Gift Acceptance Policy

Policy Brief & Purpose

The purpose of this Gift Acceptance Policy is to ensure that all gifts to Asmbly Makerspace Inc. (Asmbly) are accepted and managed in a manner consistent with Asmbly’s mission, values, and goals. This policy provides guidelines for accepting, managing, and acknowledging gifts and ensures that all gifts are used in a manner that upholds Asmbly’s integrity and reputation.

Policy Elements

Overview

Asmbly solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission and align with its Investment Policy.

Certain types of gifts must be reviewed prior to acceptance due to the special liabilities they may pose for Asmbly. Examples of gifts that are subject to review include gifts of real property, gifts of personal property, and gifts of securities.

Decisions to solicit and/or accept potentially controversial gifts will be made by the Development Committee in consultation with the Board of Directors. The primary consideration will be the impact of the gift on the organization, especially if the gift might affect any existing or future Asmbly relationships.

When determining whether to solicit or accept gifts, the organization will consider the following factors:

• Values – if the acceptance of the gift compromises any of the core values of Asmbly
• Compatibility – if there is compatibility between the intent of the donor and the Asmbly’s use of the gift
• Public Relationships – if acceptance of the gift would damage the reputation of Asmbly
• Primary Benefit – if the primary benefit is to Asmbly, versus the donor
• Consistency – if acceptance of the gift is consistent with prior practice
• Form of Gift – if the gift is offered in a form that Asmbly can use without incurring substantial expense or difficulty
• Effect on Future Giving – if the gift will encourage or discourage future gifts

Gift Acceptance Criteria

Asmbly reserves the right to refuse any gift that does not meet the following criteria:

• Alignment with Mission: Gifts must support Asmbly’s mission and goals.
• Legal and Ethical Compliance: Gifts must comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Avoidance of Conflicts of Interest: Gifts that could create a real or perceived conflict of interest or compromise Asmbly’s integrity will not be accepted.
• Financial Feasibility: Gifts should not impose undue financial or administrative burdens on Asmbly.

Types of Gifts:

Gifts that may be accepted by Asmbly.

• Cash, Checks, and Debit/Credit Card Transactions: Including physical and digital/online transactions.
• Securities: Publicly traded stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, which will be sold immediately.
• Real Estate: Gifts of real estate, including land and buildings, if approved following a thorough evaluation.
• Personal Property: Tangible personal property such as artwork, antiques, and equipment may be accepted if aligned with Asmbly’s needs.
• In-Kind Contributions: Non-cash donations of goods or services that align with Asmbly’s mission and are aligned with Asmbly’s needs.
• Planned Gifts: Bequests, charitable gift annuities, life insurance, and trusts, with the specifics determined on a case-by-case basis.
• CryptoCurrency: Decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum that can be quickly converted to cash will be accepted through a third party platform and sold immediately.

Evaluation and Approval

• Cash, Checks, and Debit/Credit Card Transactions: Accepted automatically upon receipt.
• Securities and CryptoCurrency: Contributed through a 3rd party stock donation system.
• Real Estate and Personal Property: Must be reviewed and approved by theBoard of Directors. The review process will include an evaluation of the gift’s value, condition, and potential impact on Asmbly.
• In-Kind Contributions: Evaluated by Asmbly staff to ensure they are appropriate and beneficial, or can be appropriately redirected to another area nonprofit.
• Planned Gifts: Reviewed on a case-by-case basis by Asmbly’s Development Committee, engaging legal counsel when necessary.

Gift Documentation and Acknowledgment

• Documentation: All gifts will be documented and recorded by Asmbly staff/ Development Committee volunteers in the constituent relationship management (CRM) system. Donations will be consolidated for recording in the accounting system.
• Acknowledgment: Asmbly will provide written acknowledgment of all gifts, including the date, amount, and designated purpose of the gift. For non-cash gifts, the acknowledgment will include a description of the item received and its estimated value, if known, as determined by the donor. Asmbly will not provide valuation of any gifts to the donor.

Matching Gifts

Unless the donor specifies otherwise, matching gifts follow the restrictions of the donor whose gift is being matched (i.e., if a donor makes an unrestricted gift, the matching gift is unrestricted and, if the donor makes a restricted gift, the match is likewise restricted).

Use of Gifts

All gifts will be used in accordance with the donor’s wishes and Asmbly’s policies.

If a donor-specified designation is deemed ineligible by Asmbly, the donor will be informed of the redirected designation. Asmbly will redirect funds to the most closely aligned existing fund.

Asmbly reserves the right to reallocate unrestricted gifts in a manner that best supports its mission and goals.

Unacceptable Gifts

The Board of Directors makes the final decision about acceptance of gifts that are deemed to fall outside of established policy guidelines. Asmbly is not required to accept any charitable gifts or contributions, particularly those that:

• Are designated with restrictions that fall significantly outside Asmbly’s mission and program priorities;
• May cost Asmbly money, provide a liability, or incur potential penalty of any kind;
• Have conditions that are not in the best interest of Asmbly;
• Fall outside Asmbly’s ethical boundaries; or
• Are not able to be liquidated into cash in a reasonable amount of time.

Pledges

Asmbly shall accept pledges in written form that clearly delineates the intent of the donor.

The following minimum information must exist to substantiate a pledge:

• The amount and any restrictions of the pledge must be clearly specified.
• There should be a clearly defined payment schedule.
• The donor may not prescribe contingencies or conditions.
• The donor must be considered financially capable of making the gift.
• Changes to original pledges must be documented in writing.

Asmbly Naming Opportunities

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) for defined naming opportunities is required prior to acceptance by Asmbly of any naming-eligible donations. This would be orchestrated by the Executive Director in consultation with THe Development Committee and Board of Directors.

Naming opportunities shall be discussed when the gift will meet or exceed 50% of the cost of the project or item.

Endowment & Scholarship Naming Opportunities

The Development Committee, in concert with the Board of Directors, is the deciding body on the levels of giving that would allow a donor a naming opportunity for establishing an endowment or scholarship.

Naming opportunities shall be discussed when the gift will meet or exceed 50% of the cost of the project or item.

Confidentiality

Asmbly staff, Development Committee and Board of Director members respect the privacy of its donors. Personal information and gift details will be kept confidential and only used for official purposes related to gift acknowledgment, reporting, and donor relations. [See Ethical Fundraising Guidelines.]

Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Development Committee, and with revision updated and approved by the Board of Directors as necessary to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Categorization

This is a board policy maintained by the secretary of the board. Changes to this policy require board action. You can learn more about the board of directors here. Contact board@asmbly.org for comments or questions.

This policy was approved by the Board of Directors 07/15/2026.