Gift Acceptance Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this Gift Acceptance Policy is to provide guidance to donors, staff, board members, and volunteers regarding the acceptance of gifts to Tracy Community Connections Center (TCCC), a California nonprofit public benefit corporation and 501(c)(3) organization. This policy is intended to ensure that all gifts are accepted in a manner consistent with TCCC’s mission, values, legal obligations, and best practices for California nonprofits.

General Policy

TCCC welcomes and encourages charitable gifts that support its mission and programs. All gifts must:

  • Align with TCCC’s mission and charitable purpose
  • Be consistent with applicable federal and California state laws and regulations
  • Not create an undue administrative, financial, or operational burden
  • Not expose TCCC to unacceptable risk or liability
  • Preserve TCCC’s integrity, independence, and public trust

TCCC reserves the right to decline any gift that does not meet these criteria.

Authority to Accept Gifts

  • The Executive Director, in consultation with the Board of Directors when appropriate, is authorized to accept gifts on behalf of TCCC.
  • Gifts that are unusual, complex, restricted, or potentially burdensome must be reviewed by the Executive Director and may require approval by the Board of Directors.
  • The Board of Directors retains ultimate authority over acceptance of all gifts.

Types of Acceptable Gifts

TCCC may accept the following types of gifts, subject to review:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

  • Cash
  • Checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit card and electronic payments

Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) Grants

TCCC may accept charitable grants and distributions from donor-advised funds (DAFs) sponsored by community foundations, financial institutions, and other qualified charitable sponsoring organizations.

DAF grants may be accepted for TCCC’s general operations or for a specific charitable program or purpose, provided any designation or restriction is consistent with TCCC’s mission and this Gift Acceptance Policy.

TCCC will comply with applicable laws and requirements governing DAF distributions. In particular:

  • DAF grants may not provide more than incidental benefits, goods, or services to the donor, donor advisor, or related parties.
  • DAF grants will not be accepted as payment for event tickets, memberships, sponsorship benefits, auction purchases, or other transactions in which the donor or another individual receives more than an incidental personal benefit.
  • DAF grants may not be used to satisfy a donor’s legally enforceable personal pledge or other personal financial obligation where prohibited by applicable law.
  • TCCC may provide appropriate acknowledgment of the DAF grant and recognize the donor or recommending donor when permitted by the sponsoring organization.
  • Because the charitable contribution is made to the DAF sponsoring organization, TCCC’s acknowledgment of a DAF distribution will not state that the recommending donor made a tax-deductible contribution directly to TCCC.
  • TCCC will follow any additional documentation, acknowledgment, or reporting requirements established by the DAF sponsoring organization.

Securities

  • Publicly traded stocks and bonds
  • Mutual funds

Securities will generally be liquidated upon receipt unless otherwise directed by the Board.

Tangible Personal Property

  • Goods or in-kind donations that support TCCC programs or operations
  • Items must be in usable condition and meet program needs

TCCC reserves the right to decline items that are difficult to store, distribute, or utilize.

Real Property

  • Residential, commercial, or undeveloped real estate

Acceptance of real property requires Board approval and may be subject to:

  • Environmental assessments
  • Title review
  • Appraisal
  • Evaluation of carrying costs and liabilities

Planned Gifts

  • Bequests
  • Beneficiary designations
  • Charitable trusts
  • Other planned giving instruments

Planned gifts are accepted subject to review and compliance with applicable laws.

Restricted Gifts

TCCC will accept restricted gifts only if:

  • The restriction is consistent with TCCC’s mission and programs
  • TCCC has the capacity to comply with the restriction
  • The restriction is clearly documented in writing

TCCC will not accept gifts with restrictions that:

  • Are too narrow or impractical
  • Require ongoing obligations beyond TCCC’s capacity
  • Conflict with TCCC’s strategic priorities

If circumstances change and a restriction becomes impossible or impractical to fulfill, TCCC may seek modification of the restriction consistent with donor intent and applicable law.

Gifts Requiring Special Review

The following gifts require additional review and approval:

  • Gifts that may obligate TCCC to future expenditures or liabilities
  • Gifts involving potential conflicts of interest
  • Gifts from donors whose activities may be inconsistent with TCCC’s mission or values
  • Gifts with naming rights or recognition requirements
  • Gifts of real estate or closely held business interests

Valuation of Gifts

  • TCCC does not provide appraisals or assign value to non-cash gifts for tax purposes.
  • Donors are responsible for obtaining independent appraisals when required by law.
  • Gift receipts will comply with IRS and California