CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation Policies
The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation is firmly committed to safeguarding the privacy of all Sainte-Justine employees, donors, volunteers, patients and families.
Use of session cookies and web beacons
Sponsorship, Fundraising, and Cause Marketing Policy
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
General brand usage guidelines
Use of session cookies and web beacons
In order to provide an optimal browsing experience on its site, the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation (the “Foundation”) uses cookies.
These cookies are used for the sole purpose of optimizing the browsing experience of visitors on the Foundation’s websites, and are in no way related to visitor identification.
The Foundation uses Google Analytics and Hotjar, which use cookies, to collect non-personally identifiable information to better understand user interactions and generate reports on the performance statistics of its sites. These cookies, used for analytical purposes, allow the Foundation to better understand your interactions with its website. This information helps deliver higher quality content and features that enhance your user experience.
Other cookies are used to secure the digital platforms offered by the Foundation and thus distinguish between human and robotic action.
The Foundation also uses tracking pixels linked to Facebook, in particular, for advertising targeting.
Donors Bill of Rights
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The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation (the “Foundation”) is CHU Sainte-Justine’s one and only foundation.
It is exclusively responsible for collecting gifts for and on behalf of CHU Sainte-Justine and for issuing tax receipts.
Without replacing the role of the government, the objective of the funding offered by the Foundation is to support transformative projects that will enable CHU Sainte-Justine to further its care, education, and research missions.
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The purpose of this policy (the “Policy”) is to specify the rights of donors and to govern the and management of their gifts by the Foundation and all persons acting on its behalf.
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The Foundation’s management team is responsible for applying the Policy.
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The following rights apply to anyone who makes a gift to the Foundation:
- The right to have any person who interacts with them on behalf of the Foundation identify themself accordingly
- The right to have strictly professional dealings with Foundation representatives.
- The right to be informed of the Foundation’s purpose, the way the Foundation intends to use the gifts received, and its ability to do so.
- The right to the identity of the Foundation’s management team and Board of Directors, and to expect that they will exercise prudent judgment in ensuring their responsibilities.
- The right to be granted access, upon request, to the Foundation’s policies and most recent financial statements.
- The right to ask questions and receive prompt, answers in return.
- The right to require, that their gift be used for the purposes for which they were given, wherever such designation is possible.
- The right to receive appropriate thanks, recognition, and reporting from the Foundation where agreed.
- that their personal information will be handled in accordance with all applicable regulations and legislation, and that their communication preferences will be respected.
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All persons who carry out fundraising activities in the name of and on behalf of the Foundation, or who receive sums of money in its name or for its benefit must:
- Maintain professional relationships with everyone they interact with and respond promptly to their requests.
- Act with fairness and integrity, and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as any policies, procedures, and directives of the Foundation and CHU Sainte-Justine that may be in effect from time to time.
- Immediately inform of any real or
- Ensure that all fundraising activities are approved by the Foundation and comply with the applicable framework.
- Refrain from making promises that are misleading or .
- Encourage any person considering making a gift to the Foundation to discuss the gift with their own legal, financial, or tax advisor, or any other professional of their choice, to ensure that they are fully and accurately informed of all aspects of the gift they plan to make to the Foundation.
- Cease solicitation of any potential donor who states that they do not wish to be solicited.
- Respect the donor’s choices regarding communications from the Foundation.
- Secure and protect donors’ personal and confidential information, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
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The Foundation conducts its activities and manages its finances responsibly and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
All accepted gifts are used for the purposes of the Foundation, in compliance with its governing documents and, where applicable, the designation of the funds.
The Foundation administers and invests all gifts received with the utmost ethical integrity and transparency, and always strives to ensure that every dollar donated is well spent in support of CHU Sainte-Justine’s priority needs.
The Foundation produces accurate and factual annual reports and discloses information that may be useful to donors with regard to its financial management.
Financial statements are audited by an independent chartered accountant.
The Foundation does not sell donor lists.
The Foundation does not pay, directly or indirectly, finder’s fees, commissions, or any other compensation tied to the number or value of contributions received.
Gift Acceptance Policy
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The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation (the “Foundation”) is CHU Sainte-Justine’s one and only foundation.
