With an increase in the number of private companies that sell substances such as alcohol and cannabis seeking to make donations or develop collaborations, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario Division has created an ethical fundraising guide to help work through various ethical considerations related to forming collaborations with private companies.
While Risk vs. Reward: Considerations for non-profit organizations on ethical fundraising and forming collaborations outlines possible collaborations with companies that produce substances, it also discusses the different forms of collaborations, outlines benefits and risks, details how to assess an opportunity, and provides language to support decision-making.
The goal of this resource is to support agencies in ensuring their approach to collaborations considers the risks, both internally and externally, while honouring their unique position of promoting an important cause in the community.