Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for fundraising practices at United Hands Relief (UHR). Its objective is to ensure that all fundraising activities are ethical, transparent, and aligned with UHR’s mission, while safeguarding donor trust and organizational integrity.
Scope
This policy applies to all UHR staff, volunteers, board members, and third-party representatives engaged in fundraising activities on behalf of the organization.
1. Fundraising Goals
- Fundraising goals must be clearly defined, including the amount of funds needed, the purpose of the funds, and the timeline for achieving them.
- Goals must align with UHR’s strategic plan and program
2. Fundraising Methods
- UHR may use a variety of fundraising methods, including:
- Events and campaigns
- Direct mail and email appeals
- Online donations and crowdfunding
- Grant applications
- Major gifts and planned giving
- All methods must comply with applicable laws and ethical
3. Donor Recognition
- All donations will be acknowledged promptly with appropriate
- Major donors will be recognized through tailored communications, events, or publications, consistent with donor preferences.
- Recognition must respect donor privacy and avoid undue
4. Donor Privacy
- Donor information will be collected, stored, and used in compliance with privacy
- UHR will not sell, trade, or share donor information with external parties without
- Confidentiality of donor records must be maintained at all
5. Gift Acceptance Policy
- UHR accepts monetary donations, in-kind contributions, and grants that align with its
- Gifts that conflict with UHR’s values, legal obligations, or ethical standards will not be
- Restricted gifts must be used in accordance with donor
6. Fundraising Expenses
- Fundraising expenses must be reasonable and directly related to fundraising
- UHR will strive to maintain fundraising expenses at or below industry benchmarks (e.g., not exceeding 25% of funds raised).
- Allowable expenses include event costs, marketing, donor communications, and staff
7. Compliance
- All fundraising activities must comply with state and federal laws, IRS regulations, and donor requirements.
- UHR adheres to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics.
- Staff and volunteers must avoid conflicts of interest in
8. Donor Stewardship
- UHR will maintain ongoing communication with donors, providing updates on how contributions are used.
- Donors will be engaged in UHR’s mission through reports, events, and opportunities for
- Transparency and accountability are central to donor
9. Fundraising Planning
- Fundraising goals and strategies will be set annually as part of UHR’s strategic planning
- Success will be measured through key performance indicators (KPIs), including donor retention, fundraising efficiency, and impact reporting.
- Plans must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect best practices and changing
10. Review & Updates
- This policy will be reviewed annually by the Development Committee and updated as needed to ensure compliance with evolving laws and industry standards