Fundraising Policy

1. Purpose

Responsible fundraising

This policy sets out how OCAAF conducts fundraising activities in a lawful, ethical, transparent and accountable manner in support of its charitable purposes.

OCAAF is committed to maintaining public trust and confidence in its fundraising activities.

---

2. Scope

Who this policy applies to

• Trustees
• Employees
• Volunteers
• Fundraisers
• Third-party fundraising agencies
• Individuals or organisations raising funds on behalf of OCAAF

---

3. Principles

Our fundraising principles

Fundraising will:

• Be legal, open, honest and respectful.
• Protect the reputation and values of OCAAF.
• Respect the rights, dignity and privacy of donors.
• Not place undue pressure on individuals to donate.
• Follow applicable fundraising standards and guidance.
• Be appropriately supervised by trustees.

---

4. Regulatory Compliance

Legal and regulatory framework

OCAAF will comply with relevant legislation and guidance, including:

• Charities Act 2011
• Charity Commission guidance
• Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice
• Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
• Equality Act 2010
• Gambling Act 2005 where applicable

---

5. Responsibilities

Trustees, staff and volunteers

Trustees

• Oversee fundraising activities.
• Ensure regulatory compliance.
• Protect OCAAF’s reputation.
• Monitor fundraising performance and risk.
• Investigate fundraising complaints.

Staff and Volunteers

• Follow this policy.
• Act honestly and professionally.
• Respect donor wishes.
• Report concerns or complaints promptly.

---

6. Donations

Acceptance and refusal of donations

OCAAF may refuse a donation where:

• Acceptance would conflict with its purposes or values.
• The source of funds is known or reasonably suspected to be unlawful.
• Acceptance could damage OCAAF’s reputation.
• Conditions attached to the donation are unacceptable or impractical.

Significant or unusual donations may be considered by trustees.

---

7. Vulnerable People

Protecting vulnerable individuals

Fundraisers must:

• Never exploit a person’s vulnerability or lack of capacity.
• End a fundraising discussion where a person appears distressed or confused.
• Respect requests not to be contacted further.
• Follow safeguarding procedures where concerns arise.

---

8. Public Fundraising

Events and campaigns

Activities must:

• Be appropriately risk assessed.
• Have necessary permits, licences and permissions.
• Comply with health and safety requirements.
• Protect participants, volunteers and the public.

---

9. Third Parties

Fundraising on behalf of OCAAF

Where external organisations or professional fundraisers are used:

• Written agreements will be in place.
• Appropriate due diligence will be undertaken.
• Activities will be monitored.
• Third parties must comply with applicable legislation and this policy.

---

10. Privacy

Donor information

OCAAF will:

• Process personal data lawfully and fairly.
• Use donor information only for legitimate purposes.
• Respect communication preferences.
• Store personal information securely.
• Comply with UK GDPR and data-protection legislation.

---

11. Financial Controls

Managing fundraising income

• Fundraising income will be recorded accurately.
• Funds will be handled securely.
• Appropriate segregation of duties will be maintained where practicable.
• Financial records will be properly maintained.
• Suspected fraud or financial irregularity will be reported immediately.

---

12. Complaints

Fundraising complaints

Complaints relating to fundraising may be sent to:

FAO: John Meropoulos, Treasurer
St Michael’s Orthodox Christian Association of the Armed Forces
Thyateira House, 5 Craven Hill
London, W2 3EN
info@ocaaf.org.uk

OCAAF will:

• Acknowledge complaints promptly.
• Investigate fairly and objectively.
• Respond within a reasonable timeframe.
• Learn from complaints and improve its practices.

---

13. Review

Monitoring this policy

Trustees will review the policy at least every two years, or sooner following significant changes to legislation, regulation or OCAAF’s activities.