Always Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth: Gift Acceptance Policies
Most of us probably can't imagine turning down a gift. And since most of the gifts received by the diocese and by congregations are gifts of cash or stock, there usually isn't a problem. Congregational Policy template Understanding and Drafting Nonprofit Gift Acceptance Policies
But what about a house, a boat, or a piece of artwork? What if the donor does not want the gift to be sold for the benefit of the congregation, but instead has a particular vision for its use? Or what if a simple gift of cash or stock has strings attached regarding its use or disposition?
The very process of developing a gift acceptance policy for your congregation provides a framework for thinking through the many types of gifts that could be offered for the benefit of the church, and allows clergy and lay leaders (particularly wardens and treasurers) to reflect in a time when they are not immediately confronted with an unusual gift or working with a particular donor.
Once a policy is passed by the vestry or bishop's committee, it provides a structure for working with donors, particularly those who are offering an unusual gift or who wish to place certain restrictions on the use of a gift. It also establishes a review procedure that enables clergy and lay leaders to graciously decline a gift that is not in the interest of the congregation or not in keeping with the mission and ministry of the church.
Can a policy anticipate and address every crazy gift that could possibly come your way? No. But it does offer a solid starting point for those conversations that may arise.
The links below offer resources for beginning the process in your congregation. Diocesan staff are also available as resources, both in developing a congregational policy and in working with you as a sounding board when unusual gifts are proposed. Contact the Finance Office or the Stewardship Office with any questions, or to schedule a time for your vestry or bishop's committee to begin the process with staff support.
Terrence Reimer, Financial Officer
772-1953 x34
treimer@episcopalmaine.org
