1. General principles

UArctic fundraising is firmly rooted in our strategic plan, and guided by our values and mission. Our vision is to see a strong, engaged, informed, and dynamic North, creating better lives and environments for all northerners. Donations towards our activities help us make this vision come true.

Our fundraising is based on creating long-term relationships with donors, and acting for the common good. We value and encourage circumpolar perspectives, diversity, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. We follow ethical principles in fundraising including honesty, respect, integrity, transparency, and responsibility.

UArctic fundraising is overseen by the Board of UArctic who also approve our fundraising principles and policies. We also adhere to the general UArctic finance policy as it relates to fundraising. 

2. Money collection permit

UArctic has a money collection permit from the National Police Board of Finland (permit number RA/2020/865). 

3. Giving opportunities

Our current giving opportunities can be viewed here. UArctic accepts donations towards our core activities, including student and researcher engagement at meetings and events, training and research cooperation, organizing seminars and similar events, climate action projects, and enabling mobility in the North, as well as for general purposes with no specified target according to our fundraising plan and permit. On a case-by-case basis, we may also accept donations for other activities, as long as they fall within the scope of our plan and permit.

4. Accepting donations

UArctic accepts donations under the following conditions:

• The donation and its terms are in accordance with our values, purpose, and strategy.

• The donation and its terms don't endanger our reputation, or conflict with our principles.

• We know the donor and the origin of the donation, and the donation is consistent with the laws of the country from which the donation originates.

• The financial costs or other liabilities arising from the donation are within reasonable limits.

For donations via wire transfer, the donor signs and returns a Deed of Gift that defines the purpose, amount, and terms of the donation, as well as confirms the donor's communication preferences and consent. While donating via our online platform, the donation form functions as a Deed of Gift.

5. Using, managing, and reporting on donations

Donations to UArctic support our core activities, including student and researcher engagement at meetings and events, training and research cooperation, climate action projects, organizing seminars and similar events, and enabling mobility in the North. In addition, donations can support the production and maintenance of online services, and the production of information and advocacy materials.

Donations are targeted towards activities as specified in the gift agreement, or, in the case of donations online, as outlined on the giving opportunity pages. Donations for general UArctic purposes with no specified target are allocated based on strategic planning needs, administered according to UArctic’s policies and procedures, and approved by the Board of UArctic.

UArctic reports on donations annually. As an association registered in Finland, we also report to the Finnish National Police Board on our fundraising.

6. Donor confidentiality and anonymity

UArctic treats all information obtained about donors as confidential. The donor's name, donation amount, or donation terms will never be made public without approval of the donor, unless required to do so by law. UArctic will respect a donor's wish to remain anonymous as far as is reasonable, provided that it wouldn't conceal a real or perceived conflict of interest or raise any other ethical concerns.

7. Donor recognition

Donors are recognized and thanked according to UArctic’s donor recognition guidelines.