VINUNI GIVING/GIFT POLICY

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1. Purpose
This Policy establishes the principles and procedures governing the solicitation, acceptance, recognition, and stewardship of giving to VinUniversity.

1.2. Scope
This Policy applies to all individuals engaged in fundraising or gift acceptance on behalf of VinUniversity, including but is not limited to faculty and staff (permanent, fixed term, or temporary), council members, students, alumni, volunteers, interns, researchers, parents, and other representatives.

External partners such as consultants, contractors, agents, and sponsors are also expected to comply with this Policy when performing activities for or on behalf of VinUniversity, whether in Vietnam or abroad.

1.3. Policy Alignment & Ethical Exclusions
VinUniversity will not accept donations that conflict with its social, environmental, or humanitarian commitments, including those linked to human rights abuses, discrimination, exploitation, severe environmental harm, arms trading, or any activity that would place the University in legal, ethical, or reputational jeopardy.

2. Guiding Principle

Principle Description
Transparency and Accountability All fundraising and gift-acceptance activities must be transparent and well-documented. Gifts must comply with donor intent, applicable laws, and VinUniversity’s governance standards.
Alignment with VinUniversity Mission All donations must advance VinUniversity’s strategic priorities in education, research, innovation, and community service, and contribute to the University’s long-term social impact.
Compliance with Laws and Donor Agreements All donations must adhere to Vietnamese regulations on philanthropy, taxation, sponsorship (e.g. Circular 16/2018/TT-BGDĐT, Circular 35/2011/TT-BGDĐT) and any relevant international standards. 
Ethical Standards The University will not accept gifts that may compromise academic integrity, independence, or institutional reputation.
Purpose-Driven and Responsible Stewardship Gifts must be used for their approved purpose within the agreed timeline and budget. Recognition, reporting, and communication must accurately reflect donor intent.
Donor Privacy and Data Protection Donor information is handled confidentially in compliance with the VinUniversity Internal Policy on the Right of Private Information and applicable law.


3. Solicitation of Giving

All members are responsible for understanding and complying with restrictions on gift acceptance and volunteer engagement, particularly where conflicts of interest or other risks may be perceived. These restrictions include but are not limited to soliciting gifts from donors who have a family member applying for admission; accepting gifts that could be seen as advancing a donor’s business interests rather than those of the University; or accepting funds whose source or purpose poses significant risk to the University. The University will decline any donations that do not align with the principles outlined in this policy.

4. Acceptance of Giving/Donations

4.1. Definition of Giving/Donations
A donation (also referred to as “giving”) is a voluntary and non-reciprocal transfer of money, property, assets, goods and services, or other in-kind contributions made to VinUniversity.

4.2. Types of Acceptable Donations
Acceptable types of donations include:

  • Monetary contributions: cash, foreign currency, diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals.
  • In-kind donations: books, clothing, food and agricultural products, materials, equipment, teaching aids, construction works, and other tangible items of practical value.
  • Non-material sponsorships: copyrights, IP rights, land use rights, voluntary labor contributions, or the provision of free services (e.g., training, field trips, expert consultations).
  • Other legitimate contributions as permitted by law.

4.3. Gift Designation and Endowment

  • Donations may be unrestricted (for general use) or designated (for approved specific purposes).
  • Where the purpose of a gift becomes impossible or obsolete, the University may redesignate it to a related purpose consistent with its mission, following consultation with the donor where possible

4.4. Anonymity
Donors may request public anonymity; however, their identity must be disclosed internally for due diligence purposes. For corporate donors, anonymity may be granted only after beneficial ownership verification has been completed. Anonymous corporate donors are required to provide VinUni with the necessary documentation to verify beneficial.

5. Conditions for Acceptance

VinUniversity may accept a donation only when:

  • The source and purpose align with the University’s mission, vision, and values.
  • Any attached conditions are reasonable and proportionate.
  • The source of funds is legal and complies with Vietnamese law and applicable international standards (taxation, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, foreign exchange).
  • The donation does not preclude VinUniversity from accepting support from other donors.
  • Reputational risks have been reviewed and deemed acceptable.

VinUniversity reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to decline any donation.

6. Processing and Agreements

6.1. Giving Agreements are mandatory for organizational donors to ensure compliance with corporate income tax regulations. Agreements must cover parties, purpose, amount, schedule, recognition, data consent, governing law, redesignation, and termination.

6.2. Online Donations via OnePay

  • VinUniversity processes online donations securely through OnePay, directly connected to VinUniversity bank accounts. All transactions are encrypted and comply with international standards (PCI DSS, 3D Secure).
  • Donations are settled in Vietnamese Dong (VND); if you donate from abroad, your bank may apply foreign exchange or service charges. Transaction fees charged by the payment gateway are normally absorbed by VinUniversity unless otherwise disclosed at checkout.
  • Official donation acknowledgement will be issued within 14 business days of successful settlement.

7. Stewardship & Recognition 

7.1. Annual Giving Report: prepared annually by the academic year; includes donation and expenditure amounts

7.2. Acknowledgements: All donors receive acknowledgements of their giving and confirmation of the giving amount, except for anonymous donors and those who did not provide contact information.

7.3. Stewardship Timeline: All donors receive periodic communications such as newsletters and event invitations.

7.4. Recognition Tiers: Defined in VND and reviewed annually. All anonymity provisions are governed by Section 5.4 (Anonymity).

7.5. Naming Opportunities: for major donors, subject to UC approval. Naming may be withdrawn if pledges are unfulfilled or donor actions cause reputational risk.

8. Confidentiality and Data Protection

VinUniversity protects all donor data in compliance with the VinUniversity Privacy Policy and Vietnamese law. Donor data are processed securely and used solely for stewardship, reporting, and legal compliance purposes.
Disclaimer: VinUniversity upholds diversity, equity, and inclusion in all giving-related activities. The University prohibits discrimination of any kind and ensures that fundraising, gift acceptance, donor recognition, and distribution of donor-funded benefits are conducted through fair, transparent, and unbiased processes, consistent with legal requirements and VinUniversity’s values.

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