Donations Policy

Introduction

The San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition (SDCBC) is a non-profit organization of health professionals, public advocates and community leaders dedicated to the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding in San Diego County. SDCBC provides support for a variety of activities in the areas of research, education, training, service and advocacy which has led to a variety of partnerships and collaborative efforts. While relationships among research, healthcare, and commercial entities can benefit all communities and provide resources for research and professional education, the interests and obligations of research, healthcare, and commerce can diverge. We therefore established the following policy.

 Donations & Contributions from Organizations

Organizations may have both positive and negative relationships to breastfeeding. SDCBC must assess the organization’s activities to develop an appropriate relationship. Organizations with programs that actively support breastfeeding should be recognized and encouraged. SDCBC should not enter relationship with organizations whose activities or programs negatively impact breastfeeding.

  1. All organizations with which SDCBC has official relationships shall be compliant with the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code) and subsequent WHA Resolutions.
  2. If there is disagreement as to whether an organization follows the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions, the Governance Committee will prepare a statement summarizing the findings and providing the basis for the recommendation as to whether the organization is or is not considered compliant with the code for presentation, discussion and decision by the full Board of Directors.

Donations & Contributions from Individuals

The SDCBC actively solicits and accepts monetary and in-kind donations from individuals as well as organizations. Such donations are essential its mission. However, acceptance of certain individual donations could potentially interfere with the reputation, non-profit legal status or mission of the SDCBC. The policy described above for organizations also applies to individuals recognizably representative of organizations whose mission may conflict with that of the SDCBC.

1. Donation Policy

  1. The SDCBC does not accept donations or other resources from entities or individuals in violation of the WHO Code and subsequent WHA resolutions.
  2. The SDCBC retains the right to decline any donation
  3. Donations do not entitle the donor to determine SDCBC policy, procedures or positions on issues addressed by the SDCBC.
  4. Acceptance of support does not constitute endorsement of the products, services, or mission of the donor by the SDCBC.
  5. The donor may not use the SDCBC name or logo without written permission of the SDCBC.

2. Restricted Donations

The SDCBC prefers unrestricted donations to better meet its needs. Restricted funds may be accepted after appropriate deliberation and vote of the Board. Additionally, the SDCBC will not accept any restricted or unrestricted donations that:

  1. Contain a condition that requires any action on the part of the SDCBC that is contrary to its mission or is otherwise unacceptable to the Board,
  2. Conditions that the proceeds be spent for the benefit of named individuals,
  3. Require the SDCBC to employ certain individual(s) at any time,
  4. Prevent the SDCBC from seeking other donations,
  5. Expose the SDCBC to adverse publicity, litigation or other liabilities.
  6. May require undue expenditures or unexpected responsibilities,
  7. Involve unlawful discrimination.

3. Confidentiality

Donors may be recognized by name on the SDCBC website or in other materials unless the donor expressly requests anonymity. All requests for anonymity will be honored except to the extent required by law.

4. Acknowledgment Procedure

The SDCBC will acknowledge receipt of donations in accordance with the federal tax law and will sign any forms required for tax deduction by the donor.

5. Donor Rights

Donors and prospective donors are encouraged to contact the SDCBC to discuss the SDCBC mission and programs, and any questions regarding this policy. Additional policies, SDCBC governing documents, Form 990 filings and other documents are available to the public upon request.

 Donations & Contributions from Organizations

Organizations may have both positive and negative relationships to breastfeeding. SDCBC must assess the organization’s activities to develop an appropriate relationship. Organizations with programs that actively support breastfeeding should be recognized and encouraged. SDCBC should not enter relationship with organizations whose activities or programs negatively impact breastfeeding.

Let’s continue to work together to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. As always, please let us know if you have questions or ideas for the Coalition as we continue to adapt during this unique time.

Thank you,

San Diego County Breastfeeding Coalition