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Principles for accepting financial contributions

The New Humanitarian is an independent non-profit newsroom with a mission to put journalism at the service of people affected by humanitarian crises around the world.

We strive to ensure diversity in the sources of our funding and revenue in order to maintain our editorial independence (actual and perceived) and our long-term financial sustainability. We seek to ensure that no individual donor or financial contribution exceeds 25 percent of our overall budget. In exceptional cases, and with approval of its Board, we would consider a maximum limit for a single donor or financial contribution to represent 40% of our annual budget.

When considering whether to solicit or accept funding or revenue, we make the following considerations. We also ask donors to agree to this set of principles before funding us.

Alignment of values

We believe in the importance of independent journalism, accountability and transparency, alleviating suffering, respect for human rights, environmental sustainability, and our common humanity. We seek to attract donors, sponsors and supporters who are aligned with these values.

We encourage donors to demonstrate alignment with these values through adherence to frameworks such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria.

We may refuse donations from sources deemed by our board of directors to represent a challenge to our core values and mission, including sources that:

  • have strong links to the manufacture or sale of armaments and weapons;
  • have strong links to the fossil fuel or mining industries;
  • are responsible for major and systematic environmental abuse;
  • have strong links to the production of tobacco products, alcohol or other harmful and addictive substances;
  • are responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law, human rights, labour rights or other major international conventions – as proven by a court of law or alleged, with strong evidence, in media reports or by human rights organisations;
  • are engaged in any other ethically or socially inappropriate behaviour;
  • would put into question TNH’s work or reputation.

Unearmarked support

We are honest with our partners that we cannot sustainably produce independent, quality journalism without investing in our core staff, operations and infrastructure. To that end, The New Humanitarian seeks unrestricted funding as much as possible.

We consider accepting earmarked or project funding if the proposed project is closely aligned to our strategic mission; respects our declared values; does not impose terms and conditions that are di proportionately onerous on the organisation; and contributes to overhead costs at no less than 10% but ideally 20%, in recognition of what it truly takes for an organisation to execute such projects.

Editorial independence

Our donors, sponsors and supporters acknowledge and respect our editorial independence policy, outlined below. They understand that any attempted or perceived influence over our work would threaten both parties’ credibility and the impact of the work they seek to support.

We may refuse donations from sources deemed by our board of directors to compromise our independence or present a conflict of interest with our work.

Editorial independence policy

The New Humanitarian retains full authority over editorial content to protect the journalistic credibility and integrity of our organisation. We maintain a firewall between the newsroom’s coverage decisions and sources of all funding and revenue. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support.

Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions. We do not accept funding that includes a stated or suggested commitment to avoid certain topics or to adopt or emphasise a certain perspective.

Where The New Humanitarian accepts funding to cover particular topics, we maintain editorial control over the coverage. When considering whether to accept such project-specific funds, we consider how the donor’s objectives for the grant may affect the credibility of our journalism, particularly on the topic at hand.

We cede no right of review, influence or participation in the creation or distribution of editorial content to donors.

Shared commitment to financial transparency

We do not accept anonymous donations, and we publish the names of donors who give CHF 5,000 or more in a calendar year on our website, in our annual report and in any other relevant listings of donors.

Where donors prefer not to be mentioned in public communications, we respect their wish for privacy, but comply with all Swiss and other applicable laws and regulations about financial disclosures.

In addition, our annual accounts list our total funding levels and number of individual donors, including a breakdown by type of revenue.

Due Diligence Process

A TNH Due Diligence Committee composed of the CEO, Head of Finance, Administration and Compliance, and the Head of External Relations reviews every proposed grant or donation of 5,000 CHF or more and consults with the Head of Editorial as needed, including on project specific funding.

All donations above 20,000 CHF or more (approximately 1% of our budget) must be approved by the Finance, Audit, Risk and Compliance committee of The New Humanitarian’s board of directors.

For individual donations, due diligence includes:

  • scanning databases of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs)
  • general internet research
  • written agreement by the donor to adhere to these principles
  • escalation of any concerns about editorial independence or other material risk to the Finance, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee of TNH’s board of director or the board’s journalism committee and/or full Executive Committee, as necessary.

For governments, foundations and corporations or any other donation internal due diligence includes:

  • scanning databases of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) and sanctioned countries;
  • researching sources of funding, board members, and media mentions;
  • considering frameworks to which the donor has adhered, such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights;
  • escalation of any concerns about editorial independence or other material risk to the Finance, Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee of TNH’s board of director or the board’s journalism committee and/or full Executive Committee, as necessary.

Should The New Humanitarian learn - after receipt of a financial contribution - that the donor is not aligned with the principles set out here, its Finance, Audit, Risk and Compliance committee will review the donation and assess whether the money can be returned (this will not possible where the money has already been spent) and whether to refuse any further funding from the donor. We will be transparent about any funding received and about how we handle the situation.

(Last updated April 2025)

Our ability to deliver compelling, field-based reporting on humanitarian crises rests on a few key principles: deep expertise, an unwavering commitment to amplifying affected voices, and a belief in the power of independent journalism to drive real change.

We need your help to sustain and expand our work. Your donation will support our unique approach to journalism, helping fund everything from field-based investigations to the innovative storytelling that ensures marginalised voices are heard.

Please consider joining our membership programme. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful impact on how the world responds to crises.

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