Empowering philanthropy through policy & law

How can you safeguard the fundraising space and challenge laws & policies that restrict the power of giving?

As fundraising has moved into the digital space, the way we give has changed. The legal environment for fundraising is being tested thanks to restrictive measures that have been adopted by many governments across the world. In some places, CSOs must engage in lengthy administrative procedures to solicit donations; in others, the law prohibits anonymous donations and requires that all donors are identifiable – which is problematic for fundraisers working in more restrictive environments, or for donors who support causes considered to be controversial in their communities. Financial access can also be a barrier, with fundraising accounts subject to additional legislation or those transactions delayed.

To overcome these hurdles, fundraisers must be empowered to monitor the legal and policy environment that affects fundraising efforts and advocate for an enabling environment for philanthropy in their countries. Digital fundraising and the environment it exists in are rapidly changing, raising new legal and ethical dilemmas.

As the discussions unfold, there continue to be more questions than answers. It is critical to continue the dialogue on how regulation, co-regulation, and self-regulation can support a better environment for digital fundraising and fundraising in general.

Who is it for?

Fundraisers, leaders, and CSOs

Learning outcomes

  • Gain an awareness of the key standards that safeguard access to resources and of the recent policies that are relevant for advocacy efforts
  • Be empowered to monitor the legal and policy environment for private giving
  • Learn how to create and maintain the trust of your donors through self-regulation and organisational policies

Speakers

Eszter Hartay
Senior Legal Manager, European Center for Not-for-Profit Law