Standard 5: Philanthropy and Fundraising
The land trust conducts philanthropy and fundraising activities in an ethical and responsible
manner.
Background
Raising money through philanthropy and fundraising activities is a critical and ongoing activity for every active land trust. Philanthropy is a voluntary gift eligible for a tax receipt. Fundraising activities generally include some type of benefit to the supporter such as at a special event, lottery or gaming, for which no receipt may be issued. Land trusts should approach fundraising as a way to build longtime supporters and friends of their conservation mission. Charitable solicitations and fundraising activities should be undertaken not only with an eye toward meeting short-term needs, but also with an understanding of how philanthropy and fundraising practices affect the long-term credibility of the land trust. A good source of charitable giving standards is Imagine Canada, an organization formed in 2004 with the joining of the Canadian Centre for Philanthropy (CCP) and the Coalition of National Voluntary Organizations (NVO). Imagine Canada’s standards can be found on the website: www.imaginecanada.ca
Relevant Law
- Canada Revenue Agency policy interpretation of Income Tax Act, SC 1985, c. I; see
- Canada Revenue Agency policy interpretation of Income Tax Act, SC 1985, c. I; see:
- Personal Information Protection Act, SBC 2003, c. 63
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, SC 2000, c. 5.
PRACTICE
C. Accurate Representations
All representations made in promotional, fundraising, and other public information materials are accurate and not misleading with respect to the organization's accomplishments, activities and intended use of funds. All funds are spent for the purpose(s) identified in the solicitation or as directed in writing by the donor.
Background
Accurate representations are a basic rule of ethical philanthropy and fundraising. For prospective donors to make well-informed decisions about which organizations to support and how much to contribute, they need clear and accurate information about the organizations’ purposes and about the specific activities for which funds are being requested. In turn, land trusts need to spend those funds for those purposes the organization has identified. Land trusts should not be misleading with respect to their involvement in any project.
Assessment Questions
BC Assessment Questions
- Does the land trust provide accurate and clear information about activities for which donations are being solicited?
- Does the land trust provide donors with the opportunity to request additional information prior to making a gift?
- When soliciting for funds, does the land trust indicate where surplus funds would be directed?
- In the event that funds are not successfully raised for a project, does the land trust indicate how donations will be handled?
CLTA Assessment Questions
On a scale of 1 to 4, how well does this describe the land trust?
All representations made in promotional, fundraising, and other public information materials are accurate and not misleading with respect to the organization's accomplishments, activities and intended use of funds. All funds are spent for the purpose(s) identified in the solicitation or as directed in writing by the donor.
