Techplomacy Foundation — Donor Guidelines
Our principle: Techplomacy Foundation (TF) accepts philanthropic support that advances our mission, but we never trade independence for funding.
Key policies
No board-for-gift: Donors, regardless of donation size, do not receive Board of Trustees seats or governance rights in exchange for donations.
Advisory roles by expertise only: Donors may be invited to an Advisory Board only based on relevant expertise, not on the size of their gift. Advisory Board members are strictly non-voting and consultative.
Serving government officials excluded from trusteeship: Current serving politicians, diplomats, or government officials cannot serve on the Board of Trustees. Retired or non-incumbent public officials may be considered following standard vetting.
Government funders’ reps: If TF accepts government funding, that government’s representatives may not serve as Trustees; they may be eligible for advisory roles (non-voting) only.
No operational or editorial control: Donors will be acknowledged but will not have any rights to direct TF’s programs, editorial content, research, fellow selection, or operations. Decisions rest with TF’s Board of Trustees and core team.
Prohibited sources: TF will not accept funding from military contractors, entities with documented severe human-rights violations, sanctioned parties, or donors whose beneficial ownership cannot be verified.
Conflicts of interest: Trustees, staff, and advisors must declare conflicts of interest. Material conflicts will be managed by recusal or other safeguards and will be disclosed as appropriate.
Right to refuse or return gifts: TF reserves the right to decline, return, or reallocate donations that pose legal, reputational, or mission-integrity risks.
Transparency: TF will publicly acknowledge donors and disclose significant or restricted gifts in our annual report, consistent with privacy and legal obligations.
Donor pledge (in gift agreements):
“I/we support Techplomacy Foundation’s independent mission. This gift does not grant the donor any rights to direct TF’s governance, editorial content, research conclusions, or programmatic decisions.”
“Techplomacy Foundation welcomes support from donors who share our mission. Donations do not influence our editorial independence or governance; we preserve impartiality in all our work.”
— TF Board of Trustees