CPJ Gift Acceptance Guidelines

The mission of the Committee to Protect Journalists is to promote press freedom worldwide. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, CPJ relies solely on contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to carry out its critical work. But gifts to CPJ must be consonant with the organization’s stated mission, purposes, and priorities. CPJ may decline gifts, however well-intentioned, that run counter to its values and risk undermining public confidence in its integrity.

CPJ is an organization committed to freedom of expression and believes strongly that all individuals, corporations, and foundations must be able to voice their views. However, CPJ may decline contributions it feels are not compatible with its mission.

CPJ does not accept restricted gifts from corporations, unless specifically solicited otherwise for a special initiative. Rather, all support from corporations must be designated for general operations. Corporations wishing to help underwrite CPJ’s work are strongly encouraged to channel their financial support through our annual International Press Freedom Awards Dinner. Doing so prevents the perception that such support can influence CPJ or the positions it takes.

CPJ does not accept funding from governments, government entities, or government organizations unless such support is nominal (example: food served at an event). CPJ will accept support from government-funded media organizations, provided they operate with independence. In those cases, funding will not be used for general operations but will be segregated into the Gene Roberts Emergency Response Fund and distributed to journalists in need by CPJ’s Journalist Assistance program.

CPJ’s Development Committee may render judgments on the advisability of accepting gifts or whether to consider exceptions to these Gift Acceptance Guidelines. At its discretion, CPJ’s Board of Directors, with ultimate fiduciary responsibility for the organization, may make a final determination on whether to accept or decline a gift.