Policy for fundraising and responding to people in vulnerable circumstances or lacking capacity

Policy Statement

Philanthropic giving should be a positive experience for all. We recognise that some people that we engage with through our fundraising activity may not always have the capacity, at the point of the interaction, to fully understand the nature of the donation they may be considering, or the consequences of making that donation. We also understand that people in vulnerable circumstances may need further support before making a decision about whether to make a donation.

Whenever we suspect that someone we engage with is lacking capacity or is in vulnerable circumstances, we will take steps to terminate contact in a way that protects that person and preserves their dignity. We recognise that everyone has the right to support their favourite causes and charities but we also recognise that we have an obligation to protect those in vulnerable circumstances.

Whenever a fundraiser suspects that a person may be vulnerable, our approach is to end the engagement. We will do this politely and without making a request for a donation or any direct enquiries about the individual’s capacity to make a decision or the existence of vulnerable circumstances.

Returning donations made by vulnerable people

Despite our efforts to protect those in vulnerable circumstances, we may receive a donation where there may be a question over the donor’s mental capacity to make that donation. An example would be where a donor is suffering from dementia and makes a donation to us without understanding their decision. In this circumstance, we will return the donation to the donor.

Approved, Clare Council 30 April 2018