Fundraising policy

Status of this document: This document is in effect since 25 August 2025. It supersedes the 2017 version.

Purpose

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international public-interest, non-profit organization where Member organizations, W3C Team, and the public work together to develop Web standards that ensure the long-term growth of the Web, and work for the benefit of humanity.

World Wide Web Consortium, Inc. is registered in the United States as a 501(c)(3), and provides the corporate legal home for the World Wide Web Consortium. As the legal home, the corporation has its own bylaws and Board of Directors. It received Public Charity status and is qualified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as of 23 December 2022, and can therefore receive tax deductible bequests, devises, transfers or contributions under Section 2055, 2106, or 2522.

As part of the requirements to preserve this status, W3C must work to diversify sources of funding. The list below outlines relevant benefits and includes others that W3C might explore as it pursues different sources of external funding:

  • increases funding availability for complementary programs
  • supports joint project development with different stakeholders that in turn can strengthen partnerships and collaboration
  • supports W3C Team to gain insight into advanced web technology development
  • supports research into areas that are not yet viewed as standards-ready
  • supports global harmonization of standards
  • supports the development of specific inputs required by a W3C Group (for example, a piece of technology, a paper, or an educational material) to advance their work
  • supports costs associated with awareness raising and capacity building activities
  • supports costs associated with promotion and adoption of specifications, such as testing, validation, and case studies
  • supports costs associated with analysis of regulatory frameworks and their impact on W3C work
  • supports costs associated with increased representation and participation

This policy outlines the principles and conditions for acceptable fundraising, including the solicitation, acceptance, and management of in-kind or funding contributions received by W3C. This policy provides a framework around:

  • fundraising principles and conduct of those individuals involved
  • acceptance of in-kind contributions, funding, or property and their use
  • oversight of financial support raised.

Scope

This policy applies across all W3C fundraising activities and includes all support received (in-kind contributions or funding) for the benefit of W3C community, Team, projects and programs globally, and it will automatically apply to any W3C subsidiaries.

Fundraising policy statement

W3C’s mission is to “bring together global stakeholders to develop open standards that enable a World Wide Web that connects and empowers humanity.”

To achieve its Vision to “make the web work, for everyone” W3C upholds the following core values:

  • The web is for all humanity.
  • The web is designed for the good of its users.
  • The web must be safe for its users.
  • There is one interoperable World Wide Web.

W3C encourages fundraising that is built around collaboration, connectedness and engagement with key stakeholders, both internal and external to W3C. Fundraising should be structured to maximize the impact of the web for all humanity. When designing concrete fundraising plans covering specific campaigns and activities, these should be anchored in W3C Ethical Web Principles, in alignment with W3C strategic goals and designed to strengthen its operations.

Fundraising should be anchored in W3C design principles, and the pillars of accessibility, internationalization, privacy, and security. It will also be open to incorporate into those plans other areas of interest, as determined by its Members.

W3C technical work will not be influenced, directed, or otherwise constrained by conditions imposed by any organization or individual providing financial contributions to W3C.

All fundraising activities must ensure W3C Ethical Web Principles are in display and:

  • protects the 501(c)(3) status
  • abides by the Code of Ethical Standards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals
  • abides by applicable regulations
  • aligns with W3C strategic objectives
  • expands and improves core operations funded by membership dues (not intended to replace or reduce membership dues)
  • be managed in a responsible manner throughout the whole fundraising cycle, from solicitation to reporting
  • fosters a culture of philanthropy and giving in the W3C community.

All W3C fundraising activities must clearly demonstrate how they:

  • Diversify sources across industries, stakeholder groups, and geography
  • Balance transparency and confidentiality
  • Be informative and professional
  • Respect donor’s wishes or instructions and their privacy
  • Acknowledge publicly contributions received in a timely manner, in line with W3C Marketing guidelines
  • Issue receipts accordingly
  • Ensure donors are informed of the financial management and impact of their contributions.

At all times, W3C marketing guidelines will be followed, in particular to acknowledge contributions of a similar size and/or purpose in a consistent manner. Similarly, when providing reports to donors, the level of detail and frequency will be consistent with the size and intended use of their contributions. If not specified as part of the donor’s terms and conditions, donors will receive an overall fundraising report once a year.

W3C will conduct its own due diligence and risk analysis prior to accepting contributions, in particular for large contributions and contributions from non-Member organizations. W3C will also assess prior to any funding application or solicitation that the funding source pursued is aligned with ethical and responsible practices. W3C will consider whether:

  • it will serve its best interests
  • it will result in an excessive administrative or financial burden
  • an in-kind contribution could, in practice, be converted into cash, depending on a valuation or the potential cost/benefit to manage it throughout its lifetime
  • it is in accordance with relevant compliance obligations.

A philanthropic contribution — either from an individual or an organization — has each of the following characteristics:

  • There is a transfer of in-kind or funding contributions to W3C for the benefit of the organization and/or the community W3C serves.
  • It is made voluntarily.
  • It does not provide any “material benefit or preference” to the donor.
  • It is motivated by the donor’s philanthropic intent and generosity — this does not preclude a donor from having a commitment to or strong interest in W3C when making a philanthropic contribution.

