Follow the money: Using an equity lens to create gift acceptance policies

Follow the Money is a seminal study led by three graduate students who recently completed the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership (MPNL) at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. The study examines charitable gift acceptance policies and practises, with a focus on universities, and if and how existing policies account for the nuanced considerations related to: ethics; equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI); and reconciliation, decolonisation and Indigenisation when working with donors or potential donors. In completing this research, they identified and collated a number of practical considerations for fundraising and advancement professionals to consider when creating or revising their gift acceptance policies, including ideas around how to build fundraising cultures and practises that centre ethics, EDI, reconciliation, decolonisation and Indigenisation. This represents the top recommendations that are relevant for any charitable organisation to consider, whether in higher education or, otherwise, in developing or revising their gift acceptance policies and practices. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.