About Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope

Acceptance Or Refusal Of Donations

 

1. Applicability

This policy applies to all members of the charity, including trustees, staff, and volunteers. All individuals involved in fundraising or donor engagement must adhere to this policy when accepting or refusing donations.

2. Compliance and Legal Framework

As a UK-registered charity, Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope complies with:

  • The Charity Commission’s guidance (including “Know Your Donor”)

  • The Fundraising Regulator’s Code of Fundraising Practice

  • Relevant legislation including the Charities Act 2011, HMRC regulations, and anti-money laundering laws

We will not knowingly mislead donors or apply undue pressure, particularly where a donor may be vulnerable.

3. General Principles of Donation Acceptance

We accept donations in good faith, with the presumption of acceptance unless there is a valid reason to reject. All donations are subject to risk-based due diligence, particularly where:

  • The donation is of significant value

  • The donor is unknown to us

  • Conditions or restrictions are attached

  • Reputational or legal risks may arise

4. Decision-Making Criteria

When deciding whether to accept or refuse a donation, we will consider:

Impact Analysis:

  • The benefit to our beneficiaries if the donation is accepted

  • The potential risk to our reputation, independence, or mission

  • The possibility of legal or ethical implications

Vulnerability and Capacity of Donors:

We take special care to assess donor vulnerability. This includes considering if the donor:

  • Has a mental or physical health condition, disability, or learning difficulty

  • Is experiencing high stress, bereavement, or anxiety

  • May be left in financial hardship as a result of donating

  • Has limited English language understanding

  • Appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Is under 18 (particularly for regular donations such as direct debits)

We will take all reasonable steps to avoid soliciting or accepting regular donations from individuals under 18.

5. Grounds for Refusing a Donation

Donations will be refused where there are reasonable grounds to believe:

  • The individual or organisation promotes values or activities incompatible with our charitable mission

  • The donation may involve money laundering, tax evasion, fraud, or other illegal activity

  • The donation is tied to unacceptable conditions, including:

    • A significant private benefit to the donor or their associates

    • The obligation to purchase goods or services from a specific provider

    • Restrictions that undermine our public benefit purpose or independence

    • Conditions that are so onerous that they impair the charity’s ability to operate effectively

  • The cost of accepting or managing the donation outweighs its value

6. Documentation and Review

All donation decisions that involve refusal or high-risk consideration must be:

  • Documented with a clear rationale

  • Reviewed by the Board of Trustees or a designated subcommittee

  • Reported to the Charity Commission if the donation raises a serious incident concern

7. Relevant Guidance

  • Charity Commission – “Know Your Donor” and suspicious donation advice

  • Fundraising Regulator – Code of Fundraising Practice, especially guidance on vulnerable people and donor behaviour

  • HMRC – rules on Gift Aid and donations from companies or overseas entities

8. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if legal or regulatory standards change.

 

Approved by:

Blessing Olalemi: May 30th

Kerry- Ann Batten: May 29

John Olalemi: May 30th

 

Last reviewed: May 30th 2025 | Next review: June 2026