It is exclusively responsible for collecting gifts for and on behalf of CHU Sainte-Justine and for issuing tax receipts for these contributions.
Without replacing the role of the government, the objective of the funding offered by the Foundation is to support transformative projects that will enable CHU Sainte-Justine to further its care, education, and research missions.
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The Canada Revenue Agency defines a gift as a “voluntary transfer of property without valuable consideration for the donor.”
The purpose of this policy (the “Policy”) is to govern the Foundation’s acceptance of gifts and, in particular, to ensure the following as much as possible:
- Respect for the rights of donors and consistent, ethical, and fair donor relations.
- Compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, codes, and standards.
- Informed decision-making by the Foundation regarding the acceptance of gifts.
The Policy also aims to guide the donor through the gift-giving process.
The Policy governs the acceptance of all types of gifts, whether immediate or deferred, with or without tax receipts, as part of the Foundation’s fundraising activities. It applies to the Foundation in its entirety and to anyone who acts on its behalf.
Certain gifts, particularly those made in partnership with other organizations, may be subject to special treatment upon approval by the Foundation’s President and Chief Executive Officer and CHU Sainte-Justine’s President and Chief Executive Officer’s office.
Gifts must be distinguished from contributions made in exchange for visibility or advertising, better known as sponsorships. A sponsorship occurs when an amount is paid to finance a Foundation activity and the individual or legal entity paying the amount benefits in return from the advertising, promotion, or visibility of its brand image, products, or services. Please refer to the Sponsorship, Fundraising, and Cause Marketing Policy for further guidance.
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Qualified donee
The Foundation is listed as a qualified donee with the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”), in that it is a registered charity that can issue tax receipts for gifts it receives. Its charity registration number is 11892-1667-RR-0001.
Responsibility for application
The Foundation’s management team is responsible for applying the Policy.
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The Foundation’s fundraising activities, including the acceptance of gifts, must at all times be carried out in good faith and in keeping with its purpose and values, as well as those of CHU Sainte-Justine.
Gifts made to and accepted by the Foundation are irrevocable, become the exclusive property of the Foundation, and, apart from certain exceptional cases, cannot be reimbursed or returned to the donor.
Although the Foundation may guide the donor through the gift-giving process, it does not provide any legal, financial, or fiscal advice. Donors are encouraged to discuss any gift with their own legal, financial, or tax advisor, or any other professional of their choice, to ensure that they are fully and accurately informed of all aspects of the gift they plan to make to the Foundation. Donors are responsible for all costs associated with obtaining independent professional advice.
Depending on the level and type of gift, a donor’s commitment may be recorded in writing.
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Under no circumstances is the Foundation required to accept a gift that has been offered.
Any gift that contravenes the law, public order, or any aspect of the Foundation’s governing documents will be refused.
A gift may also be refused in the following situations, among others, whether in relation to the gift itself, the potential donor, or both:
- A gift that could compromise the Foundation’s status as a charitable organization or qualified donee
- A gift that could harm or compromise the purpose, mission, values, programs, activities, public relations strategies, autonomy, integrity, ethics, image, or reputation of the Foundation or of CHU Sainte-Justine.
- A gift with an origin that cannot be confirmed by the donor following a request from the Foundation.
- A gift that would place the Foundation in a position of real or perceived conflict of interest, in particular by creating expectations of benefit for the donor or for an individual or legal entity related to or designated by the donor, whether in terms of employment, the provision of goods or services, or in relation to research, care, or teaching.
- A gift for which the donor directly determines the beneficiary, without an appropriate selection mechanism or an administrative framework deemed acceptable by the Foundation.
- A gift whose conditions would ensure that the donor retains control over the use and management of the sums or property donated.
- A gift that is difficult to convert to cash, or whose use or conservation costs are unreasonable.
Acceptance of a gift does not imply that the Foundation endorses the views, opinions, businesses, or activities of the donor.
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The Foundation strongly encourages undesignated gifts, notably because they allow the Foundation to pursue its objects—that is, to better address CHU Sainte-Justine’s urgent and priority needs and seize opportunities to innovate in the areas of patient care, teaching, and research.
