Fundraising Policy

1. Purpose of the Diplomacy Training Program’s (DTP) Fundraising Policy

Through this policy DTP will:

  • Ensure that DTP’s fundraising activities are carried out in an ethical manner, consistent with DTP’s mission, vision and principles
  • Comply with the ACFID Fundraising Charter and the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
  • Comply with the terms of DTP’s DGR status and the requirements of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC).
 

2. Scope of policy

DTP’s operations and work are made possible through in-kind support and funding from:

  • Grants from governments, international organisations, trusts and foundations
  • Training fees charged to participants and nominating organisations
  • Philanthropic support provided by individuals and foundations.
 

This policy applies principally to DTP’s philanthropic fundraising activities, but the guiding principles are relevant to all sources of support for DTP.

The policy is to be implemented by DTP’s Board Members, staff and volunteers. It is to be communicated to and, where appropriate, supported by its partners.

3. Guiding Principles

  • DTP will build transparent and accountable relationships with donors and program participants and others consistent with the human rights values that guide DTP’s work.
  • DTP will apply careful budgeting and procurement practises to maximise the impact of philanthropic support.
  • DTP’s decisions on fundraising and sources of fundraising support will be guided by its commitment to human rights standards and values, its commitment to working with individuals and communities working to uphold human rights, and an understanding of the importance of reputational risks to DTP’s relationships and impacts.
 

4. Implementation of the policy

DTP’s fundraising activities will help to strengthen DTP’s relationships with organisations and individuals with values and interests compatible with DTP’s vision for a world in which all people have the freedom to advocate for the promotion and protection of human rights and are able to realise their human rights and achieve dignity.

Reputation: DTP’s reputation and its relationships with its partners and the communities that it seeks to assist are a primary concern, and must not be compromised through fundraising approaches, or acceptance of support from specific individuals, governments or corporations. DTP’s decisions on whether to seek or accept donations or other forms of financial support from individuals, governments and corporations will be guided by the need to ensure that DTP’s reputation for supporting vulnerable and marginalised individuals and communities, and/or for independence, impartiality and integrity is maintained.

Assessing Reputational Risks: DTP acknowledges that there is a heightened risk of reputational damage from corporate support, especially where companies are involved in the extractive industries and/or the employment of migrant workers. The DTP Board will be involved in the decision-making process on whether to accept funding where staff or DTP participants/partners identify risks/concerns. In the first instance this will be through consultation with the DTP Fundraising Committee.

Fundraising Communications: In both spoken and written information used in fundraising activities, DTP will adhere to the ACFID Code of Conduct in relation to obtaining free, prior and informed consent from individuals for the use of their images and stories and that the collection of information, images and stories does not harm people or the environment. All communications will be truthful and non-deceptive and will seek to share information and images that respect and promote human rights. DTP will only use images and messages in communications in a way that portrays the affected people (including children) in a manner that respects their dignity, values, history, religion, language and culture, and protects their safety and rights. The Executive Director will review and approve all public messaging before release.

Accountability: All funds raised through DTP’s fundraising activities will be used for DTP’s work. Where funds have been raised for a specific purpose, they will be dedicated to that purpose. DTP will build transparent and accountable relationships with donors through sharing program information, Annual Reports, alumni profiles etc.

Efficiency: The Executive Director and DTP staff will work to ensure that all funds are expended carefully in order to maximise the impact of funds of DTP’s work.

Compliance: The Executive Director and DTP staff will be familiar with and ensure DTP’s compliance with relevant national and state-based fundraising and charitable legislation and regulatory frameworks and will ensure necessary licenses are kept up to date. Fundraising activities will comply with legislation relating to protection of the privacy of donors. All philanthropic donations raised in Australia in accordance with DTP’s DGR status will be deposited into DTP’s Gift Fund Account. The funds will then be allocated by authorisation of the Gift Fund Committee to be used for the stated purpose of the appeal.

5. Reviewing this policy

The DTP Board of Directors adopted this policy on Fundraising.

Date of First Adoption: July 2019
Renewed: November 2021
Date for Renewal: 2024