📜Resource Mobilization and Allocation
Version 1.2 | This Policy was approved on 18 April 2019.
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Introduction
Global definitions
This document employs terms related to the DCDR Advocacy that can be found in the TIOF terminology.
For a structure of The IO Foundation, please visit
The IO Foundation's Organizational Chart
The IO Foundation's Organizational Taxonomy
About this document
This document, hereinafter the Policy, sets out the position maintained by TIOF in matters of the organization's Funding that you will need to be aware of while being a TIOF Member. You should familiarize yourself with it and comply with it at all times. Any questions you may have with regard to its contents or what you have to do to comply with it should be referred to your corresponding Team Human Resources Manager.
Any Member who breaches this Policy will face disciplinary action, which could result in dismissal for gross misconduct. Any non-employee who breaches this Policy may have their contract (or equivalent official relationship with TIOF) terminated with immediate effect.
This document complements TIOF's Code of Conduct.
This document does not form part of any Engagement Document and we may amend it at any time following the procedures described in TIOF's Statute.
Scope
This document directly applies to:
All TIOF Members
This document indirectly applies to:
The policies set out in this document apply to all TIOF Members unless otherwise indicated. They therefore apply to Members of the Boards (Directors, Advisers, Consultants), Employees, Volunteers and Interns; this is irrespective of their engagement type. They equally apply to all Contributors and will be used as part of the selection criteria when engaging with them.
This Policy applies within all TIOF Spaces, including (although not limited to) management activities, contributions or events; it and also applies when an individual is officially representing the organization in public spaces. Examples of representing the organization include (although not limited to) using an official e-mail address, posting via any official channel or acting as an appointed representative at an event.
Review and Amendments This policy shall be reviewed regularly to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness. Amendments may be made to adapt to new legal requirements, changing circumstances or to better serve the organization's Mission.
Policy details
Funding statement
The IO Foundation is an independent organization, making decisions and operating without undue influence from external parties.
While at all times complying with requirements, terms and conditions or other applicable limitations, all funding strategies, or acceptance of funds, will always be determined by its own internal mechanisms and align with its Mission, Vision, values and organizational goals.
In other words, sources shall not gain any influence over The IO Foundation's decision-making processes, policies or operations. Specifically, financial resources will not, under any circumstance, dictate the organization’s activities, research outcomes or advocacy positions.
The IO Foundation unequivocally asserts that it does not, and shall not, welcome nor accept any form of external influence in its funding matters.
The provisions described in this policy must comply at all times with the following TIOF policies: - Finance Policy - Economic Sanctions
Relevant definitions
Resources: In the context of this policy, "Resources" refers to all forms of financial, material support, including but not limited to funds, assets and equipment, that are mobilized and allocated to achieve the organization's objectives and sustain its operations.
Mobilization: The process of securing and gathering resources, such as funds, assets or other type of support, from various sources to sustain the organization's operations and pursue its advocacy.
Allocation: The distribution or assignment of resources to specific programs. initiatives, projects or other operational needs based on organizational priorities, donor requirements or strategic goals.
Source: The origin from which a resource is obtained, such as a donor, grant provider, crowdfunding campaign, revenue from products or services or any other entity contributing financial or material support to the organization.
Purpose
This policy outlines the processes and principles that govern the mobilization and allocation of financial resources for The IO Foundation.
It ensures that all resources align with the organization's Mission and Vision while both maintaining its independence and complying with applicable legal requirements, including TIOF's Economic Sanctions Policy. This policy also establishes the framework for allocating resources of unrestricted and restricted funds in an accountable and transparent manner. It applies to all TIOF Members and TIOF Collaborators involved in fundraising, financial management and program operations.
Additional considerations
Currencies: The IO Foundation will accept only currencies listed in its Financial Policy.
No Political, Religious or Ideological Strings: The IO Foundation will not accept resources that require promoting or supporting specific political, religious or ideological agendas.
Transparency: In accordance to its commitment to transparency and accountability, all resources mobilized by The IO Foundation will be disclosed in the corresponding annual reports as viable.
No Strings Attached: All donations and grants are received on the basis that they come without strings attached.
Background Checks: TIOF reserves the right to conduct due diligence and background checks on the sources of funding to ensure alignment with our values and to prevent reputational risk.
Compliance with Laws: All donations and funding arrangements are subject to the strict respect of applicable local and international laws.
Funding streams
The IO Foundation accepts resources from a variety of sources, categorized into streams, consistent with its Mission, Vision and values. The following are the recognized types of resource mobilization streams:
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1 - Grants
Financial support received from foundations, government entities or other organizations typically designated for specific projects or initiatives.
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2 - Donations
Monetary or in-kind contributions provided voluntarily by individuals, corporations or institutions without expectation of direct return.
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3 - Crowdfunding
Raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet.
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4 - Products & Services
Revenue generated from the provision of services and products that align with the organization's mission and expertise.
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5 - Matching
Funds matched by another party, often in response to funds raised through other means.
Unrestricted and Restricted resources
In accordance to its Finance Policy, The IO Foundation categorizes all mobilized resources into two distinct categories:
Unrestricted resources
These resources can be used at the discretion of the organization for any project, program, or operational need. Unrestricted resources offer flexibility in their allocation and are vital for the proper functioning of the organization. These resources are typically sourced from general donations, revenue from products or services or grants that do not specify usage.
Restricted resources
Restricted resources are those designated for specific purposes, as defined by the donor, crowdfunding project deliverables or grantor. These resources must be used strictly for the projects, programs or activities outlined in by the source's requirements.
Resource Allocation Framework
The organization ensures that all resources are allocated in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner:
For Unrestricted Resources: These resources are allocated based on the organization's annual Strategic Plan and budget. The budget is approved by the organization’s leadership and is designed to support strategic goals, operations and initiatives that align with the its Mission.
For Restricted Resources: These resources are allocated directly to the programs, initiatives or projects specified by the donor or grant provider. The organization shall follow the applicable terms of resources to ensure proper usage and reporting. These conditions shall be closely monitored to ensure compliance with the terms of said applicable terms.
Flexibility in Fund Allocation
Unless a source explicitly instructs that the resources are to be used for a specific project or purpose, The IO Foundation reserves the right to allocate resources to the programs, initiatives, projects or operations it deems most critical. This ensures that the organization can respond to emerging needs and maintain operational efficiency.
Monitoring, Reporting and Accountability
To ensure responsible use of mobilized resources and maintain transparency, The IO Foundation implements a robust system for monitoring, reporting and accountability across all mobilization streams.
Financial Oversight: The finance department ensures that resources are allocated and used in compliance with this policy and applicable laws.
Audits: The organization shall conduct audits of both unrestricted and restricted resources to ensure adherence to the source's requirements and resource allocation integrity.
Reporting to Sources: For restricted funds, the organization shall provide timely and detailed reports on how the resources have been allocated and used to meet the specific goals outlined by the sourcing terms.
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