Survey seeks to measure scale of inappropriate donor behaviour

Fundraisers across the globe are asked to take part in a survey on inappropriate donor behaviour, to help build a clearer picture of the scale and scope of the issue, and find potential solutions.

Initial findings from the ongoing survey were presented at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s (CIOF) Fundraising Convention in the UK earlier this month (June). To date, 76% of fundraiser respondents say they have experienced sexual harassment at some point in their careers – with 65% saying a donor was responsible at least once.

Sexual impropriety is reported as coming from all types of donors – with 73% reporting it from major donors. Sexual innuendo and banter or unwanted comments are most common at 24%. 15% have experienced inappropriate / unwanted physical contact, and 10% have encountered an improper proposition. 0.5% have experienced sexual assault.

38% didn’t report their experiences to their charity, and of those who did, 27% were told not to pursue a complaint.

The survey follows previous work on the topic by Rogare – The Fundraising Think Tank and the CIOF and sees the two organizations working together once again to look into the issue and find out what types of initiatives fundraisers believe would make them feel safer. Fundraisers are asked to share their experiences, whether or not they have directly experienced inappropriate behaviour by donors that made them feel unsafe, here. Rogare will publish full results later this year.

Rogare has also developed a template Donor Code of Conduct, which sets out expectations for standards of behaviour from donors and which it will be promoting through a sector-facing campaign with the CIOF over the coming weeks. Within the fundraising profession, charity leadership and the wider nonprofit sector, the aim of the Code is to stimulate discussion about how to redress these challenges and make fundraisers feel safe. Among donors, Rogare aims to raise awareness that this behaviour is unacceptable and to help those who encounter it to feel better able to speak out, and to be an advocate among their peers.

Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to use the template as inspiration to develop a code of their own, or to tailor it to fit their needs.

In the session, Rogare’s Heather Hill said:

“Donor dominance – where words, actions and behaviours of donors (including sexually inappropriate behaviour) make fundraisers feel unsafe – is a critical issue that requires structural change in order to address it.

“The Code is not just about sending a warning to potential perpetrators but about showing fundraisers that they will be supported, and highlighting that this is a serious issue.”

Picture by Tara Winstead on Pexels