International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC) is the global patient organisation dedicated to kidney cancer. Initiated in 2009 and incorporated as a foundation in 2014, IKCC is focused on improving kidney cancer research, treatment, care and survivorship in collaboration with the global network of IKCC Partner Organisations. Coordinated action against kidney cancer on a global scale demands the engagement of a wide range of partners, including patient organisations, patient advocates, healthcare professionals, international agencies, NGOs, foundations, corporations, individuals and others.  IKCC recognises the importance of its industry funders and their contributions to achieving the mission to reduce the global burden of kidney cancer.

The IKCC Donors Policy applies to all potential relations with any company from any industry. It addresses donations, grants or sponsorships to the Coalition, both financial and/or in-kind support. The IKCC Donors Policy is based on the UICC’s Partnerships with Donors Policy.  Its ambition is to implement a model promoting mutually beneficial collaborations, while managing any potential conflicts of interests. It ensures IKCC has a consistent and transparent approach to developing and maintaining external funding sources and provides a set of principles which allow the Coalition to maintain its independence, credibility and integrity.

Definitions

  • IKCC is an independent international network of patient organisations focusing on kidney cancer. It is legally incorporated as a Foundation in the Netherlands. IKCC is a non-profit organisation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
  • IKCC may enter into contractual agreements with external parties who wish to support IKCC with financial or in-kind support.
  • Financial and in-kind contributions are defined as voluntary and will follow local laws, practices and relevant accounting principles.

Criteria and Guidelines

The following criteria and guidelines will help the IKCC Leadership Team and Board of Directors create and maintain long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with supporters and uphold IKCC’s independence and integrity:

  • Collaborative activities must align to IKCC’s mission and strategic pathways.
  • Support from industry must drive positive impact for IKCC and its global network.
  • When possible, IKCC will aim to establish agreements that foster long-term relationships, which strengthen the impact of the relationship exponentially.
  • Where possible, IKCC will seek funding support from multiple sources.
  • IKCC will not endorse or promote a company or its products or services.
  • IKCC will foster trusted relations through regular communications, including sharing program updates and financial reporting, as appropriate.
  • IKCC will not formally partner with organisations where there is a clear conflict of interest. However, we may engage such organisations in discussions as deemed appropriate by the IKCC Board of Directors. If a conflict of interest should arise, the IKCC Board of Directors will review and act as needed.
  • IKCC will not enter into industry funding agreements that conflict with its member patient organisations.
  • The mission and activities of the external funder should be compatible with the mission and values of IKCC, and association should not expose IKCC to reputational risks. Specifically, IKCC will not accept funding from organisations promoting non-healthy behaviour such as gambling, tobacco, alcohol, other carcinogens, or involved in illegal activities.

IKCC recognises this policy cannot cover all circumstances. As such, the decision to collaborate with an external organisation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Agreements and Recognition

IKCC will ensure an agreement or memorandum of understanding outlining the details of the relationship, including duration, financial or in-kind commitment, and recognition, is signed by IKCC and the industry funder before the collaboration begins.

IKCC is committed to transparency in its actions and accountability for its funders. IKCC’s Annual Reports and financial reports are available on the Coalition’s website, providing an overview of key achievements, partners, as well as financial reporting.

IKCC will acknowledge its external funders recognising their support. Specific recognition may include, but is not limited to, acknowledgment in:

  • IKCC Annual Reports
  • Website and social networks
  • Program or project specific materials (printed and online)
  • Special events (e.g. acknowledgement in event materials)
  • Naming opportunities as appropriate – for example, named scholarships, lectureships, etc.

IKCC’s industry funders are encouraged to communicate their support of the Coalition through their own communication channels. For that purpose, funders may use IKCC’s name and logo after obtaining permission from the Coalition. IKCC may use the funders’ name and logo in specified external communications (such as IKCC Annual Reports, website, social networks, event materials) to recognise their support. For other specific communication, IKCC will agree the use of the company logo and name in advance.

IKCC Donors Policy is publicly available on the Coalition website. All funders are expected to read and comply with this policy. Please direct all questions about the policy or funding opportunities to info@ikcc.org.