Last updated: 02/04/2025
Introduction and Purpose
Cruelty Free International is committed to ethical fundraising practices and sustainable operations. This policy outlines our principles and commitments to ensuring that all fundraising activities align with our values, legal obligations, and sustainability goals.
Our Commitment to Ethical and Sustainable Fundraising
At Cruelty Free International, we exist to create a world where no animals suffer in laboratories. Achieving this vision requires resources, and we are committed to raising funds in a way that reflects our values of integrity, transparency, and sustainability.
To Cruelty Free International, ethical and sustainable fundraising means:
- Ensuring our fundraising practices align with our mission to end animal testing.
- Being transparent about how donations are used to further our cause.
- Respecting the choices and privacy of our supporters.
- Minimising our environmental impact by prioritising digital and sustainable fundraising methods.
- Avoiding partnerships or funding sources that conflict with our values.
This policy ensures that our fundraising activities are conducted responsibly and with consideration for both ethical standards and environmental sustainability.
Ethical Fundraising Principles
We adhere to the following ethical fundraising principles:
- Transparency & Accountability: We provide clear, truthful information about how donations are used and are accountable to donors and stakeholders.
- Respect & Integrity: We treat donors and supporters with respect, avoiding pressure tactics or misleading information.
- Compliance with Regulations: We comply with UK fundraising regulations, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and other relevant laws.
- Protection of Vulnerable People: We ensure our fundraising activities do not exploit or place undue pressure on vulnerable individuals.
- No Undue Influence: Donations must be given freely, without coercion or conditions that could compromise our mission.
- Ethical Partnerships: We do not accept funds from sources that conflict with our mission, values, or ethical stance.
We commit to ethical fundraising practices as outlined by the UK Fundraising Regulator and follow the Code of Fundraising Practice established by the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. Our fundraising activities are also compliant with GDPR and ICO regulations to ensure donor privacy and data protection.
Sustainability in Fundraising
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we will:
- Reduce Paper Use: Prioritise digital communications where possible and provide donors with options to receive appeals and newsletters via email instead of print.
- Sustainable Materials: Use recycled or sustainably sourced materials for printed fundraising materials.
- Green Events: Ensure fundraising events minimise environmental impact by reducing waste, using ethical suppliers, and promoting sustainable transport options.
- Digital-first Approach: Promote online giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, and digital campaigns to reduce reliance on printed materials.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Assess and minimise the carbon footprint of our fundraising activities.
Our sustainability impact will be reviewed annually as part of this policy’s evaluation.
Direct Mail Practices
We recognise that some supporters prefer physical communications. However, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and will:
- Only send direct mail when necessary or if a supporter has specifically indicated a preference for this communication method.
- Prioritise email and other digital methods for fundraising and donor engagement.
- Avoid sending printed thank-you letters unless specifically requested.
- Ensure that all printed materials are produced using recycled or sustainable materials.
- Monitor and review our direct mail practices to further reduce our impact.
- Encourage supporters to opt into email comms where possible to support our sustainability efforts.
Acceptance and Refusal of Donations
Donations will be accepted unless they:
- Come from sources that conflict with our mission or values (e.g., companies involved in animal testing, where applicable).
- Are given with conditions that compromise our independence or organisational objectives.
- Could damage our reputation or pose a legal or ethical risk.
Financial Stewardship
- Donations will be used effectively and efficiently to achieve our objectives.
- We will maintain clear financial records and ensure our practices align with ethical and environmental considerations.
Fundraising Communications & Data Protection
- We respect donor privacy and comply with GDPR regarding data protection.
- Donors can opt out of communications or change their preferences at any time.
- We will not share donor data with third parties without consent.
Thank You Acknowledgments
Based on supporter feedback and best practices in sustainable fundraising, we are committed to reducing paper-based communications. We encourage our supporters to opt into email communications to help us reduce waste while ensuring they continue to receive updates in their preferred format.
- All donations to help us on our mission to end animal testing worldwide are greatly appreciated. To balance donor appreciation with our commitment to sustainability, we will primarily use digital thank-you acknowledgments for donations below the value of £50.
- Physical thank-you letters will only be sent upon request, and only for donations of £50 or more, where a supporter has not opted into email communications.
- This policy ensures we reduce paper waste and environmental impact while still expressing gratitude to our supporters.
- All donors, regardless of the donation amount, will receive timely and appropriate acknowledgment of their support, whether this be via email or a physical letter.
Monitoring and Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure compliance with ethical standards, regulatory changes, and best practices.
Contact & Complaints
Donors and stakeholders can contact Cruelty Free International at supportercare@crueltyfreeinternational.org to raise concerns or complaints about fundraising practices. Complaints will be handled in accordance with our Complaints Policy.