PURPOSE

All gifts must support the mission and may not influence program content or educational direction.

1. Acceptable Gifts

Less Cancer may accept support from:

• Public or private corporations

• Community foundations

• Employee matching programs

• Individuals, donor-advised funds, and private foundations

• Local hospitals, clinics, and community partners (for non-CME/CE purposes)

• Event sponsors

• Food and community systems partners

Gifts are acceptable as long as they do not create a conflict with CME/CE standards, workshop independence, or Less Cancer’s mission.

Event sponsorships and general support may be used for:

• Program and workshop expenses

• Community outreach

• Administrative and operational needs

• Event logistics

• Organizational capacity

2. Gifts We Do Not Accept

Less Cancer does not accept gifts that:

• Come from pharmaceutical, device, diagnostic, or biotech companies for CME/CE purposes

• Seek to influence the content, speakers, or recommendations of any program

• Conflict with public health values or the mission of Less Cancer

3. Protecting Educational Independence

Less Cancer follows the standards of the ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) to ensure CME/CE programs remain:

• Independent

• Evidence-based

• Balanced

• Free from commercial influence

If educational support from healthcare-related industry is ever considered, it must:

• Be unrestricted general support

• Comply with all ACCME/CE requirements

• Include a Letter of Agreement

• Not influence content, speakers, or recommendations

4. Use of Gifts

All gifts must support Less Cancer’s mission and may be used for:

• Educational programs

• Workshops

• Outreach

• Operations

• Administrative and overhead expenses

• Capacity building

5. Review of Gifts

If a gift raises questions or potential conflicts:

• The executive team will flag the gift

• The Executive Committee may review it to ensure alignment with mission and standards

• A decision will be made to accept, decline, or seek clarification

This protects Less Cancer’s independence and transparency.

6. Right to Decline Gifts

Less Cancer may decline any gift that:

• Conflicts with mission or values

• Compromises educational independence

• Violates CME/CE requirements

• Creates ethical or reputational concerns

7. Donor Acknowledgment

Donors may be recognized publicly unless anonymity is requested.
Recognition does not imply endorsement of donor products, services, or positions.