Funders' rights

In July 2017, Cardiff University’s Council approved the adoption of the following Funders’ Rights, which describe the university’s commitment to all funders of the University, and additional commitments to philanthropic donors to the University.

The university will

• Provide our most recent published financial accounts and other relevant financial information in an easily accessible format
• Appropriately acknowledge, recognise and publicise funders’ support, in consultation with funders and in accordance with the University’s Naming Policy, respecting the right of philanthropic donors to remain anonymous if so requested
• Fully comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 when retaining information about funders providing a copy of personal information held on funders on request, and updating or correcting any inaccurate personal data on request
• Provide progress reports and updates to funders on supported activity
• Fully comply with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 where required in keeping with our status as a public body. This may involve disclosing information requested unless it is covered by any exemption as applied on a case-by-case basis.

In addition to the Funders’ Rights above, for philanthropic donors, we will respect the following additional Donors’ Rights:

• Adherence to the Code of Fundraising Practice, including the Fundraising Promise
• Keep Donors updated about the impact of their donation and the university’s evolving needs and priorities
• Respect Donors’ rights to privacy. The university publishes its philanthropic donor list annually, respecting individual donor preferences regarding anonymity. Therefore, normally the university does not respond to Freedom of Information Act requests by naming donors individually
• All donations, when undesignated, will be used for such purposes as the university judges will best advance its mission and objects
• Where a Donor expresses a preference for the particular use of their donation, the university will apply the gift to the purpose intended. However, some requests may not be achievable for the gift level offered, in which case the university may seek an alternative use for the donation. Further, the objectives of the university may change over time: should this happen, the university may seek an alternative use for the donation through the appropriate bodies, such as the Charity Commission, and in line with the relevant legislation whilst at all times being mindful of the Donor’s original wishes. Where the Donor seeks to apply a provision or condition that could directly or indirectly impact (either positively or negatively) any protected characteristic group (as defined by the Equality Act 2010) then advice should be sought from the Director of Development & Alumni Relations
• Honour Donor and prospective Donor requests, for instance, respecting preferences for methods of communicating (phone, email, post, other) or limiting or ceasing solicitations if requested (see Alumni and Donor Database Terms Of Use)
• Ensure that all fundraisers on behalf of Cardiff University who are not volunteers, are compensated by a salary, retainer or fee, and will not be paid a finders’ fee, commissions, bonuses or other payments based on either the number of gifts received or the value of funds raised. Compensation policies for fundraisers will be consistent with the university’s policies and practices that apply to non-fundraising staff.

Cardiff University’s Complaints Procedure concerning philanthropic donations can be found here.

Cardiff University’s guidance on People in Vulnerable Circumstances concerning philanthropic donations is available on request from the Director of Development & Alumni Relations. Contact donate@cardiff.ac.uk or +44(0)29 2087 6473.