POLICIES & GUIDELINES 03.001E Collaborative Fundraising for L Arche in Canada Vision, Policies, Principles & Practices Adopted on June 5th, 2008 Saint John (New Brunswick)
Vision We envision a zone where fundraising is a dynamic and integrated component of the mission of L Arche in Canada, and a key element of our community and organizational life national, regional, and local L Arche entities share responsibility and collaborate effectively to achieve our fundraising goals The components necessary to achieve this vision include periodic revisiting of the vision statement to ensure that it continues to capture the imagination of people and inspires them to commit a collective affirmation of the vision and its core components, and a set of win-win outcomes for all L Arche entities leadership capable of devising a plan to implement and realize the vision a commitment to be fully engaged in the enterprise of working together a coherent set of fundraising policies and procedures that have broad ownership a dynamic way that the various levels of L Arche will work together on fund development people with the skills and ability to be effective fundraisers, and investment in their training a Foundation that has the credibility and trust of other L Arche entities in Canada Some of the indicators of a successful collaborative fundraising vision and strategy would include an increase in our collective fundraising results across Canada a diverse and sustainable base of engaged donors across Canada a strong sense of collective responsibility for communicating the mission and raising funds a growing positive impact on Canadian society more opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute in a meaningful way to building a better society more energy around our contribution to society, and less preoccupation with organizational survival more flexibility to innovate a more effective articulation of our key messages a vibrant fundraising culture consistent with the mission of L Arche an ability to increase regional and national resources Collaborative Fundraising for L Arche in Canada: Vision, Policies, Principles & Practices 2 7
Policies, Principles & Practices This document articulates the core fundraising principles and practices to assist the various L Arche entities to collaborate with one another and their supporters. Putting these principles and practices into operation is the responsibility of each L Arche entity. The mission of L Arche depends upon attracting sustainable financial resources. To be sustainable, fundraising needs to be integrated into the activities that assist us in realizing the mission. The principles and practices inherent in these activities need to be adopted and shared by all levels. The goal is to develop a broad and diverse base of engaged donors and financial supporters through the implementation of practices which objectively adhere to the principles of L Arche. When a fundraising activity is being considered, each step including the way in which we as individuals, communities, or other entities relate to one another in L Arche should be critically analyzed with these principles and practices in mind. Many of these principles and practices necessarily overlap and cannot be applied in isolation. Principle 1 Fundraising in L Arche is Relationship-Based 1.1. Key Considerations a) Relationship is at the heart of L Arche. b) Relationships with our donors are fundamental to the mission of L Arche. Nurturing these relationships is an important part of our mission and ministry. c) Relationship is something we treasure, but we do not jealously guard it. Put another way, there is no property in relationship. We loosely speak of my relationship or our relationship, but the possessive is not intended to be interpreted as exclusive of others. d) Relationship is built and nourished by, among other things, being fully present and open to one another; respect; collaboration; communication; naming difficulties and mistakes honestly; letting go of the past; mutuality; reciprocity; sharing; a journey away from isolation and self-interest; and, a refusal to relate from a place of distrust. e) Relationship, in the context of fundraising, is complex and multidimensional, is intrinsically public in nature and has implications for the wider body of L Arche. Collaborative Fundraising for L Arche in Canada: Vision, Policies, Principles & Practices 3 7
1.2. Practices a) We will strive to develop personal relationships with donors and, whenever possible, invite them to engage, in a deeper way, with the people and mission of L Arche. b) Every effort will be made to avoid multiple solicitation of, or approaches, to donors. c) If there is a known pre-existing relationship between a prospective or current donor, and a L Arche entity, that relationship will be respected and that donor will not be approached by any other L Arche entity without the agreement or participation of the L Arche entity which enjoys or has cultivated that relationship. d) It is the mandate of the L Arche Canada Foundation to approach institutional donors with a national scope. e) Institutional donors with a national scope will be approached by the L Arche Canada Foundation through that donor s national office, after notification to the L Arche leadership in locales where that office is located. f) Institutional donors with a national scope, but with a branch or subsidiary office at the local level, may be