Introduction
‘Philanthropy is the context, development is the process, fundraising is the result.’ (Albert Anderson, Ethics for Fundraisers, Indiana University Press, 1996)

Fundraising professionals have a ‘triple agent’ responsibility to donors, to the employer, and to the cause. Hence we must be guided by our mission, our sense of personal integrity, and our relationships with our donors. At the heart of fundraising ethics lies the need to ensure that the trust of the donor is not violated, which requires openness, transparency and respect. The following ethical policy is designed to this end.

Code of Ethical Fundraising for the University of Hull

A. Donor’s Rights
1. All fundraising solicitations by or on behalf of the University of Hull will disclose the University’s name and purpose for which the funds are requested. Printed solicitations (however transmitted) will also include its address or other contact information.
2. Donors and prospective donors are entitled to the following, promptly upon request:
    the most recent annual report and financial statements;
    confirmation of the charitable status of The University of Hull;
    a copy of this ethics code.
3. Donors and prospective donors are entitled to know, upon request, whether an individual soliciting funds on behalf of the University is a volunteer, an employee or a hired solicitor.
4. Donors will be encouraged to seek independent advice if the University has any reason to believe that a proposed gift might significantly affect the donor’s financial position, taxable income, or relationship with other family members.
5. Donor’s requests to remain anonymous will be respected.
6. The privacy of donors will be respected. Any donor records that are maintained by the University will be kept confidential to the greatest extent possible. Donors have the right to see their own donor record, and to challenge its accuracy.
7. Donors and prospective donors will be treated with respect. Every effort will be made to honour their requests to:
    limit the frequency of solicitations;
    not to be solicited by telephone or other technology;
    receive printed material concerning the University.
8. The University will respond promptly to a complaint by a donor or prospective donor about any matter that is addressed in this ethics policy. A designated member of the Development and Alumni Relations Office or volunteer will attempt to satisfy the complainant’s concerns in the first instance. A complainant who remains dissatisfied will be informed that he/she may appeal in writing to the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, and will be advised of the disposition of the appeal.

B. Fundraising Practices
1. Fundraising solicitations on behalf of the University of Hull will:
    be truthful;
    accurately describe the University’s activities and the intended use of donated funds; and
   respect the dignity and privacy of those who benefit from the University’s activities.
2. Volunteers, employees and hired solicitors who solicit or receive funds on behalf of the University shall:
    adhere to the provisions of this code;
    act with fairness, integrity, and in accordance with all applicable laws;
    adhere to the provisions of applicable professional codes of ethics, standards of practice, etc.
    cease solicitation of a prospective donor who identifies solicitation as harrassment or undue pressure;
    disclose immediately to the University any actual or apparent conflict of interest; and
    not accept donations for purposes that are inconsistent with the University’s objects or mission.
3. Paid fundraisers, whether staff or consultants, will be compensated by a salary, retainer or fee, and will not be paid finders’ fees, commissions or other payments based on either the number of gifts received or the value of funds raised. Compensation policies for fundraisers, including performance-based compensation practices (such as salary increases or bonuses) will be consistent with the University's policies and practices that apply to non-fundraising personnel.
4. The University will not sell its donor list.
5. The Vice-Chancellor will be informed at least annually of the number, type and disposition of complaints received from donors or prospective donors about matters that are addressed in this code.

C. Financial Accountability
1. The University of Hull’s financial affairs will be conducted in a responsible manner, consistent with the ethical obligations of stewardship and the legal requirements of national regulators.
2. All donations will be used to support the mission of The University of Hull.
3. All restricted or designated donations will be used for the purposes for which they are given. If necessary due to programme or organisational changes, alternative uses will be discussed where possible with the donor or the donor’s legal designate. If the donor is deceased or legally incompetent, and the University is unable to contact a legal designate, the donation will be used in a manner that is as consistent as possible with the donor’s original intent.
4. Annual financial reports will:
    be factual and accurate in all material respects;
    disclose:
- the total amount of fundraising revenues;
- the total amount of fundraising expenses;
- identify government grants and contributions separately from other donations;
- be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and standards.
5. The cost effectiveness of the University’s fundraising programme will be reviewed regularly by the Vice-Chancellor.