Fundraising and Donations Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this fundraising policy is to provide a framework for all fundraising activities conducted by or on behalf of the Global China Academy. It aims to ensure that all fundraising efforts are carried out in an ethical, transparent and effective manner, consistent with Global China Academy’s mission, values and legal obligations. To further these goals, the policy also includes financial risk management and planning for sustainability.

2. Scope

This policy applies to the board members, staff, volunteers and any individuals or organisations acting on behalf of or in partnership with the Global China Academy.

3. Financial Risk Management

All fundraising activities must be evaluated for financial risks to ensure the long-term financial health and stability of the Global China Academy. This includes conducting thorough risk assessments for potential fundraising activities and implementing strategies to mitigate these risks. The Academy commits to a cautious approach that prioritises its financial security and sustainability.

4. Planning for Sustainability

Fundraising activities should be planned with a long-term perspective, aiming not only to support the Academy’s immediate needs but also to sustain the Academy’s operations and mission into the future. This involves selecting fundraising strategies and partners that align with the Academy’s sustainability goals, including environmental, social and economic factors.

5. General Fundraising Principles

• Ethical Fundraising: All fundraising activities shall be conducted in accordance with the highest ethical standards. This includes avoiding activities or messages that may cause excessive distress or offence.
• Transparency and Accountability: Global China Academy commits to transparency in its fundraising activities and expenditures.
• Compliance and Integrity: Fundraising activities will comply with all relevant laws, regulations and guidelines, reflecting Global China Academy’s integrity and public responsibility.
• Diversity of Funding Sources: The Academy will seek to create a diversified fundraising portfolio that supports its mission while minimising dependence on single sources of funding.
• Unacceptable Sources of Funding: Global China Academy reserves the right to refuse funds from sources that are not in alignment with the Academy’s ethical principles. This includes, but is not limited to, funds or proceeds from organisations or individuals affiliated with extreme views or involved in gambling.
• Fundraising Communications: All promotional materials and solicitations will accurately describe Global China Academy’s activities and needs. Misleading or false representations are strictly prohibited.

6. Donations and Donors

• Global China Academy will follow all legal rules when deciding whether to accept, refuse or return a donation, as set out by the Charity Commission: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accepting-refusing-and-returning-donations-to-your-charity
• Global China Academy will carry out due diligence checks on donors, beneficiaries and partners before accepting a donation using the guidance set out by the Charity Commission: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charities-due-diligence-checks-and-monitoring-end-use-of-funds
• Global China Academy will follow the standards for ethical fundraising and sustainable giving set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice from the Fundraising Regulator: https://www.fundraisingregulator.org.uk
• In addition, Global China Academy must evaluate potential donors in accordance with the following criteria to ensure they meet the Academy’s values, goals and ethical standards:

Alignment with Mission and Values

• Mission Support: Donors should ideally have a history of supporting initiatives that align with Global China Academy’s mission to promote academic, cultural and scientific exchanges.
• Value Alignment: Potential donors must demonstrate commitment to Global China Academy’s values, notably mutual respect, transparency, diversity and inclusivity.

Non-Interference and Independence

• Respect for Independence: Global China Academy cannot accept donations from parties who seek to influence the Academy’s governance, academic freedom or independence.
• Conflict of Interest Avoidance: Global China Academy must identify and manage potential conflicts of interest between a donor and the Academy’s interests before accepting a donation.

Ethical Standards and Legal Compliance

• Ethical Conduct: Donors must have a clean record, free from involvement in activities that are antithetical to Global China Academy’s values and ethical standards, or that could harm its reputation.
• Legal Compliance: All donations must comply with local and international laws, including those related to financial transactions, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering.

Acknowledgement and Privacy

• Acknowledgement: Global China Academy will properly acknowledge all donations and may additionally offer other appropriate forms of recognition, respecting the wishes of donors who prefer to remain anonymous. Donors have the right to be informed about the use and impact of their donations.
• Privacy Protection: Global China Academy will protect the privacy of donors, including personal and financial information, in accordance with privacy and data protection laws.

Transparency and Accountability

• Transparency: Donors must disclose the sources of their funds to ensure that the donations come from legitimate, trustworthy sources.
• Use of Funds: Global China Academy must agree to use restricted donations as specified by the donor. For example, a donation to fund a Global China Dialogue conference must be used to fund the conference and not for other purposes. Global China Academy commits to transparently report on how donations are utilised, ensuring they support intended programmes and initiatives and consistent with Global Academy’s mission and as communicated to donors.

7. Governance

• Oversight: The Trustees of Global China Academy will provide strategic oversight of fundraising activities, ensuring compliance with this policy and evaluating its effectiveness.
• Staff and Volunteer Training: Individuals involved in fundraising will receive appropriate training to understand and implement this policy effectively.
• Conflicts of Interest: Individuals involved in fundraising shall disclose any conflicts of interest, ensuring that no personal benefit is derived from their roles in fundraising activities.

8. Monitoring and Review

Major donors will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees to ensure transparency and to uphold Global China Academy’s values, ethical standards and legal obligations.

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees and updated as necessary to reflect changes in regulations, best practices and the needs of the Global China Academy.

April 2024

Next review due April 2025