Adopted by the Board of Directors
Effective: May 11, 2010

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Gift Acceptance Policy is to:

• Protect the mission and integrity of Regenerated Hope
• Ensure compliance with federal and Texas nonprofit law
• Prevent private benefit or undue influence
• Establish procedures for evaluating proposed gifts
• Provide clear authority for acceptance or refusal of contributions

Regenerated Hope accepts charitable contributions that support its educational, preservation, and public-benefit objectives. The organization does not accept gifts that compromise its independence, governance authority, or regulatory compliance.

1. Authority

The Board of Directors retains ultimate authority over gift acceptance.

The Board may delegate limited authority to the Executive Director for routine, unrestricted cash gifts within approved annual budget parameters.

All non-standard, restricted, or complex gifts require Board review and formal approval.

III. General Standards for Acceptance

Regenerated Hope will accept gifts that:

1. Align with its charitable and educational mission
2. Do not create private benefit or inurement
3. Do not impose excessive administrative burden
4. Do not conflict with regulatory obligations
5. Do not compromise governance independence
6. Do not create reputational risk

The organization reserves the right to decline any gift.

1. Types of Acceptable Gifts
2. Cash

Unrestricted cash contributions are acceptable and may be used at the discretion of the Board.

1. Checks, ACH, and Electronic Transfers

Accepted under the same standards as cash.

1. Publicly Traded Securities

May be accepted and generally liquidated upon receipt unless otherwise approved by the Board.

1. Grants from Foundations or Public Agencies

Accepted subject to:

• Compliance with grant terms
• No violation of charitable purpose
• No improper influence over governance

1. Tangible Personal Property

Accepted only if:

• Directly usable for programmatic purposes, or
• Readily marketable

The organization does not accept property that creates storage, liability, or maintenance burdens without Board review.

1. Gifts Requiring Board Review

The following require written Board approval:

• Real estate
• Conservation easements
• Mineral interests
• Closely held business interests
• Cryptocurrency
• Gifts with significant restrictions
• Gifts requiring naming rights
• Gifts involving affiliated or related entities
• Gifts that may trigger regulatory obligations

Independent legal and financial review may be required prior to acceptance.

1. Restricted Gifts

Regenerated Hope may accept restricted gifts only if:

• The restriction aligns with the mission
• The restriction does not impair governance authority
• The restriction does not create regulatory conflicts
• The organization has capacity to administer the restriction

The Board may decline overly narrow, impractical, or perpetual restrictions.

If a restriction becomes impossible, impracticable, or inconsistent with mission, the organization may seek modification consistent with applicable law.

VII. Gifts from Related Parties

Gifts from directors, officers, affiliated entities, or related businesses are subject to heightened scrutiny and must:

• Be disclosed under the Conflict of Interest Policy
• Be reviewed independently by the Board
• Avoid private benefit or reciprocal arrangements

No gift may be accepted in exchange for governance control, influence, or financial benefit.

VIII. Naming Rights

Naming opportunities may be considered only if:

• They align with mission
• They do not compromise independence
• They are time-limited unless otherwise approved

The Board retains discretion to remove naming recognition if circumstances materially change.

1. Gifts That Will Not Be Accepted

Regenerated Hope will not accept gifts that:

• Require endorsement of political candidates
• Violate IRS 501(c)(3) restrictions
• Involve illegal activity
• Create undue reputational risk
• Interfere with regulatory compliance
• Function as disguised private investment
• Require employment guarantees or placement promises

1. Donor Acknowledgment

The organization will provide written acknowledgment of gifts in accordance with IRS requirements.

Regenerated Hope does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice to donors. Donors are encouraged to consult their own advisors.

1. Confidentiality

Donor information will be handled in accordance with the organization’s Privacy Policy and applicable law.

The organization reserves the right to decline anonymous gifts if required by law or due diligence concerns. 

XII. Periodic Review

This policy shall be reviewed at least every two (2) years or as required by regulatory developments.

Board Certification

The undersigned certify that this Gift Acceptance Policy was duly adopted by the Board of Directors of Regenerated Hope on the date indicated below.

Date Adopted: May 11, 2010

Board Chair: ___________________________

Secretary: ___________________________