Sustainable Donations and Funding Policies
SUSTAINABLE DONATIONS/ FUNDING POLICIES
I. INTRODUCTION
Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), as the only state university in the province and one of the leading higher education institutions in Eastern Visayas, is entrusted with the vital role of advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and producing graduates who are globally competitive yet socially responsible. Anchored on its fourfold mandate of Instruction, Research, Extension, and Production, the University plays a pivotal role in shaping not only the future of its students but also the well-being of the communities and environments it serves. In fulfilling this mandate, SLSU recognizes that the University’s growth and capacity to deliver relevant, high-quality, and accessible education is significantly strengthened through the generosity of benefactors, alumni, industry partners, government agencies, development institutions, and other stakeholders who extend their support in the form of donations, endowments, sponsorships, and external funding. These financial and material contributions have historically enabled the University to expand access to scholarships, strengthen research and extension programs, build infrastructure, and provide innovative solutions to societal challenges.
However, SLSU also acknowledges that not all funding is inherently neutral or beneficial. The sources and conditions tied to donations and funding may carry social, ethical, or environmental implications that could impact the University’s integrity and public accountability. As an institution that aspires to be a model of sustainability, transparency, and good governance, SLSU has the responsibility to ensure that the resources it accepts are consistent with its values and its long-term commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
This policy emerges in alignment with SLSU’s LUPAD Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029 and its pursuit of sustainability benchmarks, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Philippine Development Plan, and the expectations set by global ranking and quality assurance frameworks. Universities are increasingly expected to demonstrate clear environmental sustainability policies across investments, procurement, and donations/funding. This underscores the reality that higher education institutions must lead by example—not only through what they teach and research, but also through the choices they make about the financial and material support they accept.
The Sustainable Donations and Funding Policy of SLSU is therefore more than a compliance requirement; it is a moral and strategic commitment. It ensures that the University’s acceptance of donations and funding is guided by principles of environmental stewardship, social equity, ethical governance, and institutional integrity. Through this policy, SLSU affirms its position as a steward of both public trust and natural resources, demonstrating to its stakeholders—students, faculty, staff, government, industry, and partner communities—that it is possible to advance education and development without compromising the environment or future generations.
Ultimately, this policy provides the framework by which SLSU will responsibly engage with donors and funding partners, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and foster partnerships that advance not only the University’s mission but also the broader goal of a sustainable and inclusive society.
II. POLICY OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this policy are as follows:
1. Alignment with Institutional Mission: To ensure that all donations and funding are consistent with SLSU’s mission, vision, core values, and strategic priorities, particularly those anchored on environmental sustainability and inclusive development.
2. Integration of ESG Principles: To incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards into the acceptance, management, and utilization of donations and funding.
3. Promotion of Sustainable Development: To prioritize funding that contributes to sustainability initiatives such as green infrastructure, climate resilience, renewable energy, research for sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment.
4. Ethical and Responsible Fundraising: To institutionalize practices that prevent conflicts of interest, ensure transparency, and uphold the University’s integrity in all funding relationships.
5. Transparency and Accountability: To guarantee full disclosure and proper reporting of all donations and funding received, ensuring stakeholders’ trust and public confidence.
6. Partnership Building: To encourage long-term, collaborative relationships with donors and funding institutions who share SLSU’s sustainability goals and values.
III. SCOPE AND COVERAGE
This policy applies to:
- All forms of donations, including financial contributions, in-kind support, real property, equipment, or technology.
- All types of funding, including grants, sponsorships, endowments, and collaborative project financing from local, national, and international sources.
- All donors and partners, whether individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, non-government organizations, or international institutions.
- All SLSU campuses, colleges, units, and offices engaged in fundraising, project partnerships, or resource mobilization.
IV. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
1. Sustainability-Driven Alignment
- All donations and funding must advance SLSU’s sustainability agenda and institutional resilience, supporting projects in line with the SDGs, Philippine Development Plan, and regional development priorities.
2. Environmental Stewardship
- Preference shall be given to funding that supports initiatives such as:
- Green campus and renewable energy projects
- Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction
- Sustainable agriculture and fisheries research
- Zero-waste and circular economy programs
- Biodiversity and ecosystem conservation
3. Social Responsibility and Inclusion
- Funding shall support programs that promote:
- Access to higher education for disadvantaged sectors through scholarships and financial aid
- Gender and development initiatives
- Indigenous peoples’ empowerment
- Poverty alleviation through community-based extension programs
4. Ethical Governance
- SLSU shall reject donations and funding from entities engaged in unethical or unsustainable practices, such as:
- Fossil fuel exploration and unsustainable mining
- Large-scale deforestation, illegal logging, or destructive fishing
- Human rights violations, corruption, and labor exploitation
- Businesses involved in arms trade or harmful substances
5. Transparency and Accountability
- All donations and funding sources shall be publicly disclosed through annual reports, official university publications, and website postings.
