Donor Charter

Special Olympics depends on the kindness and generosity of our supporters to help to fund its work. In recognition of this support, we make this commitment to you: 

As a charity seeking donations from the public Special Olympics Ireland endeavour to comply with the Guidelines for Charitable Organisations on Fundraising from the Public as set out by the Charities Regulator Authority.  

• Our pledge is to treat all our donors with respect, honesty and openness. 
• All fundraising will respect the rights and dignity of donors, beneficiaries and the public.
• Fundraising will occur in an honest and truthful manner.
• We commit to being accountable and transparent so that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in Special Olympics Ireland. 
• The charity will operate in an open, frank and honest way and will ensure that transactions, operations, information and communications are easily understood by donors and the public alike.
• We promise we will effectively apply your gifts to us for their intended purposes. 
• Charitable donations and gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were donated.
• We commit to effectively managing essential administrative and fundraising costs and ensure they are kept to a minimum.  
• Fundraising activities will not be unreasonably persistent, intrusive or place undue pressure on people to donate. Should someone not wish to donate, or wish to cease making a donation, that decision will be respected.
• We will manage your personal information and our database of supporters in compliance with relevant Data Protection Legislation.  
• Stakeholders will not be presented in a disrespectful way in promotional activities and, where possible and appropriate, stakeholders will be consulted around the promotional strategies of the charity.

We commit that you, our donors and prospective donors will: 

• Be informed of the organisation’s mission, the way the organisation intends to use donated resources and receive information about the programmes Special Olympics supports. 
• Information about the charity’s charitable purpose and activities will be made freely available.
• Be communicated with, if you so wish, in through the medium and channel of your choice, and provide the opportunity to change these preferences in a timely and simple way. 
• The charity will provide ways whereby those interested can easily contact the charity.
• Be informed of the identity of those serving on the organisation’s governing board, and that the board will exercise prudent judgement in its stewardship responsibilities. 
• The charity’s trustees and management will explain and account to donors and the public for the charity’s actions.
• Have access to the organisation’s most recent financial statements, including independently audited accounts in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities. 
• The charity will take responsibility for its actions and will be capable of explaining, clarifying and justifying those actions.
• Be assured your gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given and receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition of your donation. 
• The charity will clearly identify to donors and the public the cause for which the fundraising is occurring and how donations will and are being used.
• Be assured that information about your donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law. 
• Expect that all relationships with individuals representing the charity will be dealt with professionally. 
• Be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organisation or hired third party agents. 
• Fundraisers will act with integrity and not misrepresent the charity, its need for funds or how they will be applied.
• The charity will have a procedure in place to address complaints.
• Have easily available the agreed procedures for making and responding to complaints. 
• Have the opportunity to request your name and details be deleted from active mailing lists and to be informed of the organisation’s privacy policy. 
• Receive timely, truthful and forthright answers to questions you might have of the organisation. 
• Questions about fundraising activities and fundraising costs will be answered honestly and in a timely manner.

What to do if you have feedback or wish to make a complaint 

As a supporter of Special Olympics Ireland we value your involvement and feedback, and we invite you to contact us with comments, ideas or if you wish to make a complaint you can do so in confidence here.