approached by a local community at that level, and the L Arche Canada Foundation will be notified of the approach. g) Prospective individual donors in any locale can be approached by any L Arche entity as long as that entity consults with the L Arche leadership in that locale. This does not apply to any National and Regional initiatives, provided that information about these initiatives is communicated to the local L Arche leadership in advance. h) Because the best interests of the donor are paramount to those of the L Arche entities, when a donor expresses a desire to deal with another entity, such desire will be respected. i) All L Arche entities will protect the privacy of donors, whether imposed by law or requested by a donor. Collaborative Fundraising for L Arche in Canada: Vision, Policies, Principles & Practices 4 7
Principle 2 Funds Raised Flow to the L Arche Entity that Raises Them 2.1. Key Considerations a) The L Arche entity which cultivates a relationship to the point where it bears the fruit of a financial gift should be rewarded for the effort expended in that relationship. b) L Arche entities share resources in a climate of solidarity. 2.2. Practices a) Each L Arche entity is the steward of funds that it raises. b) Funds raised by the L Arche Canada Foundation support the mission of L Arche in Canada. c) Funds raised through shared efforts of two L Arche entities will be shared in accordance with a sharing formula arrived at through respectful negotiation. d) Donors are free to direct where their gifts are to be applied and such requests will be respected. e) Donations to the L Arche Canada Foundation designated for a local community will be receipted promptly by the L Arche Canada Foundation with an appropriate acknowledgement, and the monies forwarded to the local community. With consent, donor information will be provided by the L Arche Canada Foundation to the local community which then has primary responsibility for nurturing the relationship with that donor. Collaborative Fundraising for L Arche in Canada: Vision, Policies, Principles & Practices 5 7
Principle 3 Fundraising in L Arche is Effective, Ethical, and Accountable 3.1. Key Considerations a) What is effective or efficient may not in all circumstances be equitable, and the reverse may also be true. What is effective, efficient, or equitable is open to interpretation and discussion. b) All fundraising practices by L Arche entities must be ethical and consistent with the values of L Arche as reflected in official L Arche documents. c) Each L Arche entity is accountable in its fundraising to its members and donors. 3.2. Practices a) L Arche entities will share their fundraising resources, tools, and best practices. b) When national initiatives depend upon the energy and resources of the local community, or have a significant impact upon the local community donor base, care will be taken to consult with the local communities as to design, timing, content, scope, responsibility, reporting, benchmarks, accountability, transparency and other considerations, as appropriate, to the nature of the initiative being designed. c) New local and regional foundations should not be established. d) Existing local and regional foundations should do everything possible to minimize donor confusion and where possible, increase efficiency. e) Fundraising activities will be evaluated on an ongoing basis using quantifiable, measurable benchmarks. f) All L Arche entities will subscribe to the principle of accountability. This includes freely and accurately sharing information about governance, finances, and operations. g) All L Arche entities will follow the principles outlined in the Imagine Canada Ethical Fundraising and Financial Accountability Code. Collaborative Fundraising for L Arche in Canada: Vision, Policies, Principles & Practices 6 7
Principle 4 Communication & Commitment Build Relationships 4.1. Key Considerations a) Relationships in L Arche depend on open, direct and respectful communication, transparency and accountability. These should be reflected in our fundraising activities. This is particularly important when differences of opinion arise. b) We have the benefit of learning from past experiences in L Arche. Open and honest communication about our background and history will help us to make effective decisions for the future. 4.2. Practices a) Best practices will be recorded and shared. b) Information on national and regional initiatives will be available for members of L Arche Canada on a regular basis. This information will highlight activities and include a financial report. c) The Annual Report and Financial Statements of the L Arche Canada Foundation will be available for members of L Arche Canada. d) Fundraising information for all L Arche entities will be compiled on an annual basis. Collective statistics will be available to members of L Arche Canada. e) When differences cannot be resolved through dialogue within a reasonable period of time, the L Arche Dispute Resolution Procedure will be used and respected. This tool is a means of bridging an impasse so that the mission can be advanced by all. f) Policies will be reviewed and modified as appropriate. Attachments to be included with this document: «Imagine Canada Ethical Code» document The official «L Arche Canada Dispute Resolution Procedure» document Collaborative Fundraising for L Arche in Canada: Vision, Policies, Principles & Practices 7 7