Limitations
A designated gift must be allocated to an existing Foundation designation. Any other designation requested will require validation and is only permitted if the value of the gift is at least $10,000.
The Foundation’s decision to accept or refuse a designated gift will also be based on the following considerations:
- Whether the designation is too restrictive.
- Whether the gift so designated would be useful to CHU Sainte-Justine and whether it would meet any of its needs.
- Whether the gift so designated would expose the Foundation or CHU Sainte-Justine to unacceptable risk or liability.
- Whether the gift so designated would result in financial or other obligations that are unreasonable, disproportionate, or disadvantageous to the Foundation or CHU Sainte-Justine in relation to the gift.
It is understood that the priorities and needs of the Foundation and CHU Sainte-Justine may evolve, notably as a result of scientific advances or organizational changes. The use of a gift in accordance with its designation could then become, in the joint opinion of the Foundation and of the concerned individuals at CHU Sainte-Justine, inappropriate, unrealistic, impossible, or no longer relevant. Should that be the case, if the Foundation determines that a revised designation is necessary, it may allocate some or all of the gift to other purposes, provided that they reflect, to the best of the Foundation’s ability, the substance of the donor’s original intent, as determined by consulting with the Donor, where possible.
Guidelines
Donors wishing to make a designated gift must first contact the Foundation to confirm its acceptability.
Should a donor wish to play an advisory role in the project, initiative, or program for which they have made a gift, the Foundation will consider such an advisory role on an exceptional, case-by-case basis, taking into account the applicable legislation and the policies and procedures of the Foundation, CHU Sainte-Justine, and any other partner involved in the project, initiative, or program.
Applicable levy
By agreement with CHU Sainte-Justine, the Foundation deducts a levy corresponding to 10% of each designated gift, up to a maximum amount of $250,000. This levy gives the Foundation the flexibility to respond to CHU Sainte-Justine’s urgent and priority needs, seize opportunities for innovation, and support the Foundation’s fundraising activities.
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The tax receipt and accompanying thank-you note are the first form of acknowledgement of a gift.
In addition, the Foundation will express its appreciation to a donor in accordance with the acknowledgement rules in force.
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The section below lists the most common and generally eligible vehicles for a gift to the Foundation. This list is not exhaustive; the Foundation reserves the right to consider gift proposals on a case-by-case basis.
Cash gift
Financial gifts can be made by cash, cheque, major credit card, debit card, money order, bank draft, bank transfer, or payroll deduction. Payment can be made via an electronic payment platform.
A tax receipt is issued based on the face value of the gift on the day it is received, in accordance with the Foundation’s Tax Receipt Policy.
Gift of marketable securities
Commonly accepted marketable securities are listed securities, i.e., shares in public companies, bonds issued by public companies or government authorities, and mutual fund units.
The Foundation’s practice is to sell donated securities as soon as possible after receipt.
The value of the corresponding tax receipt is calculated according to the closing price of the securities on the day the Foundation receives them in its brokerage account.
In order to obtain a receipt for the current year, the securities must be received in the Foundation’s brokerage account before 5 p.m. on December 31 of the year in question.
Gift certificates and gift cards
The Foundation may accept donations of gift certificates or gift cards.
An issuer is an individual or legal entity who produces gift certificates or gift cards. A gift certificate or gift card purchased from the issuer and then donated to the Foundation is considered a gift, and the donor can receive a tax receipt for the eligible amount.
However, a gift certificate or gift card offered to the Foundation by the issuer is considered a promise rather than the gift. In such a case, a tax receipt can only be issued when the Foundation receives after redeeming the gift certificate or gift card; the tax receipt can then be issued for the eligible amount of the donated asset for which the gift certificate or gift card was redeemed.
Gift of services
The Foundation may accept a gift of services, i.e., a contribution of time, skills, or effort, if the gift is deemed useful for the Foundation’s activities and as long as the acceptance of these services does not contravene any Foundation or CHU Sainte-Justine rules, notably concerning conflicts of interest. However, no tax receipt will be issued for such a contribution.
In the event that one of the Foundation’s service providers decides to donate the amount of the remuneration it has received from the Foundation, two distinct transactions must take place: first, the supplier who has provided a service to the Foundation is remunerated; then the same supplier makes a gift to the Foundation.
