Donations/Sponsorships/Agreements/Partnerships in Catholic Education # Adopted: November 6, 2000 Last Reviewed/Revised: April 3, 2017 Purpose This policy outlines the process for receipt of donations and sponsorships. References Forms Policy R.FM.I.1 (Purchasing Procedures) Policy SCR.C.1 (Acceptance of Donations, Gifts and Equipment) Policy FM.G.2 (Managing School Based Funds) Appendices Policy Statement The Wellington Catholic District School Board recognizes the benefits of accepting corporate sponsorships or donations and engaging in community partnerships that support the Board and school Mission Vision and Values. Faith in Education www.wellingtoncdsb.ca
All sponsorships, donations and partnerships: Shall enhance the educational experience for learners. Be open, fair and transparent. Be in compliance with Board policy and provincial and federal regulation. Be based on clearly defined expectations. Be based on shared or aligned objectives that support the goals of the Wellington Catholic District School Board. Allocate resources to complement and not replace public funding for education. Shall not exploit or compromise students and/or employees. The Board reserves the right to decline such sponsorships or donations, or agreements. Once accepted, the Board shall evaluate annually all sponsorships, donations and partnerships, to ensure compliance with this policy. Policy Regulation 1. Definitions Donation Is support offered by a community group or business, in cash or equivalent, to a school or to the system that may or may not involve a public statement of appreciation or recognition. For income tax purposes, a donation to a registered charity is defined as a voluntary transfer of property (usually cash) without expectation of return. Donation of time and effort is not considered a transfer or property. Sponsorship Is financial support or the equivalent offered by a community group or a business to a school or to the Board and in return receives advertising or promotion of its brand, product or services. If a sponsor receives Page 2 of 6
something greater than nominal recognition in the form of advertising and promotion, they are not eligible for an income tax receipt as it is no longer considered a gift. Partnerships (Educational) Partnerships in Education are mutually supportive agreements between a school system or any part thereof, and a business, post- secondary institution, government department or community agency that: Encourage learning and growth in all partners, and enrich the educational environment by engaging human resources available in the community. Are based on a mutually beneficial relationship that is designed to enhance learning for all partners. Shall not exploit students. The use of captive students for the commercialization of a product or service is prohibited. Commercialization Commercialization is the use and or exploitation of students as a captive audience for corporate promotion. Commercialization also refers to the use of students, during school hours, in the promotion of a product. In this situation students have no recourse and are obliged to be present due to the provincial legislation or Board/school procedure or policy. No agreement shall provide for the right of exclusivity in respect of the product of any donor, sponsor or partner nor shall any agreement violate or influence the Board s procurement practices as outlined in Policy R.FM.I.1 (Purchasing Procedures). While public recognition may not be the primary rationale for a donation, sponsorship, or partnership the Board appreciates that it may be appropriate to recognize, thank or publicly acknowledge the sponsor s support. Sponsors may be recognized in a dignified and appropriate manner in programs, directories, media, newsletters, assemblies and posters. Use of corporate logos and slogans should be modest. There Page 3 of 6
shall be no actual or implied obligation to purchase the product or services of the sponsor. 2. Donations Donations may be accepted by the Board, a school, principal or designate, if the following conditions are met: 2.1. The donated material or goods are appropriate and of use to the school/system. The product and operations of the business must be compatible with the Board s Mission, Vision and Values as outlined in Policy SCR.C.1 (Acceptance of Donations, Gifts and Equipment). 2.2. With the exception of awards, scholarships or bursaries which may be designated to an individual, the donation of goods or materials will be made to the school or department and used or distributed at the discretion of the principal or Director of Education, or designate, and in accordance with the factors outlined in Policy SCR.C.1 (Acceptance of Donations, Gifts and Equipment). 2.3. If the donor of non-cash items wishes to receive a receipt for tax purposes, an independent assessment of the value of the contribution will have to be obtained. The arrangements will be completed in accordance with procedures for Charitable Donations under Policy FM.G.2 (Managing School Based Funds). 2.4. Donations with an aggregate value of $5,000 or greater, in any one year, must receive the approval of the Superintendent of Corporate Services. 2.5. Monies received by the school will be processed by Corporate Services. 2.6. Board employees and trustees are not permitted to receive a personal gift, donation or discount from any donor, supplier or partner who provides goods, services and programs to the Board. Page 4 of 6
3. Sponsorship 3.1. The proposal for the provision of funds, equipment, materials, building/renovation or services in exchange for some form of product recognition and/or exclusivity for a specified period of time in a specified location (e.g. promotional materials, etc.) will be forwarded in writing to the Principal or directly to the Superintendent of Corporate Services. 3.2. For sponsorship to be approved, the product and operations of the business must be compatible with the Board s Mission, Vision and Values. 3.3. All agreements for sponsorship shall be in writing, with a statement setting out the expectation of both parties. A copy of all such agreements shall be forwarded to and maintained on file by The Superintendent of Corporate Services. 3.4. A report of all money, goods, or materials, received by a school, shall be immediately forwarded to the Superintendent of Corporate Services for proper record keeping and reporting. 3.5. Sponsorship of team uniforms shall comply with the requirements of the local sport governing body and/or the OFSAA Uniform Sponsorship Policy, where necessary. 3.6. All requests for corporate advertising on school property shall require the approval of the Director of Education, or designate. 3.7. Commercialization shall not be permitted by or through sponsorship. No sponsor shall provide for the right of exclusivity in respect of the product received by the school or system. Page 5 of 6
4. Partnerships 4.1. Mutually beneficial and supportive arrangements between the Board and business, labour and community agencies will be considered under proposals for partnership agreements 4.2. All partnership opportunities must be consistent with the Board s vision, mission, values and strategic directions. 4.3. The purpose of the partnership proposal process is to permit, promote and encourage mutually beneficial educational partnerships between schools or the Board and the larger community. 4.4. All partnerships will be governed by a written agreement that outlines the expectations, terms and conditions of the arrangements. 5. Communications 5.1. Business or community groups may contact the principal of the school, Superintendent of Corporate Services, or other Board representatives, to initiate a donation, sponsorship a partnership. 5.2. Once a contact has been made, the Superintendent of Corporate Services, or designate will be responsible for initiating the processing of the proposal, acceptance and subsequent agreement. This is done in consultation with senior administration, and the school principal. Page 6 of 6