This policy describes the approach to be taken in how we work with and donate to other charities to ensure we engage in suitable, mutually beneficial relationships.
1. Introduction
Charities such as the NFM can work with other charities to carry out their aims. The NFM may wish to raise funds for or give money to other charities, for example if they can use it for a particular cause more effectively. This document details how this should be done and is based on best practice information sourced from www.gov.uk and the Charity Commission.
For the purposes of this policy, joint working with other charities includes:
- Fundraising, donating, offering discounted / free access or making a grant to the other organisation.
- Collaborating to deliver a project, contract, or share facilities.
2. Who to work with
Before deciding to do one of the things listed in 1.1 and 1.2, we must consider what we intend to achieve and be satisfied that:
- It is an effective way of using the NFMs resources to further its charitable purposes.
- It is in the NFM’s and its beneficiaries’ best interests.
- An appropriate use of the NFM’s money.
- The NFMs governing document doesn’t prevent us from doing it.
- The NFM has purposes which are similar enough to the other charity i.e. related to our social purpose, themes of the museum or connection to the City of Manchester community.
- Activity isn’t motivated by financially supporting a person or an organisation – this could affect the NFMs “public benefit”.
- Activity does not constitute a conflict of interest for the NFM individual introducing the other charity.
- It doesn’t involve the NFM in activities which may not be entirely charitable, e.g. campaigning that goes beyond the legal limits for charities.
- It won’t affect the support we already receive from donors or others such as the grant agreement with Manchester City Council.
- We have identified and can deal with any risks that the proposal presents. This may be straightforward or more complex, depending on:
- How similar the other organisation’s aims are to the NFMs purposes.
- The nature of the activity we intend to support or collaborate on.
- The value, duration and nature of the support or collaboration.
- How easily we can verify how the NFM’s funds are being spent.
- A proforma (see appendix A) must be completed before 1.1 or 1.2 are entered into with another charity, addressing points 2.1 to 2.9.
- The CEO’s authorisation must be sought before any activity takes place. For a significant scale of activity or partnership, approval from the Board of Trustees must be sought.
3. How we collaborate with another charity
- We can work with another charity as a way to meet its charitable purposes if we:
- Join forces to win a contract to deliver public services.
- Share knowledge, skills and information.
- Share office space or equipment to save money.
- Improve the quality of service we can offer – for example, providing joint training events for staff.
- Are able to help more beneficiaries – for example, joint fundraising ventures may attract more people.
- Work as the lead organisation for a joint project and as such distribute project funds and resources to other associated charities.
- Both charities need to be clear from the beginning about what they want from each other and consider:
- How both charities will retain their independence
- How compatible the way we work is.
- Defining what each charity will be responsible and liable for.
- The roles and responsibilities of each charity.
- We must draft a formal agreement to clearly state what both charities want to achieve and have agreed to.
- Both charities will publicly recognise the value of the arrangement.
- Whatever the size and complexity of the proposed arrangement, we must assess the risks involved and make sure we have addressed them properly in the agreement.
- A proforma must be completed before 1.2 is entered into with another charity, addressing points 2.1 to 2.9 AND 3.1 to 3.2
- The CEO’s authorisation must be sought before any activity takes place. For a significant scale of activity or partnership, approval from the Board of Trustees must be sought.