Fundraising Policy

1. Our Commitment

The Community Sustainability Support Network (CSSN) is committed to fundraising in an ethical, transparent, and responsible manner. We adhere to the Code of Fundraising Practice set by the Fundraising Regulator and are committed to maintaining the highest standards in all our fundraising activities.

2. Our Fundraising Principles

All our fundraising activities are guided by the following principles:

  • Honesty: We are honest and transparent about our fundraising activities and how donations are used
  • Respect: We respect the rights, dignity, and privacy of our supporters
  • Openness: We are open about our work and how donations support our mission
  • Responsibility: We take responsibility for our fundraising activities and their impact
  • Accountability: We are accountable to our supporters, beneficiaries, and the public

3. How We Fundraise

CSSN may raise funds through:

  • Individual donations and regular giving
  • Grant applications to trusts and foundations
  • Corporate partnerships and sponsorship
  • Community fundraising events
  • Online fundraising campaigns
  • Legacy giving

4. Use of Funds

We are committed to using donations effectively and efficiently to support our mission of empowering community-led climate action across England. We will:

  • Use funds for the purposes for which they were given
  • Keep fundraising costs reasonable and proportionate
  • Provide clear information about how donations are used
  • Report on our use of funds in our annual report and accounts

5. Our Approach to Fundraising

Respectful Fundraising

We will:

  • Never use high-pressure tactics or aggressive fundraising methods
  • Respect requests to stop contacting supporters
  • Provide clear information about how to opt out of communications
  • Treat all supporters with dignity and respect

Vulnerable People

We recognise that some people may be vulnerable and will:

  • Train our fundraisers to identify and respond appropriately to vulnerable people
  • Never take advantage of vulnerable people
  • Stop fundraising immediately if someone appears vulnerable
  • Provide additional support and information when needed

Third-Party Fundraisers

If we work with third-party fundraisers, we will:

  • Ensure they comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice
  • Monitor their activities regularly
  • Provide clear contracts and agreements
  • Take action if they breach our standards

6. Donor Rights

As a supporter of CSSN, you have the right to:

  • Know how your donation will be used
  • Receive clear information about our work and impact
  • Ask questions about our fundraising activities
  • Opt out of fundraising communications at any time
  • Request that your personal information is not shared with third parties
  • Make a complaint if you are unhappy with our fundraising

7. Data Protection

We comply with data protection legislation and our Privacy Policy when processing supporter information. We will:

  • Only use your personal information for the purposes you have consented to
  • Keep your information secure
  • Not share your information with third parties without your consent (except where required by law)
  • Respect your right to opt out of communications

8. Gift Aid

If you are a UK taxpayer, you can increase the value of your donation by 25% at no extra cost to you by signing a Gift Aid declaration. We will:

  • Provide clear information about Gift Aid
  • Explain the eligibility criteria
  • Process Gift Aid claims correctly and promptly
  • Respect your right to cancel your Gift Aid declaration

9. Complaints About Fundraising

If you have a complaint about our fundraising activities, you can:

We will investigate all complaints thoroughly and respond within the timescales set out in our Complaints Policy.

10. Monitoring and Review

We will:

  • Monitor our fundraising activities regularly
  • Review this policy annually
  • Report on our fundraising in our annual report
  • Ensure all staff and volunteers involved in fundraising are trained in this policy

11. Fundraising Regulator

CSSN is committed to following the Code of Fundraising Practice. If you have concerns about our fundraising, you can contact the Fundraising Regulator, the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our fundraising activities or this policy, please contact us at contact@cssn.uk.

Last updated: June 8, 2026