Donation Policy

1. Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this Donation Policy is to ensure that all contributions received by Belghar Rural Development Trust (BRDT) are collected, managed, and utilised with integrity, transparency, and full adherence to Islamic (Shariah) principles. This policy safeguards donor trust and ensures that funds directly support BRDT's mission of uplifting rural communities through education, healthcare, livelihood support, and sustainable development.

2. Types of Acceptable Donations

BRDT accepts the following forms of contributions:

• General Donations - Unrestricted funds supporting BRDT's operational and development needs.
• Zakat - Used strictly for eligible categories as defined in Qur'an 9:60.
• Sadaqah - Voluntary charity for general welfare.
• Sadaqah Jariyah - Ongoing charity supporting long-term development projects.
• Waqf - Endowments for sustainable community benefit.

BRDT does not accept donations from prohibited (haram) sources such as riba (interest), gambling, alcohol, or unethical business activities.

3. Donor Rights and Transparency

• Donors will receive official receipts and may request utilisation reports.
• Donor identity will remain confidential unless permission is granted for public acknowledgement.
• Donors may specify the purpose of their donation; BRDT will honour all restricted-purpose contributions.

4. Allocation and Use of Funds

• Zakat funds are maintained in a separate ledger and used only for Islamic Shariah-approved categories.
• Restricted donations (e.g., "Healthcare for Poor") are used exclusively for that purpose.
• Unrestricted donations may support:
  • Rural education initiatives
  • Healthcare and medical aid
  • Livelihood and skills training
  • Orphan and widow support
  • Community infrastructure
  • Administrative costs essential for project delivery

All expenditures require approval from BRDT's Executive Committee.

5. Financial Management and Accountability

• All donations are recorded with donor details, date, amount, and purpose.
• The annual accounts will be reviewed by an independent auditor as well as an internal audit.
• Cash handling follows strict internal controls to prevent misuse.
• BRDT fully complies with domestic charity laws.

6. Ethical Fundraising Standards

• Fundraising must reflect the values of honesty, dignity, and fairness.
• BRDT prohibits coercive, misleading, or manipulative fundraising practices.
• Staff and volunteers must uphold professionalism and integrity at all times.

7. Monitoring, Reporting, and Impact

BRDT will conduct:

• Half yearly internal reviews of fund utilisation
• Annual impact reports summarising:
  • Total donations received
  • Project expenditures
  • Beneficiary outcomes
  • Community development progress

Reports may be shared publicly to maintain transparency.

8. Conflict of Interest

• Committee members must declare any personal interest in projects funded by donations.
• No trustee, staff member, or volunteer may personally benefit from donated funds.

9. Amendments to the Policy

This policy may be amended by the BRDT Executive Committee as necessary, but all changes must be consistent with the policy and the Trust's constitution.