Gift Acceptance Policy

Freedom House Ministries, Inc. solicits and accepts gifts for purposes that will help the organization further and fulfill its mission. Freedom House Ministries, Inc. urges all prospective donors to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisors in matters relating to their gifts, including the resulting tax and estate planning consequences. The following policies and guidelines govern acceptance of gifts made to Freedom House Ministries, Inc. for the benefit of any of its operations, programs or services.

Overview

• All charitable contributions, regardless of value, form or designated use, shall be made only to Freedom House Ministries, Inc.
• Except as otherwise provided in this policy, the Board of Directors of Freedom House Ministries, Inc. has authority to accept gifts made to Freedom House Ministries, Inc. and may delegate this authority to Executive Director.
• Freedom House Ministries, Inc. will comply with applicable tax laws and public reporting requirements.  Members and donors shall have full disclosure of the financial operations of Freedom House Ministries, Inc., except for individual salary and benefit information.
• All fundraising methods employed by Freedom House Ministries, Inc. shall be in keeping with the principles for which the organization stands.
• The Board of Directors has the right to refuse gifts or contributions that do not enhance, promote and ensure the long-range financial viability of Freedom House Ministries, Inc.
• Use of Freedom House Ministries, Inc.’s name for any fundraising purpose by any other organization or entity shall require prior approval of the Board of Directors. Joint ventures benefits, marketing and solicitation partnerships shall be in accordance with regulations of federal, state, and local laws.
• All gifts of real property that cannot be immediately used for the purpose of Freedom House Ministries, Inc. must be approved by the Board of Directors.

Donors

• Donor wishes will be considered to the extent possible, so long as their intended use of funds is in keeping with the purpose of Freedom House Ministries, Inc., and the policies and priorities of Freedom House Ministries, Inc., as expressed in its strategic plan and the goals adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors. Approval of donor wishes that are outside approved priorities and established program shall be made by the Board of Directors.
• Formal recognition of donors to Freedom House Ministries, Inc. shall include methods of recognition that enhance the image of Freedom House Ministries, Inc., show appreciation to the donor, and provide opportunities for public acknowledgment.
• All gifts, once accepted by Freedom House Ministries, Inc., regardless of form or designated use, shall be acknowledged with official correspondence.  Acknowledgment represents to the donor acceptance of the gift along with its restrictions, notice of what goods and services were or were not received, and may also serve the donor as evidence to certify a possible tax deduction.
• Freedom House Ministries, Inc. will respect a donor’s wish to remain anonymous.  In the absence of such stipulation Freedom House Ministries, Inc. retains the right to determine all publicity related to a gift.
• To ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in Freedom House Ministries, Inc. and causes they are asked to support, Freedom House Ministries, Inc. declares to follow the Donor Bill of Rights.

Use of Legal Counsel

Freedom House Ministries, Inc. will seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate. Review by counsel is recommended for:

• Gifts of securities that are subject to restrictions or buy-sell agreements.
• Documents naming Freedom House Ministries, Inc. as trustee or requiring Freedom House Ministries, Inc. to act in any fiduciary capacity.
• Gifts requiring Freedom House Ministries, Inc. to assume financial or other obligations.
• Transactions with potential conflicts of interest.
• Gifts of property which may be subject to environmental or other regulatory restrictions.

Restrictions on Gifts

Freedom House Ministries, Inc., will not accept gifts for the following reasons:

• The gift would result in Freedom House Ministries, Inc. violating their corporate charter.
• The gift would result in Freedom House Ministries, Inc. losing its status as an IRS 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
• The gift is too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value.
• The gift would result in unacceptable consequences for Freedom House Ministries, Inc.
• The gift is for purposes outside of the Freedom House Ministries, Inc.’s mission.

Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Board of Directors, in consultation with the Executive Director.