Such contributions will only be accepted, when all the following conditions are met:

  • Contributions are aligned with W3C vision, mission, strategic objectives and operational principles
  • Contributions do not compromise W3C reputation, integrity, or autonomy
  • Contributions do not compromise the exercise of academic freedom and freedom of speech
  • The proposed/expected contribution does not raise concerns after a due diligence assessment is conducted
  • The intended purpose as well as the terms and conditions included in any agreement or contract that guides the acceptance of funding will be reviewed so it is clear that they will not influence, direct, or otherwise constrain W3C technical work
  • W3C Team is able to deliver to the agreed purpose and objectives, with a clear understanding that any proposed timeframes and deliverables will be subject to review and adjustment
  • Such acceptance is consistent with the intent behind W3C’s framework of policies and legal documents, including but not limited to the W3C Process and the normative references mentioned in it, the Patent Policy, the Code of Conduct, and the Conflict of Interest Policy for the W3C Team — acceptance should also be consistent with other internal procedures, guidelines and charters that are deemed applicable.

W3C will endeavor to use all support received effectively, in line with donor wishes and intended use. W3C acknowledges that specific acknowledgment and/or reporting requirements may apply to the financial support received (for example, using a donor’s reporting template, form or platform). If that is the case, W3C will facilitate the establishment of processes and procedures to meet such requirements, while balancing the need for transparency and meeting reporting obligations, as defined in agreements or contracts that have gone through legal and compliance review.

To guide W3C fundraising activities, the following three main types of funding contributions, based on the funding source, will be referenced:

  • Philanthropic contributions from individuals and organizations (private sector, non-profit organizations, foundations, etc): this includes donations (once-off or recurring contributions from individuals or organizations, as well as major gifts from philanthropists); contributions raised via public online campaigns, pledges or planned giving; corporate, event and/or program sponsorships; grants (restricted and unrestricted funding); funding and other in-kind support raised via corporate social responsibility; contributions to establish scholarships; contributions to support fellows; contributions to establish community funds; and other giving mechanisms
  • Government funding: including but not limited to grants (restricted and unrestricted funding); contributions to establish scholarships; contributions to support fellows; and tenders for advisory and other service procurement
  • Cooperation: Partnership building, including but not limited to co-funding of projects and programs; alliances with like-minded organizations, including W3C members, standards organizations and others.

W3C understands that participants and in some cases, organizations involved in the standardization work, seek financial support themselves to be able to cover their own costs for meaningful participation. W3C requests those considering to raise funds for their own W3C-related work, to:

  • inform W3C prior to commencing their efforts
  • consider any possible conflict of interest, and how such acceptance may compromise or influence their technical contributions
  • seek approval for the use of the W3C logo
  • commit to use the logo according to W3C guidelines.

The following definitions will be used by W3C across its fundraising activities, policy and related documents:

  1. An in-kind contribution may take any of the following forms:
    • Physical property, such as buildings and other non-monetary assets
    • Intangible property, such as copyrights, patents, or intellectual property
    • Donations of time from employees and/or professional services to support W3C operations
    • Access to rent-free space for W3C events/activities
    • Donations of software licenses in support of W3C operations.
  2. A funding contribution may take any of the following forms:
    • Money
    • Pledges
    • Securities
    • Shares

Responsibilities

All W3C fundraising activities are to be approved by the Chief Development Officer (CDO).

The CDO is open to suggestions from the community and W3C Team about fundraising opportunities and activities. However, individuals that are not authorized by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and/or the CDO should not conduct fundraising activities or negotiations on behalf of W3C or use W3C logo for fundraising purposes.

The CDO is responsible for the strategic direction and operational management of W3C philanthropic and fundraising activities, and for establishing and maintaining related procedures. The CDO is responsible for the solicitation, administration, and management of funds accepted, and must ensure that funds are used in accordance with donor wishes and in alignment with W3C values, principles and strategic plan. The CDO is also responsible for reporting to the CEO, W3C Board and W3C community on fundraising activities and performance, as appropriate.

As some fundraising activities may be associated with specific deliverables and timeframes, the CDO will coordinate with the Team member(s) designated to be responsible for such deliverables, so that expectations of donors — in particular, around those outlined in agreements and other binding contracts — are met to a high standard. Requests for modifications and extensions will be discussed internally, before the CDO initiates any communications with donors/sponsors. Team technical contacts will be defined during the application or negotiation process as appropriate.

The Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is responsible for managing funds in accordance with W3C financial policies, supporting procedures in alignment with the United States Internal Revenue Service requirements, and any other regulatory requirements, as well as respecting the donors’ wishes. The CFO will also be responsible for establishing the appropriate mechanisms for the investment of contributions to W3C — whether they are in-kind and/or funding contributions — following ethical and responsible practices.

Consistent with the size and intended use of the contributions, the CDO will refer to other escalation policies and procedures designed to preserve W3C’s 501(c)(3) status, including financial delegations and approvals.

The CDO, in collaboration with the CEO, CFO, and COO, and with the support of Team members, will prepare quarterly high-level Development reports to the Board covering the details associated with the solicitation, negotiation and management of funds.

Policy review and approval

This policy is to be reviewed at the minimum every three years. Earlier reviews may be required if deemed necessary by the CEO and the Board of Directors. If any changes are incorporated into this policy, the Fundraising strategy is expected to be reviewed and modified for consistency. This policy is to be approved by the W3C Board.

This document is intended to be read in conjunction with other W3C policies and procedures.