Gift of art or collectibles
Given the unique nature of CHU Sainte-Justine’s activities, the Foundation is rarely able to accept a gift of art or collectibles that cannot easily be converted to cash.
For this reason, with few exceptions, the Foundation only accepts works of art or collectibles that meet the normal acceptance criteria. In addition, the gifted object must have a fair market value (“FMV”) in excess of $10,000, as attested by an independent, professional, and current third-party appraisal, at the donor’s expense.
Material gifts
a. Responsibility for material gifts
The Foundation is solely responsible for accepting and receiving material gifts requiring a tax receipt or donor acknowledgement.
In the case of material gifts not requiring acknowledgement or for which the donor does not require a tax receipt, proposals must be forwarded to the designated departments by CHU Sainte-Justine, which will follow up with the donor.
b. Acceptability
In particular, the decision to accept or refuse a material gift takes the following considerations into account:
- The applicable legislative framework.
- Whether or not the donor wishes the gifted material or equipment to become an asset of the Foundation.
- The proposed gift’s usefulness to CHU Sainte-Justine.
- CHU Sainte-Justine’s procurement-related policies.
- The condition of the material or equipment (new, used, good condition).
- Whether the gift could result in financial or other obligations that are unreasonable, disproportionate, or disadvantageous to the Foundation or CHU Sainte-Justine in relation to the gift.
In cases where the material gift cannot be accepted by the Foundation, donors will be encouraged to convert the gift to cash and donate the proceeds to the Foundation.
c. How the Foundation handles material gifts
Material gifts must undergo a thorough analysis before being accepted by the Foundation.
In order to carry out this analysis (and to eventually issue a tax receipt if applicable), the donor must provide the following information before giving their gift to the Foundation:
- The name and contact information of the owner: mailing address, phone number (optional), and email address (particularly if an email receipt is required)—including, in the case of a legal entity, the name and contact information of the contact person.
- Confirmation that they wish to receive a tax receipt.
- A title deed if applicable.
- A detailed inventory including a description of each item, the number of items, and the cost price or selling price indicated on the labels attached to the items, if applicable.
- A proposed FMV from the donor. FMV generally refers to the highest price (in dollars) that an asset would fetch on the open market between a serious, well-informed, and knowledgeable buyer and a serious, well-informed, and knowledgeable seller acting independently of each other.
- In accordance with CRA recommendations, if the FMV is expected to exceed $1,000, the Foundation may require that the FMV be determined by an independent third party at the donor’s expense.
- The proposed FMV must account for fluctuations in price (sales and liquidations).
- The signature of the donor (individual) or of the contact person (in the case of a legal entity); if the proposed gift is being discussed via email, an email will be sufficient.
In exceptional cases where the gift is given to the Foundation before its acceptability has been determined, an acknowledgement of receipt (with inventory in applicable cases) will be sent to the donor.
Once the information has been received and compiled, the Foundation will verify the acceptability of the gift and determine its FMV, if applicable.
Once the FMV has been determined, the Foundation will inform the donor of its decision regarding the acceptance of the gift and the FMV. The donor must acknowledge receipt of this decision. A donor who disagrees with the FMV may, at their discretion, reclaim the item(s) or forgo a tax receipt (if the gift is otherwise acceptable).
d. Tickets
With certain exceptions, the Foundation requires a minimum of 72 hours to process proposed gifts of tickets for an event or show.
e. Conditions
Unless otherwise agreed in advance, the Foundation may dispose of a material gift it has accepted if converting the asset to cash proves to be the wisest use of the gift.
The Foundation is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of an asset that has been donated to it before the gift has been accepted by the Foundation.
f. Delivery
Any material gift accepted by the Foundation must be delivered to the location indicated to the donor, at the donor’s expense. Receipts will not be issued for delivery charges.
g. Transfer and receipt amount
In the event that a material gift is accepted by the Foundation and the donor has acknowledged receipt of the established FMV, the Foundation, after receiving the item(s) and counting it (if it had not yet been delivered), will issue a tax receipt based on the FMV of the gift on the date it was received by the Foundation.
If the gift’s FMV cannot be determined, no tax receipt will be issued.
