Gift Acceptance Policy

The Mind Trust solicits and accepts gifts that further and fulfill its mission. Prospective donors are encouraged to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisors in matters relating to their gifts, including the resulting tax and estate planning consequences. The Mind Trust is committed to the highest ethical standards in all gift transactions. Board and staff members must avoid conflicts of interest in the solicitation, negotiation, or acceptance of gifts and must disclose any actual or potential conflicts as they arise. The Mind Trust honors the Code of Ethical Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights, established by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). The following policies and guidelines govern acceptance of gifts made to The Mind Trust for the benefit of any of its operations, programs or services. The organization will seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate.

Restrictions on Gifts

The Mind Trust will not accept gifts that (a) would result in The Mind Trust violating its corporate charter, (b) would result in The Mind Trust losing its status as an IRC § 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, (c) are too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value, (d) would result in any unacceptable consequences for The Mind Trust, (e) are for purposes outside The Mind Trust’s mission, or (f) are tangible personal property, life insurance, or real estate. Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Executive Committee, in consultation with the CEO and CFO. 

Gifts Generally Accepted

Cash. Cash gifts are acceptable in any form, including by check, money order, ACH, credit card, or on-line. Donors wishing to make a gift by credit card must provide the card type (e.g., Visa, MasterCard, American Express), card number, expiration date, and name of the card holder as it appears on the credit card.

Marketable Securities. Marketable securities may be transferred electronically to an account maintained at one or more brokerage firms or delivered physically with the transferor’s endorsement or signed stock power (with appropriate signature guarantees) attached. All marketable securities will be sold promptly upon receipt. In some cases marketable securities may be restricted, for example, by applicable securities laws or the terms of the proposed gift; in such instances the decision whether to accept the restricted securities shall be made by the Executive Committee.

Bequests and Beneficiary Designations under Revocable Trusts, Life Insurance Policies,

Commercial Annuities, and Retirement Plans. Donors may make unrestricted bequests to The Mind Trust under their wills, and to name The Mind Trust as the beneficiary under trusts, life insurance policies, commercial annuities and retirement plans without restrictions.

Charitable Remainder Trusts. The Mind Trust will accept designation as a remainder beneficiary of charitable remainder trusts without restrictions.
Charitable Lead Trusts. The Mind Trust will accept designation as an income beneficiary of charitable lead trusts without restrictions.