Principle 

The Board of Trustees is committed to ethical, accountable and transparent fundraising practices which are consistent with the Foundation’s objectives and values, while also enabling the Foundation to increase our ability to meet our strategic objectives. 

Approach 

Every effort shall be made to raise unrestricted funds that offer the Drug Foundation operational flexibility to achieve our goals without compromising our values or reputation.  

Guidelines 

Donations will not be accepted where that gift requires a change in the Foundation’s policies or strategic objectives.  

When it is likely that funds raised will exceed the amount required for a specific fundraising campaign, the Foundation will have a statement on our website and in communication materials that states what will happen to any additional funds and enable donors to retrieve their donation if required. 

The Foundation staff will work to ensure that fundraising activities do not bring the Foundation into disrepute.  

Fundraising sources should be aligned to the Foundation’s values. Funding sources from gaming, alcohol and tobacco charities will not be approved. Applications may be made for funding from the NZ Lotteries Commission which is deemed to be an acceptable funding source. 

Those company industries whose products classify as harm reduction or therapeutic can be accepted but will be presented to the finance governance with information to support the decision, including likely conflicts of interest or reputational risk, where the donation exceeds $5,000. 

Any major donations over $10,000 are required to be approved by the Finance, Audit and Risk governance committee for approval, with information to support the decision, including likely conflicts of interest or reputational risks. 

Potential major donors (over $10,000) and corporate donors will be informed of this policy. This policy will be available on our website. 

NZ Drug Foundation will maintain membership of the Fundraising Institute of New Zealand (FINZ), the professional body for fundraisers, charities and not-for-profits in New Zealand. 

As members of the institute, we adhere to the standards outlined in the FINZ Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. This means we are: 

  • Committed to high standards 
  • Honest and open 
  • Clear about who we are, what we do and how your donation is used 
  • Respectful of the privacy of our donors, clients and supporters 
  • Fair and reasonable 
  • Accountable 

We also try to make sure that donations are acknowledged and receipts are sent in a timely manner. 

New Zealand donation receipts for tax credits

In accordance with applicable taxation legislation requirements, donors shall be provided with specific acknowledgments of their contributions as well as any other information to facilitate their compliance with such requirements. 

Confidentiality and privacy 

Board Trustees, members of staff and external parties (contractors, consultants, etc. to extent applicable) shall not disclose, divulge, or make accessible confidential information belonging to, or obtained through their work with NZ Drug Foundation either during or following their employment, service or contract, to any other person and to whom NZ Drug Foundation has not authorised disclosure. This specifically applies to donor details.  

The privacy of donors and, except where any disclosure is required by law, shall be respected and the names and contact information of donors will not be provided to other sources unless agreed with the donor in advance. Donors are provided with an opportunity to opt out of the use of their personal details. 

Types of donations 

Anonymous donations will be accepted, however significant anonymous donations, over $10,000, may be subject to a risk assessment by the Finance Audit and Risk Committee on their suitability in promoting the organisation’s mission. 

Donations from political parties will not be accepted. Donations from individual politicians may be accepted and are subject to the same ethical considerations as donations from other individuals. 

In case of an unsolicited contribution, the Board is responsible for determining whether a contribution should be accepted or declined when it is believed that Foundation’s mission, vision or priorities could be at risk by acceptance of the gift. Due consideration should be given to legislation and its evolution with respect to a possible legal obligation to accept donations. 

The Executive Director should inform the Board of such a contribution and conduct an initial risk assessment and make an initial recommendation.  

 

Updated September 2022