ONO FUND RAISING POLICY

 The Organization of News Ombudsmen, perhaps more than other journalistic organizations, has an obligation to remain independent and transparent and to avoid any action that would compromise it or its members.

 To that end, it adopts the following policy to govern its seeking and acceptance of gifts and contributions.

I.                   The organization will seek outside funds, other than dues and conference fees, only for specifically identified and budgeted needs approved by two-thirds of the full board of directors.

II.                 The organization will accept unsolicited funds only if doing so is approved by two-thirds of the full board of directors.

III.              The organization will accept no funds that are provided with the condition that they be spent in a manner determined by the donor, which would undermine the organization’s independence.

IV.              ONO’S full membership will be apprised of any decision of the board of directors to seek and/or accept outside funds or in-kind contributions and the manner in which those funds or contributions are intended to be spent or used.

V.                 All donors, the amount and nature of their gifts and the use to which those gifts have been put will be fully identified to members in the annual financial report.

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