Charitable bequests
Charitable bequests, i.e., gifts made to the Foundation through the will of a deceased person, are accepted as long as their terms and conditions comply with the Policy.
The Foundation also requires certain documents to verify the legitimacy and nature of the bequest before accepting the gift. More specifically:
For a bequest with a specific amount or a specific asset:
- Copy of the excerpt from the will concerning “, as well as the first page identifying the testator.
- Full contact information for the liquidator(s).
IF THE LIQUIDATOR IS NOT A NOTARY OR A TRUST:
- confirmation from the liquidator(s) that the will search has been completed (Chambre des notaires du Québec and Barreau du Québec) and that the excerpt of the will provided is from the deceased’s most recent will.
For all other cases:
- Complete copy of the will.
- Full contact information for the liquidator(s).
- Inventory of the estate (in the form required by the will) and proof of publication in the Registre des droits personnels et réels mobiliers ( ) and in a newspaper.
- Other documents may also be required, such as a statement of account and a copy of any clearance certificates from the government.
IF THE LIQUIDATOR IS NOT A NOTARY OR A TRUST:
- Written confirmation from the liquidator(s) that the will search has been completed (Chambre des notaires du Québec and Barreau du Québec) and that the excerpt of the will provided is from the deceased’s most recent will.
A tax receipt will only be issued to the deceased’s estate after the gift has been received.
Gift of a life insurance policy and gift of the proceeds of a life insurance policy
There are several ways to make a gift of life insurance. The person insured by the policy must be the same person who makes the gift.
h. Transfer of in-force life insurance policy
In this case, the donor names the Foundation as owner and beneficiary of the policy and agrees that the transaction is irreversible.
Before accepting ownership of a policy, the Foundation reserves the right to have the proposed policy analyzed by its advisors to determine its acceptability.
The donor confirms their gift by means of a transfer form issued by the insurance company.
Unless otherwise agreed between the Foundation and the donor, a tax receipt for the market value of the policy, which has been previously appraised by an independent actuary retained by the donor and at the donor’s expense, will be issued to the donor at the time of transfer.
No tax receipt will be issued to the estate at the time of the donor’s death.
In the event where premiums have not been fully paid at the time of transfer, the donor could continue to pay the premiums and a tax receipt will be issued for the amount of premiums paid by the donor.
i. Gift of life insurance proceeds on death
The donor retains ownership of the existing policy and names the Foundation as its beneficiary. Unless otherwise instructed by the donor, this gift is reversible at any time.
No tax receipt is issued for the payment of annual premiums by the owner. Upon the donor’s death, the estate will receive a tax receipt for the gift of the policy proceeds to the Foundation. This option is applicable to both existing and new policies.
j. Gift of a new life insurance policy
By naming the Foundation as owner and beneficiary of a new life insurance policy, the donor will receive a tax receipt equivalent to the amount of the annual premiums paid.
No tax receipt will be issued to the estate at the time of the donor’s death.
Before accepting ownership of a policy, the Foundation reserves the right to have the proposed policy analyzed by its advisors to determine its acceptability.
Once accepted and received, the Foundation normally retains the policy for the lifetime of the insured individual (donor).
If a donor defaults on premiums still payable in respect of a policy donated to the Foundation, the Foundation may take one of the following actions after assessing the potential risks and financial benefits:
- Continue paying the premiums with the funds at its disposal.
- Cancel the life insurance policy and collect the cash surrender value, interest, and dividends (if applicable).
- Use the cash surrender value of the existing life insurance policy to purchase a life insurance policy with a lower face value.
- Find another donor willing to pay the remaining premiums.
Gift of a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or registered retirement income fund (RRIF)
a. Donating from an RRIF during the donor’s lifetime
Donors with RRSPs must convert these accounts to RRIFs by December 31 of the year they turn 71. Each year thereafter, they are required to withdraw an amount from the RRIF. A gift can be made from the amount withdrawn from the RRIF.
b. Donating an RRSP or RRIF on the donor’s death
In Quebec, the designation of a charitable organization as beneficiary of an RRSP or RRIF is only permitted via a directive in the deceased’s will or within the framework of a life insurance product
In these cases, the gift is treated like any other bequest.
