Responsible Donation – Ansvarsfullt Donerande

VaLa is a collaborative network of non-profit organizations engaged in fundraising. VaLa's mission is to define and promote the principles of good governance and good fundraising in Finnish society and to help its member organizations learn together as part of an international network. VaLa's member organizations represent approximately one million donors and supporters.

VaLa's vision is to be a Finnish third sector cooperation network, with the goal of: - public benefit organizations adhering to the principles of good governance

- the expertise of the fundraising profession is excellent - a culture of donation has developed in Finland and the roles of various actors in society have been defined in a sustainable and clear way.

Who we are – VaLa as a fundraising promoter

The founding meeting of the Responsible Donation Association was held in May 2004. The need for increased cooperation was identified among Finnish fundraising organizations in the early 2000s. Representatives of the organizations organized meetings around the topic during 2003, on the basis of which a founding working group was formed. The founding working group included members from 11 non-profit organizations. The group prepared the establishment of a cooperation body and the guidelines for ethical rules for fundraising. As a result of this work, in spring 2004, the Vala's action plan, budget, rules, training plan, common rules of the game and ethical guidelines, as well as a plan for improving the operating conditions for fundraising, were available. The purpose of the association is to: - promote ethical fundraising by non-governmental organizations, - promote citizens' trust in fundraising, - promote responsible fundraising by non-profit organizations, - promote good governance by non-profit organizations, - promote and develop a responsible donation culture by influencing public opinion and - act as a non-binding cooperation network for non-profit organizations engaged in fundraising.

What we do – VaLa influences and develops

The main focus of VaLa's activities is the development of fundraising conditions and advocacy work. At the autumn meeting in 2024, VaLa's action plan for 2025 was approved.

The 2025 action plan includes VaLa's strategic objectives, which support VaLa's mission and vision: - VaLa promotes responsible fundraising and good governance for non-profit organizations. - VaLa promotes the Finnish culture of giving by increasing dialogue on the financial conditions of organizations and fundraising between different actors in society. - VaLa's operations are managed, administered and developed in an exemplary manner.

In 2025, the main focus of VaLa's activities will be advocacy work and the development of the operating conditions for fundraising. The advocacy work is divided into the following sub-objectives:

1. Member organization services2. Development of fundraising culture and training activities3. Promotion of good governance4. Promotion of donation culture and communication

VaLa's work to develop the operating conditions for fundraising is carried out in accordance with the following sub-goals:1. Development of legislation2. Development of fundraising services3. International cooperationSee also: Activity Report 2023, Activity Report 2022 and Activity Report 2021

VaLa defines and promotes the principles of good governance and good fundraising.

VaLa carries out its advocacy work responsibly. VaLa is committed to following the recommendations for good lobbying practice drawn up by the Transparency Register Advisory Board.