Donor Collaboration Commitment

1. Introduction
2. Transparency and Accountability
3. Privacy and Confidentiality
4. Expressing Gratitude and Ongoing Engagement
5. Statements of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB)
6. Ethical Conduct
7. Feedback and Conclusion

1. Introduction:

Thank you for supporting the Canadian Red Cross Society (CRCS). We deeply appreciate your generosity and commitment to our mission to help people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and support them in strengthening their resilience. At the Canadian Red Cross, we strive to make a positive difference in the world, and we rely on the support of compassionate individuals like you to achieve our goals. Going a step further, we firmly believe that philanthropy should be driven by integrity, respect, and a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact.

This document supplements our Donor Bill of Rights. It outlines the expectations and guidelines promoting a mutually beneficial relationship between the Canadian Red Cross and our valued supporters, fostering an environment of trust and transparency.

By adhering to these principles, we aim to build a strong partnership with our donors, ensuring that your contributions are utilized effectively and efficiently to create lasting and positive change in our community. We encourage you to read through this Donor Collaboration Commitment and familiarize yourself with its contents.

If you have any questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our team through email at WeCare@redcross.ca or by phone at 1-800-418-1111. We value your feedback, suggestions, and commitment to ethical giving.

Once again, we express our sincere gratitude for considering your support of the Canadian Red Cross. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people when they need it the most
  2. Transparency and Accountability:

2.1 The Canadian Red Cross is committed to providing clear and timely information to donors about our programs, impact, and financial management practices. We believe in open and transparent communication, ensuring donors have a clear and comprehensive understanding of how their contributions make a difference.

2.2 Donors have the right to request information about Canadian Red Cross activities, financial statements, and reports on the utilization of their contributions. We will strive to provide such information promptly and in a format that is easily understandable and accessible.

2.3 We maintain appropriate systems and processes to ensure the accurate recording, acknowledgment, and tracking of donations. We provide timely and accurate receipts or acknowledgment letters to donors, expressing our gratitude and confirming the details of their contributions.

2.4 The Canadian Red Cross adheres to best practices in financial management and accountability. We conduct regular financial audits to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maintain transparency in our financial operations. Our audited Financial Statements are available online and updated annually.

2.5 We are committed to responsible governance, and the Canadian Red Cross leadership and governing body have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of our mission and stakeholders. We have established clear policies and procedures for decision-making, financial oversight, and conflict-of-interest management.

2.6 The Canadian Red Cross values donor feedback and welcomes suggestions for improvement. We provide avenues for donors to provide feedback, share their experiences, and offer constructive criticism. This feedback helps us enhance our practices and meet donor expectations.

2.7 In case of a complaint or concern regarding the Canadian Red Cross or its representatives, we have established a process for addressing and resolving such issues. We treat all complaints seriously and strive to handle them promptly, fairly, and with respect for all parties involved.

2.8 Our commitment to accountability extends to our impact measurement and reporting. We continuously evaluate and assess the outcomes and effectiveness of our programs, and we provide periodic reports to donors to demonstrate the tangible results achieved through their support.

By promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible resource stewardship, we aim to build trust and confidence among our donors and ensure that their contributions are utilized effectively and efficiently to address our community's pressing needs. 3. Privacy and Confidentiality:

3.1 Donor information, including personal, financial, and contact details, shall be treated with the utmost confidentiality and respect. The Canadian Red Cross is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors and maintaining the security of their personal information.

3.2 The Canadian Red Cross will not share or sell donor information to any third parties without the donor's explicit consent, except when required by law or for necessary purposes related to donation processing, acknowledgment, or reporting.

3.3 Donors have the right to request the removal of their personal information from our records. If a donor wishes to have their information removed, they may contact us at WeCare@redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111, and we will promptly take appropriate steps to fulfill their request while ensuring compliance with any applicable legislation or reporting requirements.

3.4 The Canadian Red Cross maintains robust data security measures to protect donor information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. We implement industry-standard safeguards, including secure data storage, encryption, firewalls, and restricted access to donor information within the Canadian Red Cross.

3.5 Donors should be aware that, in some cases, we may publicly recognize their support unless they explicitly request to remain anonymous. Donors will not be publicly recognized without explicit consent via email, virtual, or physical communication/document, or signed release form. Public recognition may include acknowledgment in publications, websites, social media, or other communication channels. We respect the wishes of donors who prefer to remain anonymous and will honour their request for privacy.

3.6 The Canadian Red Cross maintains compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations. We have policies and procedures to ensure the lawful and ethical handling of donor information, including obtaining consent for data collection and providing options for donors to manage their communication and data usage preferences.

