1. Purpose and scope
The purpose of this Fundraising & Sponsorship Policy is to set out how the HEADTURNED Foundation (the Foundation) approaches donations, grants, sponsorship arrangements, and related partnerships in a way that is lawful, transparent, and aligned with our mission and values.
This policy applies to fundraising activities led or commissioned by the Foundation, whether online or offline.
2. Principles
We aim to ensure that fundraising is:
- legal, honest, and transparent;
- respectful of supporters and potential supporters;
- consistent with our purpose and with the welfare of animals, people, and the environment; and
- managed in a way that avoids undue influence or conflicts of interest.
3. Accepting or declining support
We are grateful for offers of support, but we may decline donations, sponsorships, or partnership arrangements where accepting them would be inconsistent with our mission, values, independence, or legal responsibilities.
Decisions to decline or return support may take into account factors such as:
- the source of funds and whether there is a clear risk of association with activities that conflict with our aims, for example serious environmental harm or animal cruelty;
- whether the support could compromise, or reasonably be seen to compromise, our independence or decision-making; and
- legal or regulatory restrictions on receiving funds from certain sources.
4. Sponsorships and related partnerships
Sponsorship arrangements and related partnerships may involve mutual benefits, such as visibility for an external organisation in return for financial or in-kind support. Such arrangements should:
- be documented in a clear written agreement;
- reflect a fair balance of benefits and responsibilities for both parties; and
- avoid any requirement for the Foundation to promote products, services, or practices that conflict with our mission or values.
Sponsorship arrangements may be subject to additional review under our Conflicts of Interest Policy.
5. Communication with donors and supporters
We aim to communicate with donors and supporters in a way that is accurate, respectful, and does not place undue pressure on anyone to give.
- We will describe how donations may be used in clear and honest terms.
- Where donations are directed to particular projects or areas of work, we will respect those intentions as far as reasonably possible.
- We will respond to requests to change how people hear from us in line with our Privacy Policy.
6. Use of funds
Funds received by the Foundation will be applied to further our charitable aims and to sustain the work of the Foundation and its projects.
Where donors direct contributions to particular themes or projects, we will endeavour to honour those wishes while retaining overall discretion to use funds where they are most needed if circumstances change materially.
7. Fundraising methods
The Foundation may use a variety of fundraising methods, including digital campaigns, events, grant applications, and partnership-led activity. In all cases, we aim to ensure that methods are:
- compliant with relevant laws and regulations;
- respectful of people's time, preferences, and privacy; and
- transparent about who is fundraising and for what purpose.
8. Third-party fundraisers
Where individuals or organisations fundraise for the Foundation in a third-party capacity, we may provide guidance or branded materials. Such fundraisers are expected to act in a way that is consistent with this policy and with relevant laws in their jurisdiction.
9. Complaints and concerns
Concerns or complaints about fundraising practices can be raised using the routes described in our Complaints Policy. More serious concerns about wrongdoing or risk can also be raised under our Whistleblowing Policy.
10. Review and updates
This policy will be reviewed periodically and updated where necessary in light of the Foundation's activities or changes in law, guidance, and best practice.
The version published on the HEADTURNED Foundation website is the version currently in force.