- Clear tracking and monitoring mechanisms shall ensure that contributions are used strictly for their intended purposes.
6. Academic Freedom and Institutional Integrity
- Donors may suggest the purpose of their contribution, but such donations must not compromise academic independence, institutional autonomy, or the University’s decision-making processes.
7. Partnership and Long-Term Collaboration
- The University values relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and shared values, fostering continuity of support beyond one-time donations.
V. DONATIONS AND FUNDING CRITERIA
Southern Leyte State University shall evaluate all prospective donations and funding against defined sustainability-based acceptance criteria, focusing on the environmental impact of the donor’s industry, business operations, and practices.
1. General Eligibility Criteria
- Donations and funding must directly support the University’s mission and LUPAD Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029.
- Contributions must not undermine environmental sustainability, institutional independence, or academic freedom.
- All donations must be voluntary, transparent, and free from conditions that compromise the University’s autonomy.
2. Environmentally Responsible Acceptance
- SLSU will give preference to funding from individuals, organizations, and industries that:
- Promote renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green construction, and circular economy initiatives.
- Demonstrate commitment to reducing carbon footprint, resource efficiency, and responsible waste management.
- Uphold certifications or memberships in recognized sustainability frameworks (e.g., ISO 14001 Environmental Management, UN Global Compact, or ESG standards).
- Actively support biodiversity conservation, reforestation, and ecosystem protection.
3. Restricted and Non-Acceptable Donations (Environmental Impact-Based)
SLSU shall decline donations and funding from individuals, corporations, or organizations whose primary business activities are associated with significant environmental harm, including but not limited to:
- Fossil Fuels: Entities primarily engaged in coal mining, oil exploration, or gas extraction, unless they can demonstrate a transition plan to renewable energy.
- Deforestation and Unsustainable Logging: Industries linked to illegal or large-scale deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity.
- Hazardous Substances: Manufacturers of highly toxic chemicals, nonbiodegradable plastics, or industries with poor hazardous waste management.
- Extractive Industries with Irreversible Environmental Impact: Largescale mining operations causing widespread land degradation and pollution.
- Unsustainable Industrial Fishing: Donors involved in practices contributing to marine resource depletion and destruction of coral reefs.
- Companies with Poor Environmental Compliance Records: Donors with repeated violations of environmental laws, fines, or sanctions by government regulators.
4. Conditional Acceptance
- SLSU may consider funding from industries in transition (e.g., energy, manufacturing) if they can provide evidence of concrete, time-bound commitments toward sustainability and compliance with environmental standards.
- Donations from such industries shall be subject to enhanced due diligence and governance body approval.
5. Due Diligence and Oversight
- The Donations and Funding Review Committee (DFRC) shall conduct due diligence on potential donors, assessing environmental impact, compliance history, and ESG commitments.
- Sources of funds shall be verified and documented to ensure they are not derived from environmentally destructive or unethical practices.
- Donations failing to meet the criteria shall be declined respectfully and transparently, with reasons communicated to the donor.
VI. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
1. Donor Engagement
- SLSU shall actively communicate its sustainability agenda to potential donors, ensuring that partnerships are built around shared values and mutual benefit.
2. Documentation and Reporting
- All donations and funding shall be properly documented through signed agreements specifying intended use, duration, and expected outcomes.
- The University shall publish an Annual Donations and Funding Report, highlighting sources, utilization, and sustainability impacts.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation
- A system of monitoring and evaluation shall be established to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of funded initiatives.
- Donors shall be given periodic progress and impact reports to maintain accountability and strengthen relationships.
4. Capacity Building
- Staff involved in fundraising and financial management shall undergo regular training on ethical donor engagement, sustainability standards, and governance practices.
5. Integration with Other Policies
- This policy complements and reinforces SLSU’s Sustainable Investment Policy and Sustainable Procurement Policy, creating a holistic framework for environmental, social, and governance responsibility.
VII. MONITORING, REVIEW, AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
- This policy shall be reviewed annually by the Donations and Funding Review Committee to ensure relevance, effectiveness, and responsiveness to emerging challenges.
- Policy updates shall be guided by feedback from stakeholders, regulatory requirements, and benchmarking with best practices among higher education institutions worldwide.