3.7 Our privacy policy is available online if donors have any concerns or questions regarding the privacy and confidentiality of their information. We are committed to addressing inquiries promptly and providing reassurance regarding our data protection practices.

By upholding these privacy and confidentiality principles, we strive to maintain the trust and confidence of our donors, ensuring that their personal information is safeguarded and used responsibly by their preferences. 4. Expressing Gratitude and Ongoing Engagement

4.1 The Canadian Red Cross acknowledges and appreciates donors' support through appropriate recognition, subject to their preferences and consent. We understand that each donor is unique, and we strive to honour their wishes regarding recognition, anonymity, or public acknowledgment of their contributions.

4.2 Donors shall receive regular updates on the impact of their contributions and the progress of our programs. We believe in keeping our donors informed and engaged by sharing stories, success stories, and testimonies that highlight the difference their support is making.

4.3 The Canadian Red Cross values the trust and partnership of our donors. We strive to cultivate long-term relationships by expressing gratitude, providing meaningful engagement opportunities, and fostering a shared ownership of our mission and its outcomes.

4.4 We encourage donors to share their feedback, suggestions, and ideas with the Canadian Red Cross. We believe in a collaborative approach and value the input of our donors as important stakeholders. Their perspectives help us refine our strategies, improve our practices, and ensure that our programs meet the needs of the communities we serve.

4.5 Donors may be able to participate in special events, exclusive briefings, or donor recognition activities. These engagements provide a platform for donors to connect with the Canadian Red Cross leadership, staff, volunteers, and other like-minded donors, fostering a sense of community and collective impact.

4.6 The Canadian Red Cross is committed to responsible stewardship of donor funds. We maintain regular communication and provide updates on the utilization of contributions, demonstrating transparency in how funds are allocated and ensuring that donor trust is well placed.

4.7 We adhere to ethical guidelines in all fundraising activities, ensuring our approaches are respectful, transparent, and focused on building strong and lasting relationships with donors.

By prioritizing recognition and stewardship, we aim to express our gratitude, inspire continued support, and foster a sense of shared accomplishment with our donors. Their generosity and commitment drive our mission forward, creating positive change in the lives of those we serve. 5. Statements of Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB):

5.1 We are committed to promoting and recognizing Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging within the Canadian Red Cross and the communities we serve. We acknowledge and value the unique contributions and perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status.

5.2 We strive to create an accessible, equitable, and inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to participate fully. We are dedicated to fostering a culture that celebrates diversity, encourages open dialogue, and embraces different viewpoints and experiences.

5.3 The Canadian Red Cross is fully committed to combating discrimination, bias, and systemic inequalities. We actively work to reduce barriers to equity and inclusion at all organizational levels, across all geographies, and in every service we provide.
 
5.4 We recognize that we can achieve diversity only by removing barriers to equity and inclusion.

5.5 We continually assess our policies, practices, and decision-making processes to identify and rectify any conscious or unconscious biases or barriers that may exist.

5.6 We actively seek to engage diverse perspectives in our decision-making processes, including involving individuals from equity-deserving communities in our leadership, advisory, and governance roles. Diverse perspectives strengthen the Canadian Red Cross, enhance our effectiveness, and enable us to fulfil our mission better and provide better and more equitable aid to the communities we serve.

5.7 The Canadian Red Cross is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion to enable belonging, which is the feeling of support, safety, and security when a member of a particular group feels accepted. We encourage open dialogue, active listening, and respect for differing opinions, fostering an environment where all voices are heard and valued.

5.8 We provide ongoing diversity and inclusion training and education to our staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to enhance their understanding and awareness of diversity-related issues. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth in diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

5.9 We actively collaborate with diverse communities and organizations to address shared challenges and work towards creating a more inclusive society. We recognize the importance of building strong community partnerships and alliances to amplify our impact and promote collective change.

5.10 We are committed to evaluating and monitoring our progress in promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the Canadian Red Cross. We set measurable goals, regularly assess our practices, and transparently communicate our progress to stakeholders.

5.11 We encourage our donors to join us in embracing diversity, fostering inclusion, and promoting a sense of belonging within the Canadian Red Cross and the broader community. Your support helps us advance our mission of creating a more equitable and inclusive world for all.

By embracing diversity, promoting inclusion, and fostering a sense of belonging, we can collectively create positive change and make a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and communities we serve. 6. Ethical Conduct: 

6.1 Donors should act with honesty, integrity, and respect towards the Canadian Red Cross, our staff, volunteers, other donors, and the individuals and communities we support. We are committed to Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. We always seek to provide a safe and respectful space for everyone in our community, workplace, and other work-related environments. At the Canadian Red Cross, we communicate with each other in ways that support that philosophy and strive to engage in supportive, understanding, and non-threatening activities, whether in person, virtually, or in writing. Any act or threat of physical violence, threatening or disruptive behaviour, harassment, aggression, or disrespectful comments is unacceptable.

