PRomotional events and fundraisers

[trevor]

Who is allowed to use the name "Afrikaburn"to advertise their fundraiser??It seems to me that lots of people cashing in on the name to raise funds,but how do Afrikaburn control the funds generated>it seems to me anyone can use/abuse the name to have a fat jol,disguised as a Fundraiser-but how much of that money raised actually goes to AB or it's art projects.I seem to see a lot of events happening as fundraisers but surely these should be audited properly to ensure taht funds raised are actually used for AB and not for providing another jol/party for the organisers of these events!

[Abi]

Hi Trevor, welcome to the forum!

There are two types of fundraisers - those that fly under the AfrikaBurn Special Events banner (eg Decompression) and those that are organised by Camps/Individuals. Those organised by AfrikaBurn will be used as a tool to raise funds for AfrikaBurn as a whole, with the focus on raising money for Art Grants. Those organised by Camps/Individuals will be used by smaller groups of Burners to raise funds for their Camp, art piece or project.

The funds raised by the Special Events committee for AfrikaBurn go directly into the AfrikaBurn coffer. AfrikaBurn's financials are audited and posted on the website for all to see. But long before the funds raised make it into the audited books, mention will be made through one of the official AfrikaBurn communication channels (Facebook, website, newsletter) about how much was made at the fundraiser and to where it went. Any further questions could be directed at the Special Events committee.

The funds raised by Camps/Individuals are for the organisers of these events to use in which ever way they deem fit to further their AfrikaBurn cause. As one of the Amadeadlies, whose 2009 fundraiser notice on this forum may have sparked this question, I can say that the money raised at that fundraiser was used to purchase the fabric for our famous pink 'n blue stripey circus tent. Many Burners can testify to having a damn fine time in that tent! The onus is on the group to use the funds raised with integrity, and for the purpose intended. If the Burner public feel that money raised by specific Camp/Individual's fundraisers is not being used for AfrikaBurn purposes, then the Burner public can choose to either take it up with the Camp in question, or not support future fundraisers.

Hope that answers your questions,

Abi

[trevor]

Thanks Abi-i am one of those that have enjoyed THAT tent!it is the individual/camps that worry me-i see a lot of use of the name -i think these folk should at least donate a % to the AB coffers and perhaps even show some kind of financials re the event
-else they have a fat jol,pay the dj's (themselves!?)and very little goes towards AB.

[Ranger Bob]

thanks for raising this any policy set is only as good as enforcement and the more policy / rules / guidelines the less radical the more exclusion

I rather like modelling best behaviour over cracking the heads of those you think are modelling worse behaviour. So if its a central event we need to be sure we have transparent accounting, that we show where all our cents go. This way people start to expect transparency and accountability. Lets expect people to do the right thing, to respect the principles.

I'd rather promote the principles than police the infringements that we know are the norm in the default world