Muscular Dystrophy Ireland Fundraising Policy 2012 - 2013
Pupils doing a bag pack
The Fundraising Policy is in compliance with the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising which was drawn up for the Irish Charities sector in the context of the Charities Act (2009). The Charities Act has the stated objectives of “…implementing agreed Codes of Good Practice in relation to the actual fund-raising operations…”. The Statement sets out best practice for charities who fundraise from the public, based around core principles of respect, honesty and openness. A full copy of the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising is available at www.ictr.ie.
Introduction
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland is proud of the high regard in which it is held by both the recipients of its services and its supporters. The purpose of this Fundraising Policy and associated Code of Professional Conduct is to provide guidance to members of the organisation and the general public when fundraising money from all sources for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Scope
This policy addresses general responsibilities in fund raising as well as specific responsibilities of fund raisers and donors and as related to the use of and accountability of funds.
Statement
Fund-raisers shall always act with fairness, honesty integrity and openness.
1. Fund-raisers shall comply, in all of their activities with Muscular Dystrophy Irelands practices and applicable laws and regulations.
2. Fund-raises hold themselves accountable to those from whom funds are received. The use of messages or illustrations that takes advantage of human suffering or in any way compromise the dignity of any human being is not permitted.
3. Fund-raisers shall not exploit their position for personal gain.
4. Fund-raisers shall adhere to Muscular Dystrophy Irelands Code of Professional Conduct. Above all else, donors have the right to obtain complete and timely information on how their funds are used.
5. All fundraising activities conducted under the name of MDI will need to be registered with the Fundraising Officer in the MDI Head Office.
6. All fundraising activities that use the MDI logo & information will need to be registered with the Fundraising Officer in the MDI Head Office.
7. All funds raised will be used for the purpose for which they were raised, and within a reasonable timeframe.
8. Fund-raising costs shall at all times be held to a percentage of revenue which is generally acceptable within the fund-raising profession and by the public. There shall be a proper balance between costs, revenue and quality.
9. A recognised accounting method shall be used to track and control donations (receipt books and spread sheets). Accurate and timely reports shall be available to the public, including the accounts raised, how it was spent, and the net proportion used for the purpose or cause.
10. Money collected from fund-raising will be counted at all times by two people.
11. Persons who raise funds for MDI and who would like the money to be allocated specifically towards a support service or for research, should stated this in a covering letter. Also if a fund-raiser wishes the money they raise to be used to buy a specific piece of equipment, a financial contribution, alternative service or PA service that directly impacts the individual with MD and the family, an MDI Respite Application form most be filled out, and the application will go through a decision process.
12. Funds raised from a fundraising event that are specific to research will be placed in the MDI Research Fund.
13. 10% of all money raised from fund-raising events will be allocated to the MDI Research Fund.
14. Members of MDI who are fundraising for research cannot dictate what research they want the funds to be spent on. They can suggest to the Research Committee where they would like the funds to be spent and the Committee will then request a submission for funding. They will then decide whether to fund this research or not, as per the procedure outlined above.
15. Branch Guidelines for Fundraising Local branches have a vital role to play in this and are requested to contribute to MDI’s central funds. The money raised is used for the Trust Fund, research and administration. It is vital for accountability and transparency that branches engage in good practice when raising funds. New codes of practice under the “Charity Legislation Bill” has been drawn up by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Head office will update you on any new developments.
16. There are three distinct areas of fundraising that applies to local branches
17. Branches may raise funds from local sources for a specific project in their area, e.g. purchase of piece of equipment.
18. Branches may raise funds from local sources specifically for the running of the branch
19. Branches fundraise for National Fundraising events.
Running the MDI branchs
Fundraising for the running of the branch all monies raised must be properly accounted for. At present 40% of any surplus of funds after expenditure at the end of the financial year must be submitted to head office by the end of February each year.
Responsibilities
o This policy is applicable throughout Muscular Dystrophy Ireland branches and networks, to all individuals who raise funds from private, corporate, public or other sources.
o Those who are employed as fund-raisers are encouraged to sign the Code of Professional Conduct.
