Policy Statement

Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) conducts fundraising and philanthropic engagement in a manner that protects public trust and reflects its role as a long-term steward of charitable assets for the benefit of the community. This policy establishes the ethical principles that guide donor relationships and philanthropic advisory activities that inspire confidence and trust, and demonstrate integrity, transparency, accountability and high ethical standards for philanthropy.

Standards Alignment

ECF adheres to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Standards and upholds the principles of the Donor Bill of Rights. Where this policy is silent, these standards will guide behaviour, professional conduct and decision-making.

Scope

This policy applies to all Board members, ECF staff and volunteers engaged in fundraising, donor engagement, or philanthropic advisory activities on behalf of ECF.

Definitions

Planned Gift: Any major gift made in lifetime or at death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate planning.

Guiding Principles

1. Integrity, Independence, and Transparency

• All representations regarding community impact, funds, investment stewardship, and fees will be truthful and complete.
• ECF will maintain independence in its grantmaking and community leadership roles

2. Confidentiality and Responsible Data Stewardship

• Donor and fund founder information will be protected in accordance with Alberta privacy legislation and ECF’s Privacy Policy.
• Personal donor information will be collected for philanthropic purposes only and will not be sold or used in ways inconsistent with donor expectations.
• Requests for anonymity will be respected.
• Access to donor information will be limited to those ECF staff with a need to administer and/or manage the donor’s records and/or fund information.

3. Protection of Donor Autonomy 

• ECF will not exert undue influence or pressure in securing gifts.
• ECF encourages donors to seek independent advice regarding gifts described as Planned Gifts and/or gifts that may significantly affect the donor’s particular circumstances, including but not limited to financial, taxation or family matters.
• Individuals engaged in fundraising will remain attentive to power dynamics and will not exploit vulnerability related to age, health, financial circumstances, grief, cognitive capacity, or social isolation.
• Where uncertainty exists regarding a donor’s capacity or willingness, ECF will pause the process until appropriate assurances are obtained

4. Stewardship and Accountability

• Fund founders will receive meaningful reporting on fund activity, including but not limited to gross revenue, net proceeds and costs of any fundraising activity.
• Fundraising costs will remain reasonable and aligned with sector standards, reflecting our obligation to steward resources responsibly.

5. Stewardship and Accountability

• ECF staff and volunteers shall not serve in the following roles for donors:
  • Executor or personal representative under the donor’s will
  • Trustee of any trust established by the donor
  • Attorney under the donor’s Enduring Power of Attorney
  • Agent under the donor’s Personal Directive

ECF staff and volunteers may continue in these roles for individuals with whom they have a pre-existing personal relationship (family member or friend) unrelated to their ECF role, provided the relationship is disclosed to the CEO and approved in advance.