Purpose
 
Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) relies on donations from individuals and organisations to support our work to prevent poverty, reduce inequality and unnecessary financial hardship, develop practical policy solutions and campaign for positive change.

This policy explains how TAP accepts, manages and uses donations. Our aim is to ensure that all donations are handled responsibly, transparently and in a way that protects TAP’s independence and reputation.

Accepting Donations

TAP welcomes one-off and regular donations from individuals, businesses, trusts, foundations and other organisations that support our aims.
We will not knowingly accept a donation where:

• the funds are believed to derive from illegal activity;

• accepting the donation would compromise TAP’s independence or ability to campaign freely;

• the donor seeks inappropriate influence over TAP’s policies, campaigns or decision-making;

• acceptance could cause significant harm to TAP’s reputation or undermine our objectives; or

• accepting the donation would breach applicable law or regulatory requirements.

TAP reserves the right to decline or return a donation where appropriate.
 
Independence
 
A donation does not give a donor control over TAP’s policies, campaigns, appointments or public positions.
Where funding is provided for a particular project or area of work, any restrictions or expectations will be agreed in advance. TAP will only accept restricted funding where the purpose is consistent with our objectives and values.
Our policy positions remain independent, non-partisan and evidence-led.
 
How Donations Are Used
 
Unless a donation has been accepted for an agreed specific purpose, donations will be treated as unrestricted funds and used where TAP considers they can have the greatest impact.
This may include policy research and development, campaigning, communications, parliamentary and government engagement, supporter mobilisation, media activity, partnership development and the reasonable operational costs necessary to undertake this work.
Regular donations provide TAP with particularly valuable predictable income, enabling us to plan campaigns and policy work over a longer period.
 
Due Diligence and Larger Donations
 
TAP may undertake proportionate checks on significant donations or where there are questions about the source of funds, the donor or potential reputational implications.
Where appropriate, this may include confirming the donor’s identity, the source of funds and whether accepting the donation is consistent with TAP’s objectives and independence.
Significant or potentially sensitive donations may be referred to TAP’s Board before acceptance.
 
Donor Privacy and Recognition
 
TAP will handle donors’ personal information responsibly and in accordance with applicable data-protection requirements.
We will not publicly identify individual donors without their permission, except where disclosure is required by law.
Donors may choose to remain publicly anonymous.
 
Regular Donations
 
Supporters making recurring donations may change or cancel their donation at any time.
TAP will communicate with regular supporters about the impact of our work and how their support is helping us pursue our objectives.
 
Refunds
 
Donations are normally non-refundable. However, TAP may consider refunds where a donation has been made in error, without proper authorisation, or where there are other exceptional circumstances.
 
Any decision to refund a donation will take account of the circumstances and any legal, payment-provider or regulatory requirements.
 
Transparency and Accountability
 
TAP will maintain appropriate financial records of donations received and expenditure incurred.
We are committed to using supporters’ contributions responsibly and to communicating the progress and impact made possible by their support.
 
Our Commitment to Supporters
 
Every donation, large or small, helps TAP campaign for practical solutions that can prevent poverty and build greater prosperity.
 
We recognise that supporters are trusting us to use their money effectively. We take that responsibility seriously and will seek to ensure that funds are used carefully, responsibly and in pursuit of TAP’s mission.

Review date: June 2026