Donor Charter
As a charity seeking donations form the public Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) aim to comply with the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising.
Our pledge is to treat our donors with respect, honesty and openness.
We commit to being accountable and transparent so that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in MDI.
We promise we will effectively apply your donations to us for their intended purposes.
We commit that you, our donors and prospective donors will:
What to do if you have feedback
If you do have a comment about any respect of our work, you can contact MDI in writing or by telephone or email. In the first instance, your comment will be dealt with by our CEO. Please give us as much information as possible and let us know how you would like us to respond providing relevant contact details.
Write to: CEO Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, 75 Lucan Road, Chapelizod, Dublin 20.
Tel: 01 6236414 Email: info@mdi.ie
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm, and 2.00pm to 5.00pm
The Responsibility of those Managing Fundraising Activities
Fundraisers and Fundraising charities, such as MDI, commit themselves to the highest standards of good practice and to ensuring that all their fundraising activities are respectful, honest, open and legal. Any information obtained in confidence as part of the fundraising process must not be disclosed without express prior consent.
Those responsible (or their designate, whether voluntary or paid) must:
Introduction
Muscular Dystrophy Ireland is proud of the high regard in which it is held by both the recipients of its services and its supporters. The purpose of this Fundraising Policy and associated Code of Professional Conduct is to provide guidance to members of the organisation and the general public when fundraising money from all sources for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Scope
This policy addresses general responsibilities in fund raising as well as specific responsibilities of fund raisers and donors and as related to the use of and accountability of funds.
Statement
Fund-raisers shall always act with fairness, honesty integrity and openness.
1. Fund-raisers shall comply, in all of their activities with Muscular Dystrophy Irelands practices and applicable laws and regulations.
2. Fund-raises hold themselves accountable to those from whom funds are received. The use of messages or illustrations that takes advantage of human suffering or in any way compromise the dignity of any human being is not permitted.
3. Fund-raisers shall not exploit their position for personal gain.
4. Fund-raisers shall adhere to Muscular Dystrophy Irelands Code of Professional Conduct. Above all else, donors have the right to obtain complete and timely information on how their funds are used.
5. All fundraising activities conducted under the name of MDI will need to be registered with the Fundraising Officer in the MDI Head Office.
6. All fundraising activities that use the MDI logo & information will need to be registered with the Fundraising Officer in the MDI Head Office.
7. All funds raised will be used for the purpose for which they were raised, and within a reasonable timeframe.
8. Fund-raising costs shall at all times be held to a percentage of revenue which is generally acceptable within the fund-raising profession and by the public. There shall be a proper balance between costs, revenue and quality.
9. A recognised accounting method shall be used to track and control donations (receipt books and spread sheets). Accurate and timely reports shall be available to the public, including the accounts raised, how it was spent, and the net proportion used for the purpose or cause.
10. Money collected from fund-raising will be counted at all times by two people.
11. Persons who raise funds for MDI and who would like the money to be allocated specifically towards a support service or for research, should stated this in a covering letter. Also if a fund-raiser wishes the money they raise to be used to buy a specific piece of equipment, a financial contribution, alternative service or PA service that directly impacts the individual with MD and the family, an MDI Respite Application form most be filled out, and the application will go through a decision process.
12. Funds raised from a fundraising event that are specific to research will be placed in the MDI Research Fund.
13. 10% of all money raised from fund-raising events will be allocated to the MDI Research Fund.
14. Members of MDI who are fundraising for research cannot dictate what research they want the funds to be spent on. They can suggest to the Research Committee where they would like the funds to be spent and the Committee will then request a submission for funding. They will then decide whether to fund this research or not, as per the procedure outlined above.
15. Branch Guidelines for Fundraising Local branches have a vital role to play in this and are requested to contribute to MDI’s central funds. The money raised is used for the Trust Fund, research and administration. It is vital for accountability and transparency that branches engage in good practice when raising funds. New codes of practice under the “Charity Legislation Bill” has been drawn up by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Head office will update you on any new developments.
16. There are three distinct areas of fundraising that applies to local branches
17. Branches may raise funds from local sources for a specific project in their area, e.g. purchase of piece of equipment.
