Accountability

Salvation Army Fundraising Code of Ethics

Obligations of The Salvation Army

The Fundraising Code of Ethics declares those values by which The Salvation Army, as an organization, and all individuals involved in Salvation Army fundraising activities are governed.

1. The Salvation Army acknowledges the trust relationship that exists between The Salvation Army and the public to whom it appeals for financial gifts in support of its programs and services.

2. The Salvation Army will maintain governing structures, which ensure that its programs and services are faithful to the mission and values of The Salvation Army.

3. The Salvation Army will clearly communicate the purpose for which the funds are being raised.

4. The Salvation Army, in recognizing its responsibility to the donor, will make every effort to honor donor requests in the following areas:

• Change of name and change of address updates;

• Accurate update of mailing preferences; and

• Provide information regarding The Salvation Army.

5. The Salvation Army will strive to ensure that all representations of fact, descriptions of financial condition of the organization, or narratives about events will be current, complete and accurate, without material omissions, exaggerations of fact, use of misleading photographs or any other communication which would tend to create a false impression or misunderstanding.

6. The Salvation Army will communicate realistic expectations of what a donor’s gift may actually accomplish within the limits of its ministries.

7. The Salvation Army will seek to honor the donor’s intent when making a gift. The donor’s intent may be related to what was communicated in a general or special fundraising appeal or to specific instruction accompanying the gift.

8. The Salvation Army will seek the consent of the donor before changing the conditions of any gift.

9. The Salvation Army will express its gratitude for support by way of clear and continued communication with donors.

10. The Salvation Army will decline a donation that would not be in harmony with its mission. The Salvation Army will not solicit a donation that would not be in harmony with its mission. It may also determine certain means of raising funds to be inconsistent with the values of The Salvation Army. When such a decision is made, The Salvation Army will communicate its limitations clearly to its fundraising personnel, and apply its decision consistently. (See Appendix A). The Salvation Army will continue to treat all persons with respect, even if their gift is declined.

11. The Salvation Army regards accountability as a fundamental principle in its relations with its supporters. Accountability is comprised of several factors, all of which exist to protect the public trust and ensure that the intentions of the donor are honored by:

• Use of accurate and consistent accounting methods that conform to the appropriate guidelines.

• Adherence to financially prudent and ethical investment policies as established by The Salvation Army territorial administration.

• Clear and regular communication with donors to report on how the mission of The Salvation Army has been furthered by their donations, and how the conditions of their gifts have been met.

• Clear communication concerning donor recognition and donor benefits.

• Disclosure of the financial status of The Salvation Army by way of independently audited statements of account.

• Disclosure of fundraising costs that endorse effective management and resource development.

• The Salvation Army considers names on its donor list to be strictly confidential, and under no circumstances will these lists be sold or traded.

12. The Salvation Army will respect the privacy of those who benefit directly from the fulfillment of the mission of The Salvation Army.

13. The Salvation Army will use suitably trained personnel (Officers, employees, and volunteers) in its fundraising activities and will ensure that they are appropriately supervised.

14. In addition to its regular personnel The Salvation Army solicits the shorter-term assistance of community volunteers at various times of the year in connection with its seasonal fundraising appeals. Volunteer coordinators will provide orientation and guidelines to these volunteers.

15. The Salvation Army will, through its complaint policy, closely monitor complaints received from donors and prospective donors and seek to provide clarity and, where applicable, solutions to the problems.

16. The Salvation Army does not enter into contractual agreements based upon commission-based or percentage-based fundraising.

17. The Salvation Army will make available to any party a copy of its Fundraising Code of Ethics.

Obligations of Salvation Army Fund-Raisers

Persons involved in raising funds on behalf of The Salvation Army are expected to:

1. Act according to high ethical standards and seek to inspire others through their own sense of dedication and commitment.

2. Treat all persons with the utmost dignity and respect, valuing the privacy, freedom of choice and interests of each donor.

3. Be aware of the mission of The Salvation Army, and ensure that needed financial resources are vigorously and ethically sought for the advancement of that mission.

4. Be supportive of the mission and leadership of The Salvation Army, and seek to promote its reputation.

5. Act with integrity, fairness, honesty and truthfulness to safeguard the public interest.

6. Avoid conflicts of interest which may negatively impact the donor / Salvation Army relationship. In addition, the supplier will immediately disclose to The Salvation Army an actual or apparent conflict of interest.

7. Avoid soliciting a gift, accepting a gift or entering into a contract with a prospective donor which would knowingly place hardship on the donor, or place the donor’s future well-being in jeopardy.

8. Ensure, to the best of their ability and within the scope of their responsibility, that contributions are used in accordance with the designation of the donor.

9. Seek to improve their fundraising knowledge and skills in order to enhance service to donors and The Salvation Army, and freely share their knowledge and experience with others.

10. Recognize the boundaries of their individual competence, and in the interests of The Salvation Army and its donors, recommend the involvement of others as appropriate.

11. Comply with the spirit and letter of all applicable laws.

12. Report unethical behavior to appropriate Salvation Army personnel. 

Donor Rights

The Salvation Army endorses the following "Donor Bill of Rights" which has been developed by the American Association of Fund Raising Council, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (formerly the National Society of Fundraising Executives).

Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:

1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purpose.

2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

3. To receive a copy of the Fundraising Code of Ethics as established by The Salvation Army.

4. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements, including the charity’s registration number as assigned by the IRS and information contained within the public portion of the annual report.

5. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

6. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.

7. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

8. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

9. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.

10. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

11. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.

For more information contact us at: (859) 252-7706