Policy on Sources of Income

This policy applies to financial donations, in–kind support and prizes awarded to International Rivers. It does not apply to payments received for International Rivers services (including speaking fees), goods, membership fees and the reimbursement of expenses.

International Rivers accepts support from individuals, the charitable sector, private companies and governments.

International Rivers accepts support for general operations and projects that fit its mission and strategic plan. International Rivers does not alter its positions, work program and strategic plan to meet the wishes of funders.

International Rivers will not accept support in the following cases:

• Conflict of interest: International Rivers does not accept support that would create a conflict of interest or a clear perception of such a conflict. More specifically, International Rivers does not accept support from entities or individuals whose core activities are in conflict with International Rivers’ mission (e.g., dam building, fossil fuel and nuclear industries, private water companies or the World Bank). This restriction does not apply to institutions whose activities may marginally conflict with International Rivers’ mandate (e.g. governments that are members of the World Bank, companies and banks that have a minor involvement in building dams).
• Unethical origin: International Rivers does not accept support from donors responsible for gross acts of human rights violations, environmental degradation, social injustice or corruption.
• International Rivers reserves the right to reject funds for other reasons, for example if the administrative conditions under which they are granted are considered too burdensome.

Matching donations from companies will be considered as support from individual employees.

Accepting support from a private company or state institution does not imply an endorsement of their activities by International Rivers.

Acceptance of contributions from private companies over $10,000 will be decided by the Management Team in consultation with relevant staff on a case–by–case basis.

When staff have concerns that a donation or any other form of support might contravene any term of this policy, the Management Team will consult with the Executive Committee of the Board before taking a decision on whether to accept the support.

International Rivers makes its sources of support transparent in its annual report. Requests for donor anonymity will be considered by the Management Team on a case–by–case basis, in keeping with the terms and spirit of this policy.