FMR gift acceptance policy
Photo by Kjetil Drarvik.
FMR welcomes gifts of all kinds to support our mission of protecting and enhancing the Mississippi River and its watershed. We thoughtfully consider each donation to ensure it aligns with our values, priorities and independence.
Our gift acceptance policy outlines how we handle monetary and non-monetary gifts, donor intent, and our commitment to transparency, donor rights and responsible stewardship.
FMR gift acceptance policy
- FMR welcomes gifts that further our mission, goals, objectives and priorities.
- Donors may designate monetary gifts for a specific FMR program or initiative. Donations without a specific programmatic restriction will support the organization’s area of greatest need, as determined by its leadership.
- Gifts of in-kind goods and services will be accepted at the organization’s discretion.
- FMR encourages donors who are interested in leaving a lasting legacy to consider donations of bequests, financial investments, beneficial interest in trust and other sustaining gifts.
- FMR encourages gifts of land and real estate. Potential donors will be asked to provide a short written proposal of potential land/real estate gifts and allow FMR to inspect the proposed property. If the property is deemed acceptable, for either conservation purposes or sale, FMR will prepare a gift agreement document. The donor should be prepared to provide an appraisal at the donor’s cost, in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations. (There may be some instances where FMR will be required to have its own appraisal in accordance with state/federal funding programs.) FMR reserves the right to sell or transfer ownership of gifts of property at its sole discretion unless otherwise specified in a written agreement or easement.
- FMR will consider non-monetary gifts such as artwork, antiques, collectibles or other personal property in light of the gift's relevance to FMR’s needs and objectives, the space required to house or store the gift, the cost to maintain or preserve the gift. All accepted gifts become the property of FMR. FMR reserves the right to dispose of personal property gifts in accordance with the organization’s needs.
- FMR is committed to serving as an independent voice for the river. Accepting a gift in no way influences the actions FMR may take nor the policies we may advocate for or against.
- The acceptance of a gift does not imply an endorsement of the donor’s agenda, product, or practices.
- Information, research, and contacts that result from a donor’s support are the sole property of FMR.
- FMR reserves the right to refuse any donation for any reason.
- FMR is committed to the principles and practices defined in the Donor Bill of Rights, including:
a. Honoring donor intent and any restrictions placed on a gift.
b. Respecting requests for donor anonymity.
c. Gratefully acknowledging and recognizing gifts.