Gift from a donor-advised fund (“DAF”)
The Foundation can accept gifts from a donor-advised fund.
Such gifts and acknowledgement thereof are handled in accordance with the instructions received from the paying agency or donor, as the case may be.
The Foundation does not issue tax receipts for gifts from advised funds, as they have already been receipted.
Furthermore, donors cannot cover the cost of participating in an event or purchasing a prize at auction using monies from an advised fund.
Charitable remainder trust
A charitable remainder trust is a gift in the form of residual interest. The donor (the “trustee”) holds and manages the asset. If the asset generates income, net amounts are paid to the donor, a designated beneficiary, or both. When the trust expires (either on the death of the beneficiary or at the end of a specified term), the remaining funds are donated to the charity.
A charitable remainder trust can be funded with cash, marketable securities, or real estate.
The donor may benefit from tax advantages related to charitable gift provided the following conditions are met:
The valuation of this type of gift must be carried out by an actuary and will correspond to the present value of the asset that will ultimately be transferred to the Foundation.
Exceptional gifts
Gifts of exceptional assets, such as cultural property, ecologically sensitive property, real estate, or copyrights, will be reviewed by the Foundation on a case-by-case basis.
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Sponsorships, fundraising activities, and cause marketing initiatives
Sponsorships, fundraising activities, and cause marketing initiatives are governed by the Foundation’s Sponsorship, Fundraising, and Cause Marketing Policy (which incorporates by reference the content of this Policy with the necessary adaptations) and supplemented by all applicable guides and agreements.
Endowment funds
A gift can be used to create a new endowment fund or, in certain circumstances, to add to an existing endowment fund at the Foundation. Gift.
Endowment funds are managed in accordance with the Foundation’s in effect investment and distribution policies.
The minimum threshold for the creation of an undesignated endowment fund is $25,000. The minimum threshold for a designated endowment fund is $50,000.
The usual rules for issuing tax receipts apply to endowment fund gifts.
Philanthropic research chair
A gift can be used to create a philanthropic research chair at the Foundation, or, in certain cases, to supplement an existing chair at the Foundation, subject to the applicable levies.
The Foundation’s philanthropic research chairs are created and managed in close collaboration with CHU Sainte-Justine and its research centre and are subject to the guidelines established by CHU Sainte-Justine in this regard.
The minimum threshold for the creation of a philanthropic research chair is $1 million. The minimum threshold for the creation of an endowed philanthropic research chair is $3 million. The endowed philanthropic research chair will be treated as an endowment fund.
Chair funds are managed in accordance with the Foundation’s in effect investment and distribution policies.
The usual rules for issuing tax receipts apply to gifts to a philanthropic research chair.
Sponsorship, Fundraising, and Cause Marketing Policy
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The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation (the “Foundation”) is CHU Sainte-Justine’s one and only foundation.
The Foundation and CHU Sainte-Justine benefit from an enviable reputation in Quebec, across Canada, and around the world, which in turn guarantees value to any entity that associates itself with the Foundation, notably through sponsorships, fundraising activities, or cause marketing initiatives.
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This policy (the “Policy”) establishes the rules for accepting sponsorships, fundraising activities, and cause marketing initiatives and governs the relationship between the Foundation, its sponsors, and organizers of activities and cause marketing initiatives.
The Policy applies to all forms of sponsorship where a sponsor agrees to contribute to the Foundation, whether financially or in kind, in exchange for an association with the Foundation in the form of public recognition, visibility, or any other form of promotional consideration. It also applies to all fundraising activities (including fundraising pages) and cause marketing initiatives.
It provides a framework to ensure that the Foundation and CHU Sainte-Justine’s brand, image, assets, commitments, mission, values, and policies are protected and respected.
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The Foundation’s management team is responsible for applying the Policy.
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1. Framework
All sponsorships, fundraising activities, and cause marketing initiatives must align with the brand image of the Foundation and CHU Sainte-Justine, and must uphold the reputation of these same parties.
The rules that apply to the acceptance of gifts as set out in the Gift Acceptance Policy also apply to the acceptance of sponsorships, fundraising activities, and cause marketing initiatives, with the appropriate modifications. For Gift Acceptance Policy conditions with a rule that is applied based on the amount of a donation, it is understood that the condition will similarly be applied based on the objective of the fundraising activity or cause marketing initiative.
