Gift Acceptance
Gift Acceptance refers to the process and policies that charitable organizations use to evaluate, receive, and manage donations. This includes determining which types of gifts an organization can accept, how they should be documented, and what procedures need to be followed. It's similar to having a rulebook for handling donations, whether they're cash, property, stocks, or other valuable items. Organizations need these policies to protect themselves legally, maintain their non-profit status, and ensure donations align with their mission and values.
Examples in Resumes
Developed and implemented Gift Acceptance policies for a regional healthcare foundation
Managed complex Gift Acceptance procedures for donations exceeding $1M
Led team responsible for Gift Acceptance and donor stewardship programs
Typical job title: "Gift Officers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Gift Officers
Professional Associations
Online Resources
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a complex gift situation, such as accepting cryptocurrency or real estate?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss risk assessment, legal considerations, tax implications, and the importance of working with financial and legal advisors. They should mention creating procedures for unusual gifts and know when to accept or decline donations.
Q: How do you develop and implement a comprehensive gift acceptance policy?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of policy components, stakeholder involvement, board approval process, and how to balance donor interests with organizational needs. Should mention regular policy review and updates.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What documentation do you require for different types of gifts?
Expected Answer: Should explain various gift documentation requirements, including gift agreements, tax forms, donor acknowledgments, and proper recording procedures for different types of donations.
Q: How do you handle restricted gifts from donors?
Expected Answer: Should discuss donor intent, gift agreements, tracking restricted funds, and ensuring compliance with donor wishes while maintaining organizational flexibility.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the basic process for accepting a cash donation?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic steps of receiving, recording, acknowledging donations, and basic tax receipt requirements. Should mention proper documentation and database entry.
Q: How do you maintain donor confidentiality?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic privacy practices, data protection, and proper handling of sensitive donor information.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic gift processing and acknowledgment
- Donor database management
- Understanding of tax receipting
- Basic donor communications
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex gift documentation
- Restricted fund management
- Donor stewardship programs
- Gift policy implementation
Senior (5+ years)
- Policy development and oversight
- Complex gift negotiation
- Legal compliance management
- Strategic donor relationship building
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of IRS regulations regarding charitable giving
- Lack of experience with donor management software
- Poor understanding of donor privacy and confidentiality
- No experience with gift documentation and receipting
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