Gift Acceptance Policy Template: Donation Review and Terms

GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICY TEMPLATE FAQ

What is a gift acceptance policy?

A gift acceptance policy is a written internal policy that explains what types of charitable gifts an organization may accept, who has authority to accept them, and what review process applies to restricted, noncash, or higher-risk donations. Council on Foundations identifies gift acceptance policies as sample governance documents addressing ethical standards, acceptance authority, and asset categories.

Why do you need a gift acceptance policy?

You need a gift acceptance policy to create a clear framework for reviewing donations before they are accepted. It helps the organization decide whether a proposed gift fits its mission, whether restrictions are appropriate, whether the asset is practical to hold or liquidate, and what internal approvals are needed. It also supports donor communications and IRS-related acknowledgment and disclosure practices for charitable contributions.

When should you use a gift acceptance policy?

Use a gift acceptance policy when a nonprofit, foundation, school, religious organization, or other charitable entity receives or solicits donations and wants a formal written standard for accepting cash, securities, real estate, personal property, planned gifts, or other assets. It is especially useful when the organization may receive restricted gifts, noncash gifts, or complex assets that need legal, tax, or board review before acceptance.

How to write a gift acceptance policy?

Start with the policy purpose, scope, and the organization’s general right to accept or decline gifts. Then identify who may approve gifts, list the gift types that are routinely accepted, describe the categories that require special review, and explain how donor restrictions, valuation, acknowledgments, and compliance issues will be handled. IRS materials also make it important to address written acknowledgments for qualifying gifts and quid pro quo disclosure rules where applicable.

Can AI Lawyer help if development staff, finance teams, and board reviewers all need to review?

AI Lawyer can help by organizing the policy into clear sections so each reviewer can find the relevant details quickly. It can also add internal reference fields, approval notes, and placeholders that make updates easier to track. A consistent structure helps reduce repeated edits and lowers the chance of missing key details like acceptance authority, restricted-gift rules, noncash review standards, or donor acknowledgment requirements before the policy is adopted.