FāVS News recognizes that the value of its work depends on commitment to journalistic values and the editorial independence of its editors and reporters.
In seeking and accepting financial support, FāVS News will follow a donor policy that protect these values.
Donor Policy:
- Identify all donors and sponsors.
- Assure that donors and sponsors have no role in determining or assigning journalistic content.
- Refuse financial contributions from sources deemed by the board of directors to present a real or perceived conflict of interest with the work of the organization or raise reasonable questions about SpokaneFāVS’s independence.
Like many news organizations, FāVS News maintains a firewall between news coverage decisions and its sources of revenue. FāVS News financial supporters shall have no voice in FāVS News’ editorial decisions. All donations, sponsorships and other forms of financial support are subject to compliance with the Fundraising and Donor Policy, including provisions for transparency, the disclosure of donors’ identities, and the prohibition on donations from those whose contribution may affect public perception ofFāVS News’ independence. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of FāVS News’ funders or their products, services or opinions.
Per our donor policy, the organization will aim for a diverse group of contributors and seek funding from foundations, organizations and individuals concerned about quality journalism in general and religion news especially. It will also seek support of community engagement opportunities as established in its mission statement.
In addition to providing journalism on religion, spirituality and ethics, FāVS News also features opinion and commentary from a variety of writers. These volunteer writers may, and often do, donate financially to FāVS News to support its mission. Columns published on FāVS News do not represent the opinions of the publication as a whole and are separate from the news stories written and produced by the FāVS News editorial team.
In developing sources of revenue other than grants and donations, FāVS News will continue to apply the standards of assuring journalistic quality and independence and avoiding the reality or appearance of undue influence. FāVS News staff leaders may propose, and the board of directors may adopt, specific written procedures needed to uphold standards as fundraising questions arise.