Child Protection & Safeguarding + Vulnerable Beneficiary Assurance
The Stand And Face East Foundation (“S.A.F.E. Foundation”) was founded in [Month Year] by [Founder’s Legal Name] as a Canadian unincorporated, not-for-profit religious foundation dedicated to serving vulnerable children, families, and individuals in Africa and beyond. From its inception, S.A.F.E. Foundation has operated entirely on volunteer labor: no staff member receives a salary or stipend, and no board member or officer is compensated in any form.
We pledge that 100 percent of all donations received—whether via GoFundMe, Zeffy, Every.org, CanadaHelps, or any other platform—will be applied directly to charitable programs, emergency aid, and project grants, with no portion diverted to staff payments, administrative salaries, or hidden operating costs. In rare cases where a specific fundraiser is created to cover minimal “upkeep” expenses (e.g., mission-critical licensing fees or mandated charity-registration costs), those pages will be clearly labeled “Upkeep Fundraiser” and will specify exactly what expenses are covered, ensuring complete donor transparency.
This commitment is enshrined in our Founding Statement, Constitution (Unincorporated Association Draft), and Bylaws, and reinforced by our Code of Ethics (Ethical Giving and Stewardship Policy). It reflects our conviction that true service demands radical accountability: every dollar entrusted to S.A.F.E. Foundation is a gift to those we serve, and never to ourselves.
The Stand And Face East Foundation (“S.A.F.E. Foundation”) places the safety, dignity, and well‑being of children and other vulnerable persons at the very center of its mission. We believe every child is an image of the Divine, deserving of love, respect, and steadfast protection. Our commitment to safeguarding is absolute, non‑negotiable, and guided by the highest standards of both Orthodox Christian ethics and international best practice.
Scope & Applicability
This policy binds all trustees, officers, volunteers, project partners, and any individual acting in the Foundation’s name. Everyone engaged with S.A.F.E. Foundation must adhere to these standards.
Partnership & Vetting
• We collaborate only with caregivers, orphanages, and community networks personally vetted by Foundation representatives. Vetting includes reference checks, interviews (in‑person or secure video), and review of each partner’s existing child‑protection measures.
• Before any funds or resources are sent, we require a written agreement that outlines roles, reporting requirements, financial controls, and mechanisms for monitoring use of funds, ensuring we maintain “direction and control” of each grant.
Screening & Training
• All volunteers and consultants undergo a role‑specific screening process—reference checks and, where feasible and necessary, background and/or police‑record checks.
• We provide mandatory safeguarding protocols and clear reporting protocols to every individual representing S.A.F.E. Foundation, ensuring awareness of risks, responsibilities, and appropriate conduct.
Reporting & Response
• Any suspicion or allegation of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or misconduct must be reported immediately to the Foundation’s board of directors.
• Reports are treated with confidentiality, compassion, and urgency. We pledge full cooperation with civil, criminal, and ecclesiastical authorities in any investigation.
Monitoring & Review
• Funded partners shall submit regular safeguarding reports—complete with attestations of compliance and examples of protective measures in practice.
• The Foundation’s board conducts an annual review of all child‑protection practices and updates this policy as needed to reflect evolving legal requirements and best practices.
Zero‑Tolerance & Enforcement
• S.A.F.E. Foundation enforces a zero‑tolerance policy for any form of child abuse or exploitation.
• Any individual found to have violated this policy will be removed instantly from Foundation activities, and appropriate authorities will be notified without delay.
By upholding these standards, the Stand And Face East Foundation aims to ensure that every outreach effort protects the most vulnerable, honors their dignity, and embodies the compassion at the heart of our faith and mission.