The terms and conditions found in guides and agreements that are intended for organizers and partners serve as a complement to this Policy.
The benefits for sponsors and organizers of fundraising activities or cause marketing initiatives must be proportional to the level of financial and/or in-kind support received by the Foundation.
Sponsorships are generally non-exclusive; however, limited forms of exclusivity may be granted on a case-by-case basis, provided that the risks and benefits to the Foundation are commensurate with the exclusivity.
Special conditions for fundraising activities and cause marketing initiatives (“Activity”)
- The organizer assumes financial and logistical responsibility for the development, planning, organization, and staging of the Activity.
- The organizer is not authorized to conclude contracts on behalf of the Foundation.
- The organizer may not open a bank account of any kind using the name of the Foundation or its registration number.
- With certain exceptions, mobile solicitation and/or door-to-door canvassing on behalf of the Foundation is not permitted.
- No consideration, other than appropriate recognition, may be given by the Foundation in exchange for the organization of a fundraising activity or cause marketing initiative.
Fundraising activities
- Fundraising activity expenses may not exceed 20% of the Activity’s gross revenue.
- Invoices must be issued to the organizer, who remains solely responsible at all times for payment to the contracted supplier or service providers.
- The organizer must hold civil liability insurance covering loss and damage to persons and property caused by the organizer or its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, promoters, independent contractors, sponsors, partners, subcontractors, agents, or assigns in connection with the Activity.
- Depending on the nature of the Activity, the Foundation may require that the organizer have each participant sign a risk disclosure and release form that has been approved by the Foundation.
Cause marketing initiatives
- The Foundation in no way endorses the goods et services sold through a cause marketing initiative.
2. Tax receipts
Sponsorships and cause marketing initiatives are not eligible for tax receipts. They may, however, be eligible for a written acknowledgement of receipt, attesting to the amount of their contribution.
Use of the Foundation’s name, mark, and logo
Sponsors and organizers of a fundraising activity or cause marketing initiative are prohibited from using the Foundation’s name, trademarks, official marks, logo, or any other intellectual property unless authorized in writing by the Foundation.
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
The Board of Directors and the external members of its committees, as well as the volunteers and employees of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation (“Foundation”) have a responsibility to protect the Foundation’s donors, who are the driving force behind its purpose.
By complying with this Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (“Code”), these individuals reinforce and preserve public trust in the Foundation’s integrity and impartiality, and foster transparency across the organization.
This Codeoutlines the principles and values that must guide the conduct of all members of the Board, the external members of its committees, as well as all Foundation volunteers and employees, when discharging their duties.
Duties and obligations relating to ethics and conduct
1. General
The Board members and the external members of its committee, as well as the volunteers and employees of the Foundation:
Agree to act in accordance with the legal and fiduciary obligations incumbent upon them, notably to act honestly and in good faith, in the best interests of the Foundation, with prudence, diligence, and competence, and in keeping with the values of the Foundation and its Board, as applicable.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, they agree:
- to comply with the Donors’ Bill of Rights, guidelines for fundraising activities and financial transparency;
- to conduct themselves in a manner that maintains or strengthens the image and excellent reputation of the Foundation and CHU Sainte-Justine;
- to work actively and collaboratively towards the implementation of the Foundation’s overall objectives;
- to conduct themselves with composure and dignity in all activities of a public nature associated with the Foundation;
- to respect the confidentiality of all internal discussions, interactions, and knowledge gained during the course of their duties;
- to be transparent in their actions and attitudes concerning the Foundation’s activities, provided that the principles of privacy and confidentiality are upheld at all times;
- to avoid all conflicts of interest, as defined in the Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy;
- to refrain from engaging in any form of discrimination;
- to abide by the Foundation’s Anti-Harassment Policy;
- to ensure that all fundraising activities organized by or for the Foundation are carried out in good taste and in line with recognized philanthropy standards, that children are never depicted in a manner that is degrading or inappropriate, be it for promotional purposes or during the course of the activity, and that all actions undertaken are legal and ethical;
- to make decisions in the course of their duties that are independent of all partisan political considerations; and
- to conduct themselves in a kind, courteous, respectful, and open manner in their dealings with each other and with all Foundation stakeholders, to ensure they act fairly, to foster productive dialogue and collaboration, and to prevent any abuse.
