Arts and culture organisations must “must carefully consider issues of risk and reputation” amid increasingly complex governance, reputational and operational challenges associated with fundraising, new guidance urges.
The free 70-page guide, published by the Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy programme delivered by Cause4, aims to support arts, culture and heritage charities to fundraise confidently and responsibly.
It is designed to support trustees, chief executives, fundraisers and cultural leaders to carry out effective decision-making, strengthen their policies and safeguard their charity’s reputation.
The resource was commissioned and supported by Arts Council England, as well as being informed by engagement with sector regulators and stakeholders.
It provides practical guidance, tools, frameworks and case studies to help organisations understand their regulatory responsibilities, undertake appropriate due diligence, assess risk proportionately and make well-governed decisions consistent with their organisational purpose.
The resource offers guidance on fundraising and gift-acceptance policies; trustee oversight and governance; due diligence; reputational risk assessment; sponsorship, partnerships and corporate volunteering.
It also covers reputational considerations associated with venue hire; protest management and organisational response frameworks; and responding to campaigning activity.
The document provides bespoke frameworks and advice for charities and community groups of all sizes, including gift-acceptance policy templates for mid- to large-scale organisations and for grassroots organisations.
The Charity Commission and the Fundraising Regulator both welcomed the guidance.
Michelle Wright, programme director at Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy, said: “Arts, culture and heritage organisations are increasingly navigating complex questions about fundraising, reputation and public trust.
“This resource is not about telling organisations what decisions they should make. It is about helping them to make informed, transparent and well-governed decisions that are right for their organisation, their purpose and their stakeholders.”
Darren Henley, chief executive of ACE, said: “The ability to make confident, well-judged fundraising decisions is increasingly central to an organisation’s long-term success.
“This work will help build that confidence by bringing together insights and practical tools that will support organisations navigating the challenging funding environment. In doing so, the sector as a whole will grow stronger and more resilient.”