Resource

Gift Acceptance Policy Template

Comprehensive gift acceptance policy with due diligence checklists.

A comprehensive gift acceptance policy covering cash, securities, real estate, retirement assets, life insurance, charitable trusts, and board resolution language.

I. Purpose & Scope

This Gift Acceptance Policy establishes guidelines for the solicitation, acceptance, and stewardship of charitable gifts to [Organization Name]. It is intended to protect both the organization and the donor by ensuring that all gifts are properly evaluated, accepted, acknowledged, and managed.

II. Gifts Accepted Without Review

• Cash, checks, and electronic transfers — Accepted in any amount. Acknowledged within 48 hours.
• Publicly traded securities — Accepted and liquidated within 3 business days. Valued at mean of high and low on transfer date.
• Matching gifts — Accepted per the matching organization's procedures.

III. Gifts Requiring Board Approval

• Real estate — Requires Phase I environmental assessment, appraisal, and title search at the donor's expense. The Board must approve acceptance before transfer.
• Closely held securities — Require valuation by a qualified appraiser. The Board must consider restrictions on transferability and potential tax obligations.
• Life insurance — Accepted only when the organization is named as both owner and irrevocable beneficiary. Ongoing premium obligations require annual board review.
• Tangible personal property — Accepted only when the property can be readily sold or is directly related to the organization's mission. Gifts valued above $5,000 require a qualified appraisal.
• In-kind services — Not recognized as charitable contributions for tax purposes but may be acknowledged for their fair market value.

IV. Planned Gift Vehicles

• Bequests — The organization may be named as a beneficiary in a donor's will or living trust. Sample bequest language shall be made available to donors.
• Beneficiary designations — Donors may name the organization as beneficiary of retirement accounts (IRA, 401(k), 403(b)) or life insurance policies.
• Charitable remainder trusts — The organization may serve as remainder beneficiary. Faith Foundation Northwest can assist with trust administration.
• Charitable lead trusts — Accepted as a source of annual income to the organization during the trust term.

V. Donor Intent & Restrictions

Restricted gifts are accepted only when the restriction is consistent with the organization's mission and can be reasonably fulfilled. The organization shall not accept gifts with conditions that would compromise its independence or create undue administrative burden. When a restricted purpose becomes impractical, the Board may apply the doctrine of cy pres to redirect the gift to the closest possible purpose.

VI. Acknowledgment & Stewardship

All gifts shall be acknowledged in writing within 48 hours of receipt. Gifts of $250 or more shall include a statement indicating whether goods or services were provided in exchange. Donors of planned gifts shall be recognized (with their permission) in annual publications and invited to special stewardship events.

VII. Professional Advisors

The organization shall always encourage donors to consult their own legal, tax, and financial advisors. Staff and volunteers shall not provide legal or tax advice. Faith Foundation Northwest can serve as a resource for complex gift structures.