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  • 1.  Reputational text in Gift Acceptance Policies?

    Posted 05-23-2024 08:44 AM

    Hello –

     

    May I ask if any of you have Gift Acceptance Policies that speak to any reputational research you do about donors before gifts over a certain threshold are accepted?  If so, may I ask if anyone would be willing to share this text with me? 

     

    Thank you so much!

     

    Michael Halverson, Ed.D.
    Associate Vice President
    Development Resources
    Division of Development and Alumni Relations
    6200 San Amaro Drive, Suite 300
    Coral Gables, FL 33146
    Office: 305-284-1608 | Cell: 320-363-4987
    Email: mhalverson@miami.edu
    miami.edu | everbrighter.miami.edu


    https://advancement.miami.edu/NetCommunity/image/adv_intra/dept-name-updates/Standard-Signature-UMlogo.png

    Join us in building an ever brighter future!

     

     

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  • 2.  RE: Reputational text in Gift Acceptance Policies?

    Posted 05-23-2024 09:08 AM
    The language I've seen addresses the issue with a clause that permits the GAC to decline or return contributions based on reputational risk. I haven't seen language that triggers an operational requirement to perform this kind of research. 


    Thank you,
    Isaac Shalev
    Data Strategy Expert
    Sage70, Inc.
    (917) 859-0151
    isaac@sage70.com

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  • 3.  RE: Reputational text in Gift Acceptance Policies?

    Posted 05-23-2024 09:18 AM

    Hi Michael,

     

    Our text is below:

     

    The Gift Acceptance Committee will provide recommendations of acceptance to the Chancellor for proposals and agreements in the amount of $2,500,000 or more.

     

    To protect the University's reputation and core values, the University will perform due diligence research of donors prior to acceptance of gifts in the amount of $1,000,000 or more.

     

    Acceptance of a gift does not imply endorsement or approval by the University of the views, occupations, or activities of a donor.

     

    --Jodie

    Jodie M. Ralston
    Executive Director, Advancement Services
    Advancement and External Affairs

    T 315.443.1718
    jralston@syr.edu

    Syracuse University Forever Orange The Campaign for Syracuse University

     




    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Reputational text in Gift Acceptance Policies?

    Posted 05-23-2024 09:27 AM
    Hi, 
    This is the language we have in our naming guidelines. 

    Morality Clause
    Utah State University depends on public goodwill to accomplish its educational mission and to attract governmental and philanthropic support. Close association with someone whose name has been badly tarnished can also taint the university's reputation and impede its success. USU reserves the right to do a search of university and public records to verify that there is nothing in an individual or entity's history that will discredit the University. 
    Clause Verbiage:  
    Naming rights are afforded to individuals and entities that have earned and maintained a positive public and private image and reputation. As such, USU reserves the right to rename the [type of university asset] at its sole discretion if exceptional future circumstances arise where the name of the [type of university asset] would bring discredit or reputational harm to USU. As designated herein, a renaming would be recommended by the USU Foundation Board and determined by the USU President, who may consult with the Board of Trustees. In the event of such renaming, this Agreement will terminate, and USU shall have no responsibility to return any portion of the Gift to the Donor. 
    For named funds we have a minimum threshold of $25k for endowments and $10k for expendable funds.  Prior to naming any fund, our Office of Equity does a thorough review on the name.  Similarly, for named spaces or programs, we engage both the Office of Equity and our Prospect Research team for a comprehensive review of the proposed name.  

    Let me know if you need any additional details. 

    Colleen  

    Colleen Hobson

    Associate VP Advancement Services

    Tel : 435-797-1285 Cell: 435-770-4155

     

    890 E 700 N | USU Alumni Center, Room 201A

    Utah State University

    1590 Old Main Hill

    Logan UT 84322-1590

    http://www.usu.edu/advancement

     




    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Reputational text in Gift Acceptance Policies?

    Posted 05-23-2024 09:32 AM
    Hi, 
    I hit send before I included the language in our gift acceptance policy for cash and pledges.  

    2.b. Gift Acceptance Committee
    Before any gift is agreed upon or accepted, a review shall be conducted by the Office of Advancement Services. The Gift Acceptance Committee evaluates proposed gifts to ensure that their acceptance, use, and administration is consistent with the mission, operation, and goals of Utah State University and its schools and units. The University President shall have the final decision-making authority to accept or decline any gift.
    Gifts requiring committee review include, but are not limited to:
    • Cash gifts (or pledges) >$1,000,000

    Colleen Hobson

    Associate VP Advancement Services

    Tel : 435-797-1285 Cell: 435-770-4155

     

    890 E 700 N | USU Alumni Center, Room 201A

    Utah State University

    1590 Old Main Hill

    Logan UT 84322-1590

    http://www.usu.edu/advancement

     




    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Reputational text in Gift Acceptance Policies?

    Posted 05-23-2024 10:49 AM
    I thought this query sounded familiar! I found a similar question and discussion in the FundSvcs archives from January.

    Many institutions have the GAP focus more on what types of gifts are accepted - and not. Dealing with reputational and morality issues is typically dealt with on a case-by-case basis and covered in the legal gift acceptance contract.

    Here is what I said in response to the January question:

    Michael, what I find most common is a subsequent review by the Gift Acceptance Committee when there are concerns after gift acceptance. That committee reviews the circumstances and determines whether to return the gift.

    Certainly, if a gift officer has reputational concerns about a donor before a gift is accepted, it is incumbent on them to bring those concerns to the attention of the gift acceptance committee.

    Including a "morality clause" in your gift agreements is critically important in this process. Here is one example of language you should be using:

    "If at any time the donor may compromise the public trust or the institution's reputation, the institution, with the approval of the gift acceptance committee, has the right to return the gift."

    Similar language is used for "name dropping" should the gift have been used in a naming opportunity.

    John

    John H. Taylor, Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier Street
    Durham, NC     27705

    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987




    Original Message


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