Standard 5: Fundraising

“Land trusts conduct fundraising activities in a lawful, ethical and responsible manner.”

Background Context: 

 

Practices:

A. Legal and Ethical Practices
  1. Conduct an analysis of provincial and federal charitable fundraising laws and register where the land trust determines it is appropriate.
  2. Do not compensate internal or external fundraisers based on a commission or a percentage of the amount raised.

Resources:

Accountability Policy – Template Ontario Land Trust Alliance ————————– 65 KB pdf
Fundraising Policy – Template Ontario Land Trust Alliance ————————– 51 KB pdf
Code of Ethical Standards  Association of Fundraising Professionals 2020 ————————– website
Fundraising  Board Source 2013 533 KB pdf
Board Fundraising Policy: Key Elements, Practical Tips, and Sample Policy Board Source 2017 57 KB pdf
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B. Accountability to Donors
  1. Provide accurate fundraising materials and other communications to donors and the public.
  2. Provide timely written acknowledgement of all gifts, including land and conservation agreements, in keeping with Canada Revenue Agency charitable receipting requirements, as appropriate.
  3. Maintain financial and other systems to document and comply with any donor restrictions on gifts.
  4. Have a written policy or procedure to ensure donor privacy concerns are honored.

Resources:

Bill of Rights for Donors Ontario Land Trust Alliance 2018 79 KB pdf
Gift Acceptance Policy Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust 2016 69 KB word
Sponsorship Policy Ontario Farmland Trust 2014 501 KB pdf
Donor Thank You Call Ontario Farmland Trust 2017 121 KB word
Privacy Policy – Sample 1 Ontario Land Trust Alliance 2018 80 KB pdf
Privacy Policy – Sample 2 Imagine Canada —————– 61.2 KB pdf
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C. Fundraising Plan
  1. Develop and implement a fundraising plan or program appropriate to the land trust’s size and scope to secure adequate support for its activities.

Resources:

Fundraising Manual for Land Trusts Ontario Land Trust Alliance 2005 ————————–
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D. Non-conservation Real Property for Resale
  1. When acquiring non-conservation real property with the intent of selling it to advance the land trust’s mission,
    1. Obtain a written acknowledgment from any donor of the land trust’s intent to sell before accepting the property.
    2. Follow applicable transaction policies and procedures.
    3. Maintain the property while in the land trust’s ownership in a manner that retains the land trust’s public credibility, manages community expectations and minimizes risk.

Resources:

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