• We expect that donors will comply with Canadian Red Cross’s Anti-Racism and Respectful and Inclusive Work Environment policies that apply to them and our Donor Collaboration Commitment, which includes refraining from interactions with volunteers and Canadian Red Cross personnel which could be interpreted as examples of (and not limited to) the following:
  • ableism
  • ageism
  • discrimination based on religion or country
  • homophobia
  • racism
  • sexual harassment and violence
  • transphobia
  • xenophobia

The Canadian Red Cross will maintain a safe work environment for personnel and volunteers to achieve its business objective. 

6.2 The Canadian Red Cross reserves the right to decline or refund donations if they are found to violate any ethical or applicable legislation.

6.3 Donors will not use their contributions to exert undue influence or control over Canadian Red Cross decision-making processes. While we value and appreciate donor input, final decisions regarding programmatic priorities, resource allocation, and strategy development rest with the Canadian Red Cross leadership and governing body.

6.4 The Canadian Red Cross encourages open and honest communication with donors. If donors (or Canadian Red Cross personnel) become aware of any wrongdoing, unethical behaviour, or potential misuse of funds within the Canadian Red Cross, we request that they report it promptly by emailing WeCare@redcross.ca or calling 1-800-418-1111. Reports may also be issued to ClearView Connects™, an independent third-party company providing confidential and anonymous reporting and feedback services. A report may be submitted online through a secure website at http://www.clearviewconnects.com or by calling 1-866-284-7015. Outside of North America, please call Collect at 905-280-1510.

By upholding these ethical conduct principles, donors contribute to maintaining the integrity, transparency, and sustainability of the Canadian Red Cross's mission. We appreciate our donors' commitment to ethical giving and dedication to creating positive change in our community.  7. Feedback and Conclusion:

7.1 The Canadian Red Cross values donor feedback as an essential component of continuous improvement. We encourage donors to share their thoughts, experiences, and suggestions with us, as their perspectives are vital in shaping our strategies and enhancing our impact. If you have feedback and/or a complaint, email WeCare@redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111.

7.2 We provide multiple channels for donors to provide feedback, including email, phone, and in-person meetings. We commit to responding to feedback promptly and addressing any concerns or inquiries from donors promptly and respectfully.

7.3 The Canadian Red Cross maintains a designated point of contact or department responsible for managing donor feedback. This ensures that feedback is received and routed to the appropriate individuals within the Canadian Red Cross for review and response. If you have input and/or a complaint, email WeCare@redcross.ca or call 1-800-418-1111.

7.4 Donors can expect a professional, courteous, and empathetic response to their feedback. We are committed to active listening and seeking a mutual understanding of any concerns or issues raised. We aim to resolve issues and improve our practices while fostering a positive donor experience.

7.5 In the event of a complaint or dispute, the Canadian Red Cross has established a clear process for handling and resolving such matters. All impacted parties are encouraged to submit their complaints in writing, providing as much detail as possible to facilitate a comprehensive review.

7.6 Complaints received will be treated with confidentiality, and the information provided will be shared only with the individuals directly involved in the resolution process. We respect the privacy and sensitivity of complaints and ensure that all parties involved are treated fairly and impartially.

7.7 The Canadian Red Cross is committed to conducting a thorough investigation of complaints, engaging with relevant stakeholders, and seeking a fair and equitable resolution. We aim to resolve complaints within a reasonable timeframe and inform the complainant of progress and outcome.

7.8 If a complaint cannot be resolved internally, donors can escalate the matter to external oversight bodies or regulatory authorities, as applicable. We will cooperate fully with any external investigation or review to ensure transparency and accountability.

7.9 We view complaints as opportunities to learn and grow, and we use the insights gained from feedback to improve our practices, policies, and donor engagement strategies. Donors can expect their input to be taken seriously and contribute to positive change within the Canadian Red Cross.

We value the input of our donors and are committed to providing a responsive and transparent process for addressing feedback and resolving complaints. We aim to continuously improve our services, build trust, and maintain strong relationships with donors.
By taking these steps, the Canadian Red Cross can address activities that go against this Donor Collaboration Commitment or act contrary to our diversity, inclusion, and belonging principles. It is crucial to approach these situations with fairness, integrity, and a commitment to upholding the Canadian Red Cross's values while seeking resolution and promoting positive change.