Why You Need a Gift Acceptance Policy (Before You Need It)

Sheree Cannon
Apr 8
3 min read

Updated: May 14

How a clear policy protects your mission, clarifies your values, and builds donor trust

Sheree Cannon | Nonprofit Strategist & Consultant | Author

Introduction

Most nonprofits don’t think about gift acceptance until they’re presented with a gift that makes them uncomfortable—or confused.

A donor offers stock you’re not sure how to handle. A major gift comes from a source that doesn’t align with your values. A supporter offers to fund a project with strings attached. A property gift requires more maintenance than it's worth.

Without a clear policy in place, decisions like these become rushed, reactive, or even damaging.

This white paper explains why a Gift Acceptance Policy is a foundational tool—one that helps you fundraise with clarity, integrity, and confidence.

What a Gift Acceptance Policy Actually Is

A Gift Acceptance Policy is a board-approved document that:

Outlines the types of gifts your organization will accept
Names who has the authority to accept or decline gifts
Provides criteria for evaluating complex or non-cash gifts
Clarifies your ethical boundaries and operational capacity
Supports donor conversations with transparency

It’s not about saying no to generosity—it’s about knowing when and how to say yes.

“A Gift Acceptance Policy isn’t restrictive—it’s protective.”

Why You Need It—Even If You’re Small

Many leaders believe this is something only large or wealthy nonprofits need. But actually, smaller organizations benefit the most from having clear boundaries and shared decision-making tools.

Without a policy, you risk:

Accepting gifts that drain resources instead of supporting your mission
Creating confusion or internal conflict around donor conditions
Damaging your reputation with controversial or inappropriate donations
Sending mixed signals to your board, staff, or donors about values

A policy gives your team a confident, values-aligned framework for decision-making.

Five Key Elements of a Strong Gift Acceptance Policy

1. A Clear List of Acceptable Gift Types

Include language around:

Cash and checks
Bequests and planned gifts
Stocks and securities
Real estate
Tangible personal property
Cryptocurrency or other digital assets

Each type should include criteria for acceptance and evaluation.

2. A Review Process for Non-Standard or Restricted Gifts

Outline how your organization will evaluate:

Conditions or restrictions on the gift
Cost of acceptance (legal, insurance, maintenance, etc.)
Alignment with mission and public image
Capacity to steward the gift properly

Create a gift review committee if needed, or name roles clearly (e.g., ED + Board Chair + Treasurer).

3. Clear Ethical and Mission-Based Boundaries

Some gifts may come from sources or activities that conflict with your values. Define the kinds of gifts or donor conditions your organization will not accept—and why.

This protects your credibility with staff, supporters, and the community you serve.

4. Transparency Around Donor Recognition and Influence

Include language about naming rights, anonymous gifts, and whether donors can direct or influence specific programs or policies.

Keep your organization in control of how gifts are used and represented.

5. A Regular Review Schedule

Your policy should evolve as your organization grows. Set a cadence (every 2–3 years) to review and update the policy with input from board leadership and finance/legal advisors.

Conclusion: A Policy That Builds Confidence

A Gift Acceptance Policy doesn’t close doors—it opens them responsibly.

It protects your time, values, and mission from pressure or confusion. It creates shared clarity inside your organization and with your supporters. And it allows you to approach fundraising decisions from a place of calm strategy—not urgency.

Don’t wait until something feels off to figure this out. Decide now—before you have to.