Page 23 - CARF - Section 1

1.A.9 Organizational Fundraising
POLICY:
It is the policy of the Light of Truth Center, Inc. to implement established procedures for handling donations and other business practices to ensure fundraising oversight, proper solicitation, clear communication, recognition and ethical fundraising. Public and donor trust is vital to support the Light of Truth Center, Inc.’s mission for charitable support. The Light of Truth Center, Inc. is committed to our professional obligations, appropriate solicitation and use of philanthropic funds, record keeping, as well as transparent presentation of information and compensation. This policy is reviewed annually for relevance.
PROCEDURE: Ensure that the Light of Truth Center, Inc. complies with government regulations for solicitation, communication, recognition, and confidentiality by implementing the following:
1. Oversight of well-managed fundraising efforts are in place to meet the mission of the Light of Truth Center, Inc. and will be under the direction of the board of directors. All donations solicited on behalf of the organization shall be used to further its mission.
2. Donor Solicitation: Funds shall be solicited in a respectful manner and without pressure. All third parties not directly affiliated with the Light of Truth Center, Inc. who wish to solicit funds on behalf of the organization must acquire written permission from the board of directors prior to beginning any fundraising activities. Donor designated restrictions on contributions shall be honored. Written tax receipts shall be issued for all donations. If the donor receives anything in exchange for their donation, such as a dinner or event admission, the tax receipt shall clearly state what portion of the donation is tax deductible.
3. Communication: Within 21 days of donation receipt, every donor to the Light of Truth Center, Inc. shall receive a formal acknowledgement or thank you letter and donation receipt
4. Recognition: There are special opportunities for major donors to have recognition such as having the donor or organization acknowledged in our annual report or during the annual fundraiser. Language identified by the donor or funder shall be honored.
5. Confidentiality and Privacy: Any information supplied to the Light of Truth Center, Inc. by donors will be used solely to fulfill their donation and shall not be shared for any reason unless given permission. All requests to remain anonymous shall be honored. Donors may be contacted periodically for solicitation or with information regarding upcoming events.
6. Valuing of Donations: Some gifts impose special obligations that will need to be taken into consideration based on the type and value of the donation (i.e. stock, real estate, life insurance or personal property). Appropriate legal counsel will be utilized during any such transaction.
7. Use of donations will be in accordance with the donor’s intent and shall be used in alignment with the mission.
8. Documentation and Recordkeeping: It is important to document the types of gifts be received. The acceptance or review of major gifts will be performed by the board of directors. The gift entry and recordkeeping process is as follows:
a. All checks or monetary gifts will be properly documented. Donor information will be updated in the appropriate database.