18. Branches may raise funds from local sources specifically for the running of the branch
19. Branches fundraise for National Fundraising events.
Running the MDI branchs
Fundraising for the running of the branch all monies raised must be properly accounted for. At present 40% of any surplus of funds after expenditure at the end of the financial year must be submitted to head office by the end of February each year.
Responsibilities
o This policy is applicable throughout Muscular Dystrophy Ireland branches and networks, to all individuals who raise funds from private, corporate, public or other sources.
o Those who are employed as fund-raisers are encouraged to sign the Code of Professional Conduct.
Donor Charter
As a charity seeking donations form the public Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) aim to comply with the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising.
Our pledge is to treat our donors with respect, honesty and openness.
We commit to being accountable and transparent so that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in MDI.
We promise we will effectively apply your donations to us for their intended purposes.
We commit that you, our donors and prospective donors will:
- Be informed of the organisations mission, and of the way the organisation intends to use donated resources.
- Be informed of the identity of those serving on the organisations governing board, and that the board will exercise prudent judgment init stewardship responsibilities.
- Have access to the organisation most recent financial statements.
- Be assured you donations will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
- Receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
- Be assured that information about your donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provide by law.
- Expect that all relationships with the individuals representing the charity will be dealt with professionally.
- Have easily available the agreed procedures for making and responding to complaints.
- Have the opportunity for any names to be deleted from mailing lists. MDI mailing lists are shared with third parties.
- Receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers to questions you might have of the organisation.
What to do if you have feedback
If you do have a comment about any respect of our work, you can contact MDI in writing or by telephone or email. In the first instance, your comment will be dealt with by our CEO. Please give us as much information as possible and let us know how you would like us to respond providing relevant contact details.
Write to: CEO Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, 75 Lucan Road, Chapelizod, Dublin 20.
Tel: 01 6236414 Email: info@mdi.ie
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 1.00pm, and 2.00pm to 5.00pm
The Responsibility of those Managing Fundraising Activities
Fundraisers and Fundraising charities, such as MDI, commit themselves to the highest standards of good practice and to ensuring that all their fundraising activities are respectful, honest, open and legal. Any information obtained in confidence as part of the fundraising process must not be disclosed without express prior consent.
Those responsible (or their designate, whether voluntary or paid) must:
- Be responsible for ensuring that fundraisers are aware of and can generally communicate the purpose of the organisation and of the specific fundraising efforts they are involved in;
- Be responsible for ensuring that fundraisers are aware that they must disclose if they are employees of the organisation or third party agents;
- Provide, where possible, clear and adequate, written or verbal, information to the public about any relevant follow up including telephone procedure;
- Have procedures to ensure that, wherever possible, particular caution is exercised when soliciting from people who may be considered vulnerable;
- Where events organised in the charities names are not known by the charity until after the fact, the charity will work with that fundraiser to ensure they are aware of the standards expected and that the fundraiser will apply them to any further events they hold for the charity;
- Where donations are raised through electronic means, example through charities websites, the level of security applied to such websites shall be of a sufficient standard to protect the confidentiality of donors credit card and other personal details;
- Ensure all public collections have a Garda permit, or where no permit is necessary, permission from the relevant authority (such as for collections in church grounds);
- Be responsible for ensuring that paid fundraisers are remunerated within the minimum wage regulation;
- Ensure that the recruitment process screens potential recruits to indicate suitability (subject to data protection regulations)
- Where remunerated, ensure fundraisers are legally entitled to work in the jurisdiction;
- Be responsible for ensuring that, where paid, all fundraisers and third party agents are given appropriate contracts, to include a clause stipulating their compliance with the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising and with any legal requirements that apply;
- Ensure that appropriate training, education and information is available to fundraisers to enable them perform their roles effectively;
- Comply with the ICTR good practice factsheet on handling cash and non cash donations;
- Be generally responsible to explain to the public how fundraising is organised and to help educate the public about the realities of resourcing charitable organisations. Where specific questions are received these should be answered openly and honestly. The principle of informing the charity in advance and adhering to these standards will be highlighted as much as possible by the organisation.
