1. Purpose of the policy

1.1. The purpose of this policy is to outline the basis on which The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce (RSA) conducts fundraising activities.

1.2. The RSA recognises that ethical fundraising is essential for maintaining public and corporate trust, fostering positive relationships with all donors, partners, customers and event bookers and ensuring fundraising income contributes positively to the organisation’s financial sustainability.

1.3. The RSA is dedicated to conducting fundraising activities that reflect the organisation’s values and respect for all stakeholders. The depth of a partner or donor relationship with the RSA is critical in determining the values alignment and the requirement to undertake due diligence: in a corporate partner who wishes to attribute their logo next to the RSA logo necessitates more scrutiny than a company intending to book a room in RSA House for a private event or an organisation who books a public space in the Coffee House. We therefore need to approach relationships with an open mind, and assess each on its individual merit.

2. Policy scope

2.1. Scope: The RSA is committed to upholding its values and the highest standards of ethical behaviour in all activities, including fundraising. This Ethical Fundraising Policy outlines the principles and guidelines that the RSA adheres to in fundraising efforts across the full remit of fundraising activities, namely:

• Individual donor fundraising, including gifts and legacies.
• Strategic Partnerships, including corporate relationships/memberships and Trusts and Foundations.
• Hospitality and room hire at RSA House.

2.2. This policy does not include our relationship with Fellowship (members) which is covered by our Code of Conduct, our Fellowship Charter, and terms and conditions of Fellowship.

2.3. This policy covers the RSA Group, namely:

• The Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacture and Commerce (RSA): the registered charity.
• RSA Adelphi Enterprises Ltd.: the trading arm of the group.
• RSA Shipley Enterprises Ltd.: the commercial arm of the group. Any surplus generated through our commercial activities is gift-aided to the charity and used to deliver our charitable purpose.

3. Guiding principles

The RSA's fundraising activities will be guided by our values and the following principles:

3.1. Open

Always inclusive, transparent and honest, we welcome new thinking and different perspectives. The RSA will provide clear and accurate information about our mission, activities, and the intended use of funds to Donors, Partners, room bookers, and the public. Donors and Partners will be informed about the RSA's financial health, fundraising costs, and the impact of their contributions.

The RSA prides itself on openness and inclusivity. That means there may be fundraising partners and/or room bookers and hospitality users with whom others disagree. Openness and inclusivity are core values and expectations of the RSA and remaining true to these is always in pursuit of our mission.

3.2. Optimistic

We are confident that together we can regenerate our world through collective action. We actively seek donors and partners whose values and desire for impact mirror our own.

3.3. Courageous

We champion curiosity, creativity and bravery to inspire better ways of thinking and doing. We welcome new thinking and different perspectives from everyone who donates or partners with us and those who use our House and see these as key to our progress.

3.4. Rigorous

Rooted in evidence-led thinking, we act with integrity and purpose. We will always act towards everyone who donates or partners with us and those who use our House with honesty and integrity, providing accurate and honest information about our activities, achievements, and challenges. The RSA will not engage in misleading, deceptive, or coercive practices to obtain funds.

The RSA will handle donor, partner and event booker information with the utmost confidentiality and will adhere to relevant data protection laws and regulation and at all times in line with the RSA's Data Protection Policy.

Donors' personal information will be used only for legitimate fundraising and communication purposes, with their explicit consent.

3.5. Enabling

Through generosity, respect, and collaboration we help others succeed.

The RSA will honour and respect the intentions of Donors and Partners and wherever possible will ensure that their contributions are used in accordance with their expressed wishes, unless impractical or unreasonable to do so.

Donors and Partners will have the option to specify the purpose of their donations, and the RSA will make every effort to allocate funds accordingly.

The RSA will always deliver high quality and respectful service and hospitality to those who book rooms in RSA House.

4. Fundraising practices

4.1. Donor relationships

The RSA will foster respectful, open, and honest relationships with Donors and Partners, emphasising long-term engagement and communication.

4.2. Due Diligence

Donations will not be accepted from or partnerships entered into with individuals or organisations where their reputation or brand will adversely affect the RSA’s reputation and therefore undermine its work. Sectors with whom we will not enter into partnership include arms manufacturers, tobacco companies, fossil fuel companies, gambling, those associated with the sale of pornography or with criminal sources. The reputability of individuals and partners will be considered as part of the acceptance process.

