Funding, Sponsorship & Independence
PiCC United is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and independence in all funding relationships. As a patient-led non-profit organisation, our governance model is designed to ensure that financial support strengthens our mission without influencing our decisions.
Independent by Design
Our core principle is simple:
“Sponsorship provides access – not influence.”
This means:
- Donors and sponsors have no influence over our governance, strategy, activities, or outputs.
- Financial support does not provide decision-making power or control.
- All collaborations are conducted independently and at arm’s length.
- PiCC United retains full editorial and operational independence at all times.
Who We Accept Funding From
PiCC United may accept funding from:
- Foundations and charitable organisations
- Public institutions and grant-making bodies
- Universities and research institutions
- Companies and other legal entities
- Individual donors
All donors must be identifiable and provide sufficient information to enable appropriate due diligence.
Due Diligence and Approval
We apply a risk-based approach to all funding.
This may include:
- Verification of donor identity
- Review of source of funds where appropriate
- Assessment of alignment with our mission and values
- Evaluation of potential conflicts of interest
- Formal written agreements for significant contributions
Major funding arrangements are subject to review and approval by the Board of Stichting PiCC United.
Right to Refuse Funding
PiCC United reserves the right to decline, suspend, or return funding where:
- The donor cannot be adequately identified.
- The funding conflicts with our mission, values, or public-benefit purpose.
- The arrangement creates a risk of undue influence.
- Ethical, legal, regulatory, or reputational concerns arise.
- Conditions attached to the funding compromise our independence.
Governance Model
PiCC United operates with a clear separation between funding and decision-making.
Board Responsibility
The Board of Stichting PiCC United holds full legal responsibility for:
- Accepting or declining funding
- Financial oversight
- Risk management
- Strategic decisions
Advisory Structures
PiCC United may maintain advisory groups, including:
- Strategic Supporters Advisory Circle
- Strategic Sponsors Advisory Board
These groups provide dialogue and perspectives only.
They:
- Have no voting rights.
- Hold no legal authority.
- Have no role in governance or funding approval decisions.
This governance model is reflected in our Articles of Association and Bylaws
Transparency
We are committed to openness about our funding relationships.
Where appropriate, we may publicly disclose:
- Funding sources
- Sponsorship arrangements
- Annual financial summaries
- Transparency reports
Disclosure is made in a manner consistent with privacy, contractual, and legal obligations.
Independence in Practice
We collaborate with organisations, but we are not controlled by them.
Financial support helps us deliver our mission, but it does not determine our priorities, conclusions, recommendations, or outputs.
Public Benefit Commitment
Stichting PiCC United operates exclusively for public benefit.
All income and assets are used solely to further our public-benefit objectives.
No profits are distributed to founders, board members, or private individuals, except for:
- Reimbursement of reasonable and properly documented expenses; or
- Fair market value payments for services rendered, where such arrangements are necessary, transparent, and approved in accordance with our governance policies.
Related Documents
For more information, please see: