Nonprofit Gift Acceptance Policy

[ORGANIZATION NAME] Adopted: _______________ | Last Reviewed: _______________

1. Purpose

This policy establishes guidelines for accepting, refusing, and managing gifts to [Organization Name] (the “Organization”). It protects the Organization’s mission, financial integrity, and tax-exempt status by ensuring that all gifts are evaluated consistently and transparently.

This policy applies to all gifts received by the Organization, whether solicited or unsolicited.

2. Who This Policy Covers

This policy applies to all board members, staff, and volunteers who are involved in soliciting, receiving, or processing gifts on behalf of the Organization.

3. Gift Acceptance Committee

The Executive Director, in consultation with the Board Treasurer, is responsible for evaluating gifts under this policy. Gifts requiring board-level approval are defined in Section 5.

4. Accepted Gift Types

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Organization accepts gifts of cash, checks, money orders, and electronic transfers. All checks should be made payable to [Organization Name].

Publicly Traded Securities

The Organization accepts gifts of publicly traded stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Securities will be liquidated promptly upon receipt unless the Board determines otherwise. The Organization does not retain securities as long-term investments without board approval.

In-Kind Gifts

The Organization accepts donated goods and services that directly support its programs or operations. Donors are responsible for obtaining an independent appraisal for in-kind gifts valued at $500 or more, as required by IRS guidelines (IRS Form 8283). The Organization will provide written acknowledgment of the gift but will not assign a monetary value to in-kind donations.

Cryptocurrency

The Organization may accept gifts of cryptocurrency on a case-by-case basis, subject to board approval. Due to volatility and regulatory uncertainty, cryptocurrency gifts will generally be liquidated promptly upon receipt. Donors considering cryptocurrency gifts are encouraged to consult their financial advisor.

Planned Gifts

The Organization welcomes bequests, charitable remainder trusts, life insurance policies, and other planned gifts. Donors considering planned gifts are encouraged to consult with their legal and financial advisors. All planned gifts are subject to board review and acceptance.

5. Gifts Requiring Board Approval

The following gifts require review and approval by the full Board of Directors prior to acceptance:

• Real estate or other illiquid assets
• Gifts valued at $10,000 or more that carry donor-imposed restrictions
• Securities that are not publicly traded
• Gifts of business interests or partnership interests
• Cryptocurrency gifts
• Any gift that may expose the Organization to liability, legal risk, or reputational harm
• Gifts with conditions that may conflict with the Organization’s mission or values

6. Gifts the Organization Will Not Accept

The Organization reserves the right to decline any gift. The Organization will not accept:

• Gifts that conflict with the Organization’s mission or values
• Gifts from donors whose association may compromise the Organization’s integrity or reputation
• Gifts that carry conditions the Organization cannot fulfill
• Gifts of property with environmental liabilities or title complications
• Gifts that would jeopardize the Organization’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
• Gifts that would create an undue administrative or financial burden

7. Restricted Gifts

Donors may designate gifts for a specific program or purpose, provided that purpose is consistent with the Organization’s mission. All restricted gifts must be used in accordance with the donor’s stated intent and tracked separately in the Organization’s financial records. If a restricted gift cannot be used as designated, the Organization will contact the donor to discuss alternative uses or return the gift if appropriate.

8. Acknowledgment and Receipting

The Organization will provide written acknowledgment of all gifts in accordance with IRS requirements:

• Gifts of $250 or more require a written acknowledgment stating the amount and whether any goods or services were provided in exchange
• Quid pro quo contributions exceeding $75 require a written disclosure statement estimating the fair market value of any goods or services received by the donor
• In-kind gifts require a written acknowledgment describing the donated property; the Organization will not assign a monetary value
• When donated property valued over $5,000 is sold or disposed of within three years of receipt, the Organization is required to file IRS Form 8282

Acknowledgment letters will be issued within 30 days of receipt of the gift. When the Organization receives more than $25,000 in noncash contributions in a calendar year, it will complete IRS Form 990 Schedule M.

9. No Tax Advice

The Organization will not provide tax or legal advice to donors. Donors are encouraged to consult with their own advisors before making significant gifts, particularly planned gifts, non-cash contributions, or restricted gifts.

10. Confidentiality

The Organization will honor donor requests for anonymity. Donor information will not be shared with third parties without the donor’s consent, except as required by law.

11. Annual Review and Acknowledgment

This policy will be reviewed by the Board at least once per year. All board members and relevant staff must sign the Annual Acknowledgment upon initial adoption and at each annual review.

Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Gift acceptance policies should be reviewed by a qualified nonprofit attorney, particularly regarding planned gifts and non-cash assets. State laws vary.

Annual Acknowledgment

I have received, read, and understand the Gift Acceptance Policy of [Organization Name]. I agree to comply with this policy and to bring any questions about gift acceptance to the attention of the Executive Director or Board Treasurer before accepting any gift that may fall outside routine cash contributions.