Ethical Principles for Fundraising and Partnerships

Startup Refugees wants to form partnerships with companies and funders that are mutually beneficial, where both the partner’s goals and Startup Refugees’ goals are achieved. Startup Refugees’ work is guided by its values, vision and mission and aligned with international human rights standards.

Startup Refugees uses a selection and a due diligence process to evaluate potential partners and funders. This is done by checking and monitoring that its partnerships are founded on the Ethical Principles for Fundraising and Partnership, which emphasize:

Independence and Impartiality:

• Startup Refugees ensures that funding sources do not compromise its operational independence or influence its advocacy work.
  
• Startup Refugees does not accept funding with conditions that might steer its independent strategic direction or decision-making.
  
• Startup Refugees aims to diversify its funding sources to avoid over-reliance on a single donor or partner, reducing risk and maintaining autonomy.

Non-Association with Harmful Industries:

• Startup Refugees does not accept funds or pro-bono partnerships from industries that conflict with its mission and values.
  
• Furthermore, Startup Refugees does not work with companies or funders that:
  • derived their main income from the following: tobacco, the arms industry or the adult entertainment industry,
  • are subject to or in violation of UN sanctions
  • who have committed significant human rights, labor rights, or environmental violations or systemic corruption.
    
• Startup Refugees applies a special risk assessment to industries related to pharmaceuticals and fossil energy fields. If a company operates in the above-mentioned sectors, Startup Refugees applies a more detailed mapping of cooperation opportunities than usual.
  
• Startup Refugees assesses whether an association with a particular company or funder could damage their reputation or credibility in the eyes of the public.

Transparency and Accountability:

• Startup Refugees’ and its partners and funders commit to clear reporting and open disclosure of funding sources in order to maintain public trust.
  
• Startup Refugees commits to following all the relevant national and international guidelines and policies when it comes to fundraising and using public funds.

Respect for Human Rights and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Startup Refugees accepts funds and cooperates with partners that respect ethical labor practices, human rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  
• Startup Refugees believes that all human rights are universal, indivisible, and interdependent. It advocates for the rights of every individual without discrimination based on gender, gender identity or gender expression, age, origin, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, belief, opinion, political activity, trade union activity, family relations, health condition, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, or any other personal reason (i.e. including discrimination of any kind, as described in the Finnish laws tasa-arvolaki 609/1986 and yhdenvertaisuuslaki 1325/2014).
  
• Startup Refugees promotes an inclusive culture within its organization and advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work.