Standards & Practices
Issue 3 – Fundraising
In This Issue
This issue of the S&P E-Bulletin addresses Standard 5 – Fundraising – and the associated Practices. Also included in this edition are some notes from Land Trust Alliance publications (as well as links to helpful Land Trust Alliance material on the subject), and additional Texas-specific commentary.
We hope that this Bulletin will broaden readers’ knowledge and expertise, expand the discussion of pertinent issues, and help to put into context some of the very real challenges facing land trusts and the further progress of conservation goals in Texas. Special thanks to TLTC S&P committee members June Kachtik, Mary Anne Piacentini, Gary Amaon, Steven Bonner, Susan Armstrong, and Sylvia Bates (of the Land Trust Alliance) for input and advice regarding this topic.
Standard 5: Fundraising
"The land trust conducts fundraising activities in an ethical and responsible manner."
Practice 5A: Legal and Ethical Practices
The land trust complies with all charitable solicitation laws, does not engage in commission-based fundraising, and limits fundraising costs to a reasonable percentage of overall expenses.
Practice 5B: Accountability to Donors
The land trust is accountable to its donors and provides written acknowledgement of gifts as required by law, ensures that donor funds are used as specified, keeps accurate records, honors donor privacy concerns and advises donors to seek independent legal and financial advice for substantial gifts.
Practice 5C: Accurate Representations
All representations made in promotional, fundraising, and other public information materials are accurate and not misleading with respect to the organization's accomplishments, activities and intended use of funds. All funds are spent for the purpose(s) identified in the solicitation or as directed in writing by the donor.
Practice 5D: Marketing Agreements
Prior to entering into an agreement to allow commercial entities to use the land trust’s logo, name or properties, the land trust determines that these agreements will not impair the credibility of the land trust. The land trust and commercial entity publicly disclose how the land trust benefits from the sale of the commercial entity’s products or services.
Texas Land Trust Council