Fundraising PoliciesDecember, 2004 To: Members and Associates of Team Illinois So many of you have already done so much for Team Illinois and as we move quickly forward into a season of fundraising events and projects, we thought it would be helpful and absolutely necessary to outline the policies and procedures for raising money and awareness for Team Illinois. First, we want to recognize and acknowledge past team members’ involvement and entrepreneurism in assisting the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois in raising funds for Team Illinois. It is through these individuals who have so generously given their time that this program has continued to be a success. While the NKFI recognizes the importance of having individual team members involved in the planning and execution of this program, it is equally important that everyone who plays a part, whether a NKFI staff member or volunteer, follow standard ethical policies and procedures for not-for-profit fundraising. These procedures have been established so that anybody connected with Team Illinois as well as the NKFI auditors can track all income and expenses associated with the Transplant Games program and protect Team Illinois members, the NKFI and any donors who are involved from risk of fraud or malfeasance. With this in mind, we have assumed the responsibility to convey and clarify these policies and procedures to individuals who are working on behalf of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to raise money for programs such as the U.S. Transplant Games. The following are specific policies that have been established in regards to any fundraising that is being done to benefit Team Illinois at the U.S. Transplant Games. 1. All fundraising events benefiting Team Illinois must be approved by the NKFI and Team Illinois prior to planning and a budget with projected income and expenses must also be submitted for approval. All expenses associated with approved fundraising events will be paid by the NKFI from the income that is generated from the event. 3. All flyers, forms, letters, and correspondence used to solicit funds and/or contributions on behalf of the Team Illinois must be approved by the NKFI and Team Illinois before distribution, including marketing material for special events (i.e. golf outings, bowling tournaments, etc.) 4. Upon receipt of this letter, any money that has been collected thus far on behalf of Team Illinois should be forwarded immediately to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, 215 W. Illinois, Suite 1C, Chicago, Illinois 60610 for deposit under Team Illinois and restricted for the use by Team Illinois. 5. Donors who give to individuals directly to help off set costs associated with U.S. Transplant Games will not be eligible for a tax deduction. In addition, fundraising that is done to benefit one or only a few members of Team Illinois and not the whole, should be done in a manner so that donors understand who are the beneficiaries of the funds raised. Marketing material such as flyers or invitations to special events, solicitation letters, etc. on behalf of individuals should explicitly state that the money will be used for individuals and not the Team and names of the beneficiaries included. Any member of Team Illinois must comply with the above stated policies. If any member is found to violate these policies, they will be asked to cease their involvement with all fundraising activities associated with Team Illinois. These policies are in place to protect all of us from any unnecessary liability and risk and ensure that fundraising activities held for Team Illinois truly benefit the entire Team and not just one or two individuals. We welcome your questions, comments and concerns; please do not hesitate to contact our Associate Executive Director, Kate O’Connor, or me at (312) 321-1500. Thanks again and good luck! |