Due-diligence desk research will be carried out with all Partners at agreement stage; however, we do not have the capacity to be able to research and monitor the complex relationships of our funders’ subsidiaries, supply chains, and investments and so accept funding and support from most funders unless there is a clear rationale for avoiding entering into such a partnership.

4.3. Fundraising costs

The RSA will maintain reasonable fundraising costs and will ensure that a significant portion of funds raised goes directly to support the organisation's mission.

The RSA will regularly review and assess fundraising efficiency to maximize the impact of donor contributions.

4.4. Third party fundraisers

When engaging third-party fundraisers, marketing agencies or consultants, the RSA will ensure that they adhere to the same ethical standards outlined in this policy.

Contracts with third-party fundraisers will include provisions that require compliance with ethical fundraising practices.

4.5. Avoidance of conflicts of interest

RSA employees, board members, and volunteers involved in fundraising activities will avoid any situation that may result in a real or perceived conflict of interest that could
compromise the best interests of donors, partners, or the organisation.

4.6. Rejecting inappropriate donations

The RSA reserves the right to decline donations that are incompatible with its values, mission, or ethical principles. Donations that may present a conflict of interest or that involve questionable sources will be carefully evaluated by the Executive Team and, if necessary, by the Board of Trustees, and may be declined.

4.7. Compliance and review

All RSA employees, RSA Board Members, volunteers, and third-party fundraisers are expected to comply with this Ethical Fundraising Policy. Violations of this policy may result in appropriate corrective actions, up to and including disciplinary processes and/or termination of employment or partnership.

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its relevance and effectiveness in maintaining ethical fundraising practices. Stakeholder input will be sought during policy reviews to incorporate diverse perspectives.

Concerns or observations related to potential violations of this policy should be reported in the first instance to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, or any of the Executive Team with escalation to the Chief Operating Officer as necessary.

5. Individual Donor Fundraising

5.1. Gift recognition

Recognition principles

The RSA will recognise all individuals, corporations, service clubs, community organisations, and philanthropic foundations that make monetary gifts and/or gift in-kind donations. Included will be donations to capital campaigns, gifts-in-kind, direct mail requests, bequests or legacies, tributes, endowments, special events, planned giving, and unsolicited gifts.

The RSA will respect donors' preferences regarding communication frequency and methods, in line with General Data Protection Regulations, should they no longer wish to receive communication updates from the RSA.

The RSA will:

• acknowledge receipt of all gifts.
• express gratitude for support.
• cultivate awareness of the RSA's fundraising programs and goals.
• keep the RSA's name and purpose in the minds of donors during, and between, fundraising activities.
• recognise Donors publicly where appropriate.
• inform Donors of the opportunities for giving and to build the case for future gifts.

Donations and gifts include:

• Gifts of cash.
• Gifts-in-kind.
• Planned gifts (such as life insurance policies), which are recognised for the value of the gift on the day the gift is legally transferred to the Charity, provided the terms of the planned gift contract identify it as a non-revocable gift.
• Bequests (or legacies), which are recognised at the time they are received, not at the time they are described in the will of a prospective donor. Donors who wish to receive recognition for bequest-type contributions are encouraged to establish a non-revocable trust or some other form of non-revocable planned gift.
• Pledges, which are recognised for their annual payment only. The total pledge is recognised in the year that final payment is received.

Donation acceptance:

• Any major gifts (over £50,000) must be approved by the Executive Committee.
• Any gifts of more than £1000 but less than £50,000 should be approved by the Head of Strategic Partnerships, The Chief of Staff or the Director of Fellowship.

5.2. Recognition guidelines

Donations will always be recognised as promptly as possible. The current categories for donations and gifts are:

Giving Level	Recognition
£1–£999	Thank-you letter. Tax receipt.
£1,000–£4,999	The above, and personal phone contact from a member of the Fellowship or Strategic Partnerships team as appropriate.
£5,000–£9,999	£5,000–£9,999 The above, but with personal phone contact from a Head of Department.
£10,000–£49,999	The above, and acknowledgement in the weekly Fellows’ Newsletter.  A recognition certificate.
£50,000–£250,000	The above, plus personal contact from the Chief Executive Officer. Name on the Honor Board (to be created), website, and annual report. Public acknowledgement from the Chief Executive Officer in a public communication, such as the RSA Journal or another RSA channel as desired. Invitation to one annual meeting or event with the Chief Executive Officer.
£250,000–£999,999	The above.
£1,000,000+	The above, plus personal contact from the Chair of Trustees. Naming of a room, building or wing (if agreed).