In addition, any member of the Board or external members of its committees, or Foundation volunteer or employee—other than the Board Chair or President and Chief Executive Officer—who is called upon to represent the Foundation in an official capacity outside their usual role and within the limits of their mandate or delegated powers, must first obtain the express authorization of the Board Chair or President and Chief Executive Officer and may not otherwise bind the Foundation in any way. Any similar commitment or opportunity must be consistent with the Foundation’s goals, directions, and policies.
2. Information security and confidentiality obligations
The Board members and the external members of its committees, as well as the volunteers and employees of the Foundation:
- Have an obligation to protect all personal and other types of confidential information (in written, verbal, electronic, or other form) received or collected in the course of their Foundation activities (“Personal and Confidential Information”).
- Understand that Personal and Confidential Information includes personal information about individuals, confidential information about the Foundation and CHU Sainte-Justine, and other information otherwise identified as or known to be confidential.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Board members and the external members of its committees as well as the Foundation’s volunteers and employees agree:
- to store Personal and Confidential Information securely to protect it from unauthorized disclosure;
- not to disclose Personal and Confidential Information to any other person or organization without the express written consent of the Foundation;
- to use Personal and Confidential Information strictly for the purposes for which it was collected, and only in connection with their work for the Foundation;that all Personal and Confidential Information received or collected belongs to the Foundation;that the Personal and Confidential Information will remain the exclusive property of the Foundation at all times and will be returned on termination of their relationship with the Foundation, or at any time on the request of the Foundation; and
- to immediately contact their supervisor or the Foundation by telephone at 514-345-4710 and by email at protection@fondationstejustine.org if they become aware of any loss or unauthorized sharing of Personal and Confidential Information or any other type of privacy breach.
Complaints Policy
If you wish to file a complaint against a Foundation employee or volunteer, or in response to a situation you feel is inappropriate, we urge you to familiarize yourself with the terms of our Complaints Policy.
Receipt of Complaints
Verbal Complaints
A verbal complaint will be handled immediately by a member of our staff.
If a complaint requires a more in-depth assessment, a written request will be sent to the manager responsible for the concerned activity or team. This request will include the name, phone number, street address and email address of the person filing the complaint and a description of the circumstances, including the incidents and/or individuals involved.
The manager must acknowledge receipt of the complaint within two business days.
Written Complaints
A complaint received in writing must contain the aforementioned information. It will be transferred to the manager responsible for the concerned activity or team.
Response and Resolution
Every effort will be made to address the complaint as quickly as possible, and all parties will be treated in a fair, impartial and respectful manner.
The person responsible for the complaint must attempt to settle the matter within 10 business days. If it is still unresolved after this time, the file will be turned over to the corresponding director or vice president.
If the vice president is unsuccessful in bringing about a resolution, the complaint will be escalated to the president/executive director. If the president/executive director is a party to the complaint, the matter will be transferred to the chair of the governance committee.
The complainant must be kept abreast of the status of their complaint and provided with a clear, detailed explanation of the final decision when it is issued.
Should a complainant be dissatisfied with the process or the outcome, they may request that the matter be escalated to a more senior staff member. This must occur within 10 business days, and the complaint must be resolved within one month of receipt.
Complaints Documentation
The manager must keep a copy of all complaints that could not be resolved immediately (i.e., upon receipt).
The Finance, Human Resources and Administration Department will keep a detailed log of incoming complaints, along with all relevant information on the subsequent response and resolution. A summary report will be presented to the Board of Directors on a yearly basis.
General brand usage guidelines
Depending on the nature of the involvement and the category to which the partner or the organizer belongs, the authorization process for a benefit event or a cause-related marketing initiative, as well as the rights for using the “CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation” brand, may differ.
However, benefit events and cause-related marketing initiatives are both subject to the policies set out in the brand usage guidelines. For more informations, please contact us at: evenements-benefice@fondationstejustine.org.