IX. Conduct and Ethics
Donor and Partner Recognition
The Forest Service recognizes that partners are essential to protecting and restoring the health of forests, grasslands, and the communities that depend on them. Voluntary partner contributions in support of a cause may come in a variety of forms, including volunteer time and expertise, materials or other real property, and money. Recognizing donors and partners for these important contributions demonstrates the agency’s appreciation and underscores the value that the Forest Service places on partnership contributions toward achieving the mutual goals of the agency, the partner, and the public.
The section provides general guidelines for donor and partner recognition. It discusses guidelines for how to recognize organizations as well as appropriate ways to recognize individual efforts.
This is not intended to be a comprehensive guide in donor or partner recognition. A more in depth study of this issue is underway. It is strongly encouraged that donor/partner recognition plans be developed as partnerships are developed and agreements put in place. While approval of such plans would be at the unit level, the National Partnership Office should be considered as a resource and reviewer during the development of donor/partner recognition plans.
Basic Principles of Donor and Partner Recognition
- Recognizing the support of donors and partners is important.
- Appropriate recognition may take the form of letters of appreciation, press releases, public events, mementos, signs, displays, plaques, certificates and other items that commemorate the gift. (If the donation is considered a “gift” under the USDA regulations detailed above, an acceptance letter is required.)
- The donor/partner should be recognized within the context of the project or program benefiting from the donation.
- Recognition of corporate donations must not give the impression of product endorsement, advertising, commercialization or solicitation.
- All physical forms of onsite recognition should be tasteful and non-obtrusive. Onsite recognition may take the form of displays/exhibits, banners, signs or plaques. Onsite recognition associated with the provision of services should be posted in close proximity to the service.
- Donor/partner recognition plans should be developed. Consult the National Partnership Office as needed.
EndorsementThe recommendation or promotion of commercial enterprises, products, and services are considered endorsements. Regulations prohibit agencies and employees from making reference to commercial enterprises or brand names of commercial products in interviews, and in written, audio, and visual materials unless certified by the agency’s information director as in the public interest. References in the public interest include acknowledging the contributions of a commercial enterprise in an officially approved, mutually beneficial partnership project when the business, products, and services are not promoted or recommended.
Appropriate:
- “The Pinecone Trailhead is maintained under a voluntary agreement by employees of XYZ Equipment Company in partnership with the Forest Service.”
- “The Pinecone Trailhead was reconstructed with contributions donated by XYZ Equipment Company in partnership with the Forest Service.”
Not appropriate:
- “The Forest Service recommends XYZ Equipment Company for its volunteer assistance in maintaining the Pinecone Trailhead.”
- “ Jane Firefighter uses DEF drops whenever she’s fighting fires and feels a cold coming on.”