• The above applies to all gifts, including bequests and legacies. The latter will however only be recognised as above on receipt of the funds as per 3.1 above.
• The RSA reserves the right to agree with a donor any different or additional forms of recognition, if mutually acceptable to both parties.
• The names of persons, companies, organisations, or agencies donating to the RSA will be considered confidential until such time as they are published according to the recognition guidelines or agreed with the donor. The donor may request anonymity from public display of their name.
• The specific amount of a donation and terms of payment will be considered confidential at all times unless otherwise agreed. Access to this information will be limited to RSA staff and designated individuals.
• The Executive Committee will review and approve any major gifts, which are defined as gifts over £50,000.

In pursuit of its fundraising aims, the RSA may from time to time establish other categories of gifts and donations that merit specific levels of recognition. The RSA may amend its recognition program from time to time as is necessary.

5.3. Types of gifts

Donations and gifts to the RSA can either be restricted or unrestricted:

• Unrestricted cash gifts – These are not restricted to a particular program of work of project, and will be directed into the RSA’s reserves or the RSA’s investment account.
• Restricted cash gifts – These must be directed as per the instructions of the donor. Unless otherwise agreed with the RSA, only major gifts (donations over £50,000) can be restricted to a particular program, project or purpose.

For donations of non-cash assets worth over £10,000 (such as shares, property, artwork), advice must be obtained from RSA accountant/financial adviser/appropriate specialist on the best way to manage this gift. An advice note will be prepared for decision by the Executive Team.

5.4. Bequests

Bequest management principles

A bequest, legacy or gift-in-will is the gift of an asset, cash, property, or other right provided as part of a will, intestacy, or settlement. Bequests can either be restricted or unrestricted.

Bequests may be gifted as an asset, amount, or as a percentage of an estate. There are several different types of bequests:

• Pecuniary bequest: a fixed amount specified in a will.
• Residuary bequest: the remaining value of an estate when all other bequests to family and friends have been made and liabilities have been paid.
• Reversionary bequest: allows a surviving partner to benefit from the estate during their lifetime and for the balance of the estate to be paid to RSA upon their death.

5.5. Guidance for bequestors

Prospective bequestors are advised to seek the advice of independent legal and/or financial counsel in the bequest-planning process. Bequestors are responsible for ensuring that a proposed bequest is in their best interest and furthers their charitable, financial, and estate-planning goals.

The RSA may partner with external organisations to enable potential bequestors to access independent advice on bequest-planning.

5.6. How bequests are used

Bequests are usually directed for use at the RSA’s discretion. Unrestricted gifts allow the RSA the flexibility to use a gift for areas of particular need in alignment with our mission, vision and values. Alternatively, bequests can be directed to a specific area, such as a particular program or project.

5.7. Administration of bequests

• On receipt of a bequest, or notification by a solicitor of an impending bequest, the manager will notify the Director of Fellowship/Director of Finance. Details are entered into Salesforce.
• The Fellowship Team will research the requestor, which may include areas such as on the bequestor’s history and connection with the organisation, any roles they may have played (e.g. Trustee or Fellowship Councillor etc.); donation history; the bequestor’s area(s) of interest; and details, where known, of surviving family members and of any potential issues that may arise (e.g. tax, will being contested, any reputational issues).
• Recognition of the gift will be as per 6.3, notwithstanding any bespoke arrangements such as around recognition or confidentiality. A personalised thank-you letter (and receipt if funds have been paid) will be sent to the bequestor’s estate, and a card or letter should be sent to the surviving family members if appropriate. If the gift will involve public recognition or branding (e.g. the naming of a room, honour board etc.), then, if appropriate, the surviving family should be advised and invited to the launch or the RSA may hold a small, discreet event, such as morning tea with the Chief Executive Officer.
• As per 5.1.1, either a Head of Team (or above) or the Executive Committee will decide on whether to accept the bequest, depending on the size of the bequest. If the latter, a briefing note should be prepared that details the bequestor and their background, the gift, and where it should be directed, along with any current or potential issues or concerns. If the Executive Team decides not to accept the bequest, this will be communicated to the Estate of the bequestor.

6. Strategic Partnerships Fundraising

6.1. The RSA seeks grant funding, sponsorship, and other financial and in-kind support (subject to the necessary tax and regulatory investigations) from a range of organisations, including corporates, charitable trusts and foundations, statutory bodies and agencies, local authorities and third sector organisations. We aim to maintain a diverse funding base.

6.2. Commitment to our values

The RSA seeks partnerships with funders and sponsors whose core business, mission or corporate responsibility work reflects the values and mission of the RSA.

6.3. Valuing diversity

The RSA purposefully seeks to bring diverse and cross-cutting Partners together to support all aspects of our work as diversity of perspective and approach is critical to our mission.

Partnerships may include grants, charitable contracts, sponsorships, joint ventures, consultancy, shared data and learning, project delivery partnerships, co-design and collaborative development of RSA programmes. Each partnership opportunity will be judged on a case by case basis.

In order to work in this way, we seek to create the conditions in which we can build effective, trusting relationships with our partners.

6.4. Our guiding principles

Preservation of independence:

The RSA ensures when working with other organisations that our independent status is not compromised. If there is a possibility that this may be placed in jeopardy, we will withdraw from any such initiative.

• Mutual respect

The RSA’s partnerships are intended to generate shared learning and impact. It is important that both parties respect the expertise and skills that the other brings.

• Integrity and transparency

The RSA is transparent in all relationships with Partner organisations. It should always be explicit what each party is bringing and gaining from a formal partnership in the furtherance of the RSA’s mission. The RSA will be transparent about who it is working with and the nature of the relationship and work.

• Shared goals:

The RSA will seek partners whose goals, values and actions do not undermine our mission and values.

6.5. Partner acceptance

All partnerships will be subject to due diligence, following the agreed audit and qualification process. All partnerships will be scrutinised to ensure they adhere to the RSA values as indicated previously.

6.6. Conflicts of interest

The RSA’s mission, values, and governance help to establish which partnerships are appropriate. Successful partnership requires mutual respect and transparency of benefits. When establishing a new partnership, both parties should endeavour to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest that cannot be safely managed. To help ensure potential conflicts of interest are identified and managed appropriately:

The RSA gives no warranty that the deliverables of a partnership will not contain any material that may be disadvantageous to its partner's business or area of work (for example, it will present research findings determined by objective analysis of available evidence regardless of whether they support a partner's work or position).

Speaker places at the RSA events are determined by the RSA events team. Under exceptional circumstances, tickets may be made available for individuals or businesses who have entered into a significant formal partnership arrangement.

Sponsors will have no direct control over analysis, conclusions, positions, or recommendations by RSA. In the case of partnership projects or joint ventures, the rules of engagement for establishing outcomes must be agreed beforehand and should be transparent.

The RSA will be open about other collaborations with organisations working in the same areas or sectors and expects the same approach from its partners.

The RSA will not allow direct access to its Fellows and contacts by third parties, other than those generated directly by collaboration: for example, with Corporate Membership where we are encouraging direct connection between organisations.

7. Fundraising through room hire and hospitality 

7.1. The booking process for use of space and hospitality services at RSA House is attached to detailed terms and conditions of booking which include ensuring bookers understand the RSA’s charitable and independent status and that by accepting the booking the RSA neither endorses nor supports the organisation or event in question. Each event is considered in line with the RSA’s values and principles as outlined in this policy and decisions are made n a case-by-case basis as to whether to accept a booking.

7.2. An Events Review Board is convened weekly, where all events bookings are reviewed based on detailed due diligence undertaken with those wishing to book space and further desk-based research should issues of concern arise – e.g. radical political affiliation, geopolitical issues being platformed, the event proposed being of a public nature, controversial speakers or VIPs in attendance, social impact and/or environmentally focussed events. Decisions that may require a review to ensure compliance with the RSA’s values and/or regarding non-admittance of bookings are referred to the Chief Operating Officer, with escalation to the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Trustees as appropriate.

8. Further information

8.1. Further information can be found in the relevant policies in RSA in a Box.

8.2. For further information and questions relating to the above please contact the following:

Head of Fellowship Services for queries relating to individual donations or bequests.

Head of Strategic Partnerships for queries relating to corporate/strategic partnerships.

Chief Operating Officer for queries relating to hospitality.