Gift Acceptance & Refusal Policy

1. Purpose and Scope
   Support Through Court welcomes donations from individuals, trusts, and organisations to support our charitable objectives. This policy sets out the principles and procedures for accepting, declining, or returning donations to:

• Protect the Charity’s reputation, independence, and integrity
• Ensure donations align with the Charity’s mission and values
• Comply with applicable law, regulatory guidance, and ethical standards

This policy applies to:

• Trustees
• Staff involved in fundraising or finance
• Volunteers engaged in fundraising activities
• Third-party fundraisers acting on behalf of the Charity

2. Principles
Support Through Court will:

• Accept donations that are lawful, ethical, and consistent with our charitable objectives
• Avoid accepting donations that compromise the Charity’s independence, reputation, or impartiality
• Refuse donations that are illegal, unethical, or linked to harm, exploitation, or discrimination
• Maintain transparency with donors about how donations will be used and any conditions applied

This policy ensures s that donors cannot exert undue influence over the Charity’s governance, strategy, or activities.

3. Criteria for Accepting Donations
The Charity will generally accept gifts that:

• Are given voluntarily, without coercion or improper influence
• Are consistent with the Charity’s mission and values
• Do not create a conflict of interest with the Charity’s operations
• Are free of legal or regulatory restrictions that could impede their use
• Are given by an individual or organisation legally entitled to make the gift
  All accepted gifts will be acknowledged appropriately and recorded in accordance with the Charity’s accounting and data policies.

4. Criteria for Refusing or Returning Donations
The Charity will refuse or return gifts in the following circumstances:

1. Conflict with Values or Mission
   o Donations from sources that would compromise the Charity’s independence or
   mission
   o Contributions tied to activities or behaviours contrary to the Charity’s values
2. Legal or Ethical Risk
   o Donations derived from criminal activity, fraud, or exploitation
   o Donations linked to discrimination, harm, or exploitation of vulnerable individuals
3. Unacceptable Conditions
   o Gifts with conditions the Charity cannot meet (e.g., requiring influence over staff,
   beneficiaries, or governance)
   o Gifts with undue reporting or publicity requirements that conflict with the Charity’s policies
4. Reputational or Operational Risk
   o Gifts that may damage the Charity’s reputation or create unacceptable financial or operational risk
   o Donations from organisations whose public behaviour is incompatible with the Charity’s ethical standards

5. Third-Party Fundraising Gifts
For gifts raised by third-party fundraisers:

• The same acceptance/refusal criteria apply
• Third-party fundraisers will be informed of any donations that are declined
• Donations accepted on behalf of the Charity must comply with all regulatory, ethical, and contractual requirements

6. Approval and Oversight

• The Fundraising team must submit a form detailing the background of any high value (£25,000 and over), unusual, or potentially sensitive donations
• This form will be reviewed by the Head of Fundraising, prior to passing on to the Board of Trustees. Trustees must review and approve any donations that:
  o Present significant ethical, reputational, or financial risks
  o Come with conditions or expectations outside normal charitable practice
• Decisions are recorded, including reasons for acceptance or refusal, for audit and reporting purposes

7. Transparency and Communication

• Donors will be informed if their donation is refused or returned, and the reason explained clearly
• Acceptance of a donation does not confer influence over the Charity’s activities, staff, or governance
• The Charity will ensure all public communication about donations reflects accurate and honest representation

8. Monitoring and Review

• The Gift Acceptance / Refusal Policy will be reviewed annually or when guidance from the Fundraising Regulator or Charity Commission changes
• All decisions will be documented and monitored to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards
• Records are maintained securely in line with data protection requirements

9. Regulatory Compliance
This policy is designed to comply with:

• Fundraising Regulator Code of Fundraising Practice (2025)
• Charity Commission guidance on trustee duties, ethical fundraising, and gift acceptance

It ensures that Support Through Court maintains ethical, transparent, and independent fundraising practices while safeguarding its beneficiaries, staff, and reputation.