Our Approach

This policy explains how we accept donations and ensures that all gifts align with our values, legal responsibilities and public accountability as a university and charity.

Charitable Status

UWL is an exempt charity within the meaning of Schedule 2 of the Charities Act 2022 and is therefore a charity under section 506(1) of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988.

The University is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and, as such, follows the Fundraising Promise and adheres to the Fundraising Code of Practice.

What is a Philanthropic Donation?

A philanthropic donation is a gift made to support the University’s mission, without the expectation of financial return, control or commercial benefit.

• The funding must be given with philanthropic intent
• The University must retain control over how funds are used
• The donor must not receive exclusive benefits, rights or financial advantage

What We Do Not Accept as Donations

We will not classify funding as a donation where:

• A contractual agreement creates a commercial exchange or "quid pro quo"
• The donor receives exclusive access to data or research outcomes
• Intellectual property rights are assigned to the donor
• The donor retains control over how funds are used
• Financial or commercial benefits are provided in return

We may also decline funding that does not align with our environmental, social or ethical commitments.

Sources of Donations

We accept donations from:

• Individuals (UK and overseas)
• Charitable trusts and foundations
• Companies
• Legacy gifts

All sources of funding are subject to review to ensure alignment with the University’s values and responsibilities.

Ethical and ESG Principles

• Aligned with our mission: Donations must support the University’s strategic aims and contribute positively to society.
• Lawful and responsible: We do not accept donations where funds are believed to be derived from illegal activities.
• Environmental and social responsibility: We will not accept donations where there are reasonable grounds to believe funds are derived from activities that cause significant environmental harm or conflict with recognised ethical or social standards.
• Protecting our reputation: We may refuse a gift if acceptance could damage the University’s reputation or is linked to unethical activity.
• Respecting academic freedom: We will not accept donations that restrict academic independence or decision-making.
• In the University’s best interests: We may decline gifts that create undue cost, risk or conflict with our values.
• Transparency and fairness: Where donations support students, selection processes must be transparent and fair.
• No personal advantage: Donations must not provide personal or academic gain to individuals.
• Anonymity and accountability: We respect donors’ wishes for anonymity but will not accept donations where the source cannot be reasonably verified.

Due diligence and governance

All donations are assessed to ensure they meet legal, ethical, environmental and reputational standards.

Our approach reflects strong governance and accountability, including:

• Compliance with relevant legislation
• Alignment with the University’s Financial Regulations, Anti-bribery Policy and Code of Ethics
• Consideration of environmental, social and ethical risk factors

As a registered body with the Fundraising Regulator, we are committed to high standards of integrity, transparency and responsible fundraising.

Protecting donors

We are committed to fair, transparent and responsible fundraising practices.

• We take care to ensure donors are able to make informed decisions
• We do not accept donations from individuals who lack the capacity to give
• We ensure that donors are treated with respect and are not placed under undue pressure

Gift agreements

Many donations are formalised through a gift agreement, which sets out:

• The amount and purpose of the gift
• How and when it will be given
• How it will be recognised or reported

Transparency and recognition

Unless a donor chooses to remain anonymous, we may publicly recognise donations to celebrate support and encourage others to give.

We aim to be open about how donations are used and the impact they achieve.

Returning donations

Donations are not normally returned. However, we may return funds where:

• A donor lacked the capacity to make a decision
• A gift is later found to be linked to criminal activity or significant reputational or ethical risk

Legal and professional standards

The University does not provide legal or financial advice to donors and encourages independent advice where appropriate.

Our fundraising activity follows recognised sector best practice and is guided by established professional standards.

Contact

Office of Development and Alumni Relations
University of West London
Email: development@uwl.ac.uk