Fundraising is a vital part of how Friends of the Earth Scotland delivers meaningful change. It enables us to challenge climate injustice, hold polluters to account, and campaign for a fairer, greener future. The resources we raise make it possible to act independently, build collective power, and maintain the long-term impact that environmental justice demands.
How we fundraise is an expression of our values. We will never compromise our mission or integrity in the pursuit of income. This commitment sets out how all fundraising activity is governed by our Ethical Fundraising Policy, the Code of Fundraising Practice (2025), and Scottish charity law to ensure that every fundraising decision is responsible, transparent, and aligned with our charitable purpose.
Our principles
We apply the four core fundraising values set out in the Code of Fundraising Practice:
- Legal – Every fundraising activity will comply with the law.
- Open – We will be transparent and clear about how funds are raised and used.
- Honest – We will act with integrity and never mislead the public.
- Respectful – We will treat people fairly, protect privacy, and ensure dignity in all interactions.
These values are embedded across our Ethical Fundraising Policy, decision-making processes, and governance frameworks.
Ethical funding and independence
We will only accept funding that aligns with our Ethical Fundraising Policy and advances our charitable objectives.
We will not accept donations or enter into partnerships with individuals or organisations whose actions contribute to climate breakdown, environmental harm, human rights abuses, social injustice or inequality.
We will assess all sources of funding to safeguard our independence and protect our reputation.
Due diligence and decision-making
We will carry out proportionate due diligence on all significant donations and partnerships, to understand the source of funds and identify potential risks.
We will record and document all key fundraising decisions, including reasoning and outcomes, in accordance with our internal procedures.
Any decision to refuse or return a donation will be made where necessary to protect our mission, beneficiaries or independence, and will be formally documented.
Use of donations
We will ensure donations are used for the purposes they were given.
Where funds are raised for a specific appeal, we will clearly explain how any excess or shortfall will be used (a "secondary purpose").
We will never divert funds to another use without transparency and alignment with our charitable objectives.
In 2024, 85p in every £1 donated powered our charitable work. 13p supported the vital people and infrastructure that make sure we’re well run — our admin, HR and finance staff, and the office, heating and IT systems that keep everything working smoothly. 2p went towards fundraising to sustain our impact for the future.
Respecting individuals
We will never use coercive or intrusive fundraising practices.
We will always respect a person’s decision not to give.
We will safeguard people in vulnerable circumstances and ensure fundraising interactions are accessible, inclusive and fair.
We will communicate only in accordance with preferences and provide easy ways to opt out.
Data Protection and privacy
We will protect personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy.
We will never sell personal data or share it without consent or lawful basis.
Where we rely on legitimate interest, we will document and review this to ensure it is appropriate and proportionate.
Working with fundraising partners
Any third-party fundraising on our behalf must comply with our Ethical Fundraising Policy and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
We will have written agreements and monitoring procedures in place to ensure ethical and legal compliance.
We will take steps to address any concerns promptly and, if necessary, end relationships that pose ethical or reputational risks.
Complaints and raising concerns
If you have a concern about our fundraising activity, you can raise it by contacting [email protected]
We will investigate all complaints fairly, respond promptly, and make improvements where appropriate.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you can refer your concern to the Scottish Fundraising Adjudication Panel: www.goodfundraising.scot
Our accountability
Friends of the Earth Scotland is regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and the Fundraising Regulator. We are committed to the highest standards of transparency, governance and ethical fundraising.
By contributing to our work, you are part of a collective movement towards environmental and climate justice. This commitment ensures that our fundraising practices reflect that purpose at every level — with integrity, independence, and responsibility.