship exists between SOS Children’s Village BC and the public to whom it appeals for financial gifts in support of its programs and services.

We provide programs that are measured against national standards of ‘best practice’. Through our accreditation with the Council on Accreditation (COA), we have demonstrated that we meet the highest national standards of professional performance.

CODE OF ETHICS

The Fundraising Code of Ethics declares those values by which SOS Children’s Village BC (SOS BC), as an organization, and all individuals involved in SOS BC fundraising activities are governed.

1) SOS BC acknowledges the trust relationship that exists between SOS BC and the public to whom it appeals for financial gifts in support of its programs and services.

2) SOS BC will maintain governing structures, which ensure that its programs and services are faithful to the mission and values of SOS BC.

3) SOS BC will clearly communicate the purpose for which the funds are being raised.

4) SOS BC, in recognizing its responsibility to the donor, will make every effort to honour donor requests in the following areas:

  • Change of name and change of address updates;
  • Accurate update of mailing preferences; and
  • Provide information regarding SOS BC.

5) SOS BC will strive to ensure that all representations of fact, descriptions of financial condition of the organization, or narratives about events will be current, complete and accurate, without material omissions, exaggerations of fact, use of misleading photographs or any other communication which would tend to create a false impression or misunderstanding.

6) SOS BC will seek to honour the donor’s intent when making a gift. The donor’s intent may be related to what was communicated in a general or special fundraising appeal or to specific instruction accompanying the gift.

7) SOS BC will seek the consent of the donor before changing the conditions of any gift.

8) SOS BC will express its gratitude for support by way of clear and continued communication with donors.

9) SOS BC will decline a donation that would not be in harmony with its mission. SOS BC will not solicit a donation that would not be in harmony with its mission. It may also determine certain means of raising funds to be inconsistent with the values of SOS BC. When such a decision is made, SOS BC will communicate its limitations clearly to its fundraising personnel, and apply its decision consistently. SOS BC will continue to treat all persons with respect, even if their gift is declined.

10) SOS BC regards accountability as a fundamental principle in its relations with its supporters. Accountability is comprised of several factors, all of which exist to protect the public trust and ensure that the intentions of the donor are honoured by:

  • Use of accurate and consistent accounting methods that conform to the appropriate guidelines approved by The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.
  • Clear and regular communication with donors to report on how the mission of SOS BC has been furthered by their donations, and how the conditions of their gifts have been met.
  • Clear communication concerning donor recognition and donor benefits.
  • Disclosure of the financial status of SOS BC by way of independently audited statements of account.
  • Disclosure of fundraising costs that endorse effective management and resource development.
  • SOS BC considers names on its donor list to be strictly confidential, and under no circumstances will these lists be sold or traded.

11) SOS BC will respect the privacy of those who benefit directly from the fulfillment of the mission of SOS BC.

12) SOS BC will use suitably trained personnel (employees, and volunteers) in its fundraising activities and will ensure that they are appropriately supervised.

13) In addition to its regular personnel SOS BC solicits the shorter-term assistance of community volunteers at various times of the year in connection with its seasonal fundraising appeals.

14) SOS BC does not enter into contractual agreements based upon commission-based or percentage-based fundraising.

15) SOS BC will make available to any party a copy of its Fundraising Code of Ethics.

DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

SOS BC endorses the following “Donor Bill of Rights” which has been developed by the American Association of Fund Raising Council, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

1) To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purpose.

2) To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

3) To receive a copy of the Fundraising Code of Ethics as established by SOS BC.

4) To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements, including the charity’s registration number as assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency and information contained within the public portion of the annual Charity Information Return to the Canada Revenue Agency.

5) To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

6) To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

7) To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

8) To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

9) To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

10) To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

11) To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.