Donation Transparency and Accountability Policy

The Vital Collective – Supporting Sistergirl, Brotherboy and LGBTQIA+ Communities in the Central Desert Region

Purpose

This policy ensures that all donated funds are managed ethically, transparently, and in alignment with The Vital Collective’s mission to support, strengthen and advocate for Sistergirl, Brotherboy and LGBTQIA+ communities across remote regions.

The Vital Collective is a volunteer-led grassroots collective. No member receives wages for general contributions. However, First Nations governance, cultural labour and expertise are recognised and remunerated in accordance with principles of equity and respect.

Guiding Principles

Transparency: Open communication about how funds are received, managed and spent.
Accountability: Collective decision-making with records available to members and donors.
Equity: Prioritising support for First Nations, trans and gender-diverse people and those experiencing structural marginalisation.
Respect: Ensuring all activities uphold dignity, inclusion, and community wellbeing.

Governance and Oversight

Financial decisions are made through consensus at collective meetings, with outcomes recorded in minutes.
An annual financial report will be made publicly available.
Regular discussion of any established, potential, or perceived Conflicts of Interest is reviewed at meetings before any financial decisions.

Funding Priorities

• Remote Access Support: Travel, accommodation, and access costs enabling community participation across the Central Desert region.
• First Nations Governance: Payments recognising cultural oversight, leadership, and knowledge-sharing.
• Gender and Sexuality Affirming Care: Support for name/document changes, gender-affirming clothing and items, and access to medication.
• Wellbeing Activities: Community gatherings, preventative health and peer support events fostering safety and connection.
• Promotion, Education and Advocacy: Production of promotional and educational materials, training, and rights-based campaigning across the region.

Transparency Measures

Open Bookkeeping: Accessible financial records available upon request.
Annual Financial Updates: Summaries of all spending shared via meetings and on the website.

Volunteer Commitment

Clinicians bill medicare for services. A portion of this is used to pay for the clinical space, and the rest pays the clinician. All other work is performed by volunteers. Members may only be reimbursed for direct expenses (e.g., travel and accommodation for collective activities). No volunteer receives profit or personal financial benefit from donated funds.