Fundraising Risk: Part 4

Reputational damage can have severe consequences, and trustees can even be held personally liable. To protect your charity’s reputation, consider the following:

▶ Create a crisis management & communications plan: Prepare for potential crises by developing a plan outlining how to respond and communicate with stakeholders. This will help you address any reputational damage promptly and effectively.

▶ Consider Trustees, Directors & Officers Insurance: This charity insurance cover is designed to provide financial support in case of any claims of wrongful acts against trustees.

▶ Conduct due diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence before entering into partnerships or agreements with others. This will help identify potential risks or issues that would impact your charity’s reputation.

▶ Establish clear agreements: When entering into contracts with other parties, clearly define the boundaries and terms of the agreement. Ensure that you can fulfil any obligations outlined in the contract to avoid breaching them in the future.

▶ Adhere to fundraising regulations: Implementing the Code of Fundraising Practice is essential to avoiding complaints that could harm your charity’s reputation. Educate your fundraisers about limitations and best practices to ensure ethical and responsible fundraising.

▶ Learn from past complaints: Take the time to reflect on any past complaints or reports received through the Fundraising Regulator. Use this feedback to update your procedures and improve communications to prevent future reputational damage.

▶ Promote ethical and transparent campaigns: Ensure all fundraising campaigns align with your charity’s values and mission. Transparency and ethical practices are key to maintaining a positive reputation.

▶ Monitor online presence: Establish clear policies for social media use and regularly monitor your charity’s online presence. Respond promptly to any negative or damaging content to protect your reputation.

▶ Communicate with your donors: Regularly communicate with your donors and stakeholders to keep them informed about your charity’s activities and progress. This will avoid alienating supporters and demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling your mission.

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