Boston Medical Center (BMC) values community support of our mission and initiatives. Community Fundraising is BMC's do-it-yourself crowdfunding program and to make your work easier, we provide an online platform, Fundraise Up, to support your efforts. This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for participating in BMC's Community Fundraising program.
The objective of this policy is to guide BMC employees, volunteers, and supporters on how to effectively raise funds for specific projects, programs, or initiatives aligned with the hospital’s mission and values. The policy reflects best practices that are donor centric and in accordance with legal reporting requirements.
Approval Process
- All Community Fundraising campaigns initiated on behalf of BMC must be approved by BMC's Office of Development to ensure that the proposed campaign aligns with the hospital’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
- Campaign proposals must include a detailed description of the project, fundraising goal, target audience, proposed timeline, and anticipated outcomes. Funds raised can be directed to your area of interest that aligns with existing hospital needs and initiatives.
Campaign Content
- Community Fundraising campaign content must accurately represent BMC’s mission, goals, and the specific project or initiative being funded.
- Content should be compelling, transparent, and adhere to ethical fundraising practices.
- Using images, videos, or other materials related to the hospital, patients, or staff requires explicit permission from both the subjects featured and the Office of Development.
Financial Accountability
- All funds raised through Community Fundraising campaigns must benefit an existing BMC fund.
- Financial transactions should be processed through official hospital channels and comply with financial policies and procedures. If offline donations are made, it is the project organizer's responsibility to keep track of donors and donation amount if tax documentation is requested.
Donor Engagement
- Donors should be given regular updates on the campaign’s progress and thanked promptly for their contributions.
Compliance and Legal Considerations
- Community Fundraising campaigns must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including tax laws, data protection regulations, and fundraising regulations.
Protection of Patient Privacy
- Campaign organizers must always respect patient privacy and confidentiality.
- Personal health information or identifiable patient information must not be shared without explicit consent.
Questions? Please contact Marc Smith at Marcus.Smith@bmc.org.
