Funding & Independence Policy

The purpose of this policy is to formally protect the independence, credibility, and integrity of the Expedition Audacity Research Foundation (E.A.R.).

E.A.R. exists to conduct independent research, documentation, and storytelling in support of environmental protection, scientific understanding, and Indigenous-led stewardship. This work often intersects with powerful economic, political, and industrial interests.

This policy establishes clear, binding principles governing how funding is accepted, managed, and insulated from influence.

Funding enables E.A.R.’s work. It does not direct, shape, or constrain it.

E.A.R. will not accept funding that compromises its ability to:

• Follow evidence wherever it leads
• Publish findings openly and accurately
• Speak plainly about environmental harm
• Honour Indigenous partnerships and consent
• Act independently of donor interests
   

Independence is not aspirational. It is operational.

E.A.R. may accept financial or in-kind support from a wide range of sources, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and institutions, provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• No donor receives editorial control or influence
• No donor may review, approve, delay, or suppress research or publications
• No donor may influence research design, methodology, conclusions, or messaging
• No donor may require positive portrayal, endorsement, or reputational benefit
• No donor may restrict partnerships with Indigenous communities or other stakeholders
   

Funding is accepted solely to support mission-aligned work, not to purchase access, influence, or silence.

Acceptance of funding by E.A.R. does not constitute endorsement of a donor’s activities, policies, positions, or business practices — past, present, or future.

E.A.R. does not provide:

• Public relations services
• Brand alignment or narrative positioning
• Implied moral validation
• Strategic communications support
   

Donors may not represent E.A.R. funding as approval, partnership, or absolution.

E.A.R. retains full and final authority over all research outputs, publications, media, and public statements.

If E.A.R.’s work produces findings that are critical of, or inconvenient to, a donor’s industry, sector, or interests:

• Those findings will be published in full
• Without modification, delay, or omission
• Regardless of funding source
   

Transparency is a core safeguard of independence. E.A.R. may publicly disclose funding sources in a factual, non-promotional manner.

E.A.R.’s partnerships with Indigenous communities are foundational and non-negotiable.

Funding may not:

• Override Indigenous consent or governance
• Redirect research priorities away from community needs
• Influence how Indigenous knowledge is shared or represented
• Require donor access to Indigenous communities or data
   

Any funding that conflicts with Indigenous partnership agreements is declined or terminated.

E.A.R. reserves the right to refuse or return funding at any time if:

• Conditions are imposed that conflict with this policy
• Attempts are made to exert influence, formally or informally
• Continued acceptance would compromise credibility or trust
• New information emerges that makes acceptance inconsistent with E.A.R.’s mission
   

No obligation to retain funding supersedes E.A.R.’s responsibility to remain independent.

This policy applies to:

• All staff, volunteers, board members, and contractors
• All funding relationships, regardless of size or duration
   

Oversight of funding integrity rests with E.A.R.’s governance structure. Any exceptions to this policy require formal approval and must not compromise the principles set out herein.

E.A.R. is accountable to:

• Evidence and scientific integrity
• Indigenous partners and communities
• The public interest
• The historical record
   

E.A.R. is not accountable to donor preferences.

This policy exists to ensure that E.A.R. remains difficult to influence, impossible to quietly control, and credible over the long term.

E.A.R. would rather operate with fewer resources than surrender independence.

Truth is not for sale.
Evidence is not negotiable.
Independence is the work.