Policy Statement
FSC Canada is a non-profit organization registered under Canadian law, dedicated to advancing responsible forest management and promoting environmental, social, and economic viability of Canada’s forests. We gratefully accept donations that support our mission to protect forests, respect Indigenous rights, and foster sustainable practices for current and future generations.

This policy provides guidance to FSC Canada’s Board of Directors, staff, and potential donors on the types of gifts we can accept, how they will be managed, and ethical standards that ensure alignment with our values and strategic goals.

Types of Contributions Accepted
FSC Canada welcomes gifts, donations, grants, and other contributions from:

Not-for-profit non-governmental organizations
Foundations
Government and multilateral agencies
Private for-profit corporations
Individuals

We accept the following types of gifts:

Cash, cheques, and cash equivalents
Gifts of property (e.g. computers, software)
In-kind contributions of goods and services

Gifts of property or in-kind contributions will be evaluated prior to acceptance to assess associated costs, risks, and strategic value.

Charitable Tax Receipting
FSC Canada issues official charitable tax receipts for all eligible donations, in full compliance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations.

Ethical Guidelines for Gift Acceptance
FSC Canada will accept only those gifts that:

Support FSC Canada’s mission, vision, principles, and strategic priorities
Do not encroach on FSC Canada’s integrity or independence
Do not restrict FSC Canada’s freedom of action or decision-making
Do not damage FSC Canada’s reputation or expose it to undue risk, liability, or unforeseen costs

FSC Canada will not accept:

Gifts or contributions that conflict with FSC Principles and Criteria or FSC Canada’s policies
Donations that would require FSC Canada to alter its policies or strategic direction
Contributions from sources whose activities fundamentally contradict FSC’s environmental and social values

FSC Canada reserves the right to decline any gift at its discretion.

Corporate and Organizational Partnerships
FSC Canada values partnerships with corporations, Indigenous organizations, and other entities that share our commitment to sustainable forestry and responsible business practices. We seek to cultivate relationships that enhance our impact and engage supporters.

Types of partnerships include:

Funding partners: Donations from corporate foundations or community investment funds supporting FSC Canada’s programmatic work
Event sponsorships: Support for specific FSC Canada events with defined benefits
Employee engagement: (volunteer support and donations)
Third-party fundraisers (corporate or retail giving programs)
Program partners (in-kind resources or expertise supporting specific programs)

All partnerships are evaluated for alignment with FSC Canada’s mission, values and brand integrity.

Donor Relations and Transparency

Donor Access to Information: Donors will have access only to information related to the specific projects or activities they have funded.
Donor Recognition: Donations will be acknowledged in FSC Canada’s annual report and other publications, respecting donor wishes regarding anonymity.
Reporting and Compliance: All donations will be recorded and reported in compliance with Canada Revenue Agency regulations. FSC Canada encourages donors to consult their own legal and financial advisors regarding the tax and estate planning consequences of their gifts.

Delegation of Authority
The CEO may delegate responsibilities to staff to evaluate, negotiate, accept, or decline gifts and to create and execute gift agreements consistent with this policy, except in cases involving naming rights.

Donation and Gift Acceptance Policy