Gift Acceptance Policy

MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC. solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission and that support its core programs and special projects.

Donations and other forms of support will generally be accepted from individuals, partnerships, corporations, foundations, government agencies, or other entities, subject to the following limitations:

• Our organization may consider donations to support the coverage of particular topics, but our organization maintains editorial control of the coverage. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content.
• Our organization will not accept gifts or donations that intend to influence or promote changes or directions in our Policy making process. We will not accept political interference in our work.
• During its regular fundraising activities, MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC. will accept donations of money, real property, personal property, stock, and in-kind services.
• Certain types of gifts must be reviewed prior to acceptance due to the special liabilities they may pose for MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC. Examples of gifts which will be subject to review include gifts of real property, gifts of personal property, and gifts of securities.

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

• Values: Whether the acceptance of the gift compromises any of the core values of MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC.
• Compatibility: Whether there is compatibility between the intent of the donor and the organization’s use of the gift Public Relationships/ whether acceptance of the gift damage the reputation of MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC.
• Primary Benefit: whether the primary benefit is to MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC., versus the donor consistency (is acceptance of the gift consistent with prior practice?).
• Form of Gift: Is the gift offered in a form that MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC. can use without incurring substantial expense or difficulty?
• Effect on Future Giving: Will the gift encourage or discourage future gifts? All decisions to solicit and/or accept potentially controversial gifts will be made by the Executive Committee of the Board in consultation with the Executive Director. The primary consideration will be the impact of the gift on the organization.
• Use of Legal Counsel: MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC. will seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate. Review by counsel is recommended for:

A. Gifts of securities that are subject to restrictions or buy-sell agreements.
B. Documents naming MAS VOCES FOUNDATION, INC. as trustee or requiring MAS VOCES FOUNDATION to act in any fiduciary capacity.
C. Gifts requiring MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. to assume financial or other obligations.
D. Transactions with potential conflicts of interest.
E. Gifts of property which may be subject to environmental or other regulatory restrictions.

Restrictions on Gifts:

MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. will not accept gifts that would result in MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. losing its status as an IRC § 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

Gifts of tangible personal property:

The Executive Committee shall review and determine whether to accept any gifts of tangible personal property in light of the following considerations: does the property further the organization’s mission? Is the property marketable? Are there any unacceptable restrictions imposed on the property? Are there any carrying costs for the property for which the organization may be responsible? Is the title/provenance of the property clear?

Gifts of Life Insurance:

MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC., will accept gifts of life insurance where the organization is named as both beneficiary and irrevocable owner of the insurance policy. The donor must agree to pay, before due, any future premium payments owing on the policy.

Gifts of Real Estate:

All gifts of real estate are subject to review by the Executive Committee. Prior to acceptance of any gift of real estate other than a personal residence, MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. shall require an initial environmental review by a qualified environmental firm. In the event that the initial review reveals a potential problem, the organization may retain a qualified environmental firm to conduct an environmental audit. Criteria for acceptance of gifts of real estate include:

• Is the property useful for the organization’s purposes?
• Is the property readily marketable?
• Are there covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, easements, encumbrances or other limitations associated with the property?
• Are there carrying costs (including insurance, property taxes, mortgages, notes, or the like) or maintenance expenses associated with the property?
• Does the environmental review or audit reflect that the property is damaged or otherwise requires remediation?

Donor Privacy:
MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. is committed to protecting the privacy of our donors. We keep personal and gift information secure and use it only in accordance with the terms of this policy.

• MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. donors can be confident that:
• Each gift will receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.
• Personal information will be handled safely and securely. Only authorized employees who have been trained in the proper handling of donor information will have access to this information.
• MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. will respect donor’s anonymity if it is desired.
• MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. will not sell, rent or share the personal or contact information of donors with any other individuals or organizations.
• Contact information will be used only to update the donor on MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. activities and initiatives, send information on fundraising campaigns and express appreciation for donor’s support.
• MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. does not store payment information: credit card numbers and expiration date are not kept on paper or electronically at MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC..
• All questions or concerns expressed by the donor will receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
• MAS VOCES FOUNDATION INC. complies with the regulations of the Internal Revenue Service and the laws of all states in which we solicit donations.