UWCE Gift Acceptance Policy_Endorsed

United Way of the Coastal Empire Gift Acceptance Policy

I. Purpose and Guiding Principles United Way of the Coastal Empire ("UWCE") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. UWCE serves Bryan, Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, and Long counties through a network of community partners, service centers, volunteers, and direct assistance programs focused on education, financial stability, and health.

UWCE is a volunteer-driven organization that actively engages community leaders in governance, fundraising, and investment decisions.

Gifts to UWCE represent a vital expression of trust from donors and partners who share our commitment to strengthening communities and expanding access to opportunity.

This Gift Acceptance Policy establishes ethical, transparent, and fiscally responsible guidelines for the solicitation, acceptance, management, and acknowledgment of gifts. The policy is intended to: •

Safeguard UWCE’s integrity, reputation, and long-term financial sustainability

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Ensure gifts align with UWCE’s mission, community impact priorities, and strategic objectives

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Protect donor intent while preserving appropriate organizational flexibility

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Comply with applicable federal and state laws, IRS regulations, the Georgia Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), United Way Worldwide standards, and nonprofit best practices

UWCE reserves the right to decline any gift at its discretion. UWCE will not accept any gift that does

not further UWCE’s purpose and mission, jeopardize UWCE’s tax-exempt status or violate UWCE’s policies or federal, state, or local laws, or that would result in excessive administrative burden, financial risk, legal exposure, or reputational harm.

II. Authority and Governance Board Oversight The UWCE Board of Directors has ultimate fiduciary responsibility and authority over all gift acceptance policies and decisions. As defined by the UWCE bylaws, the Executive Committee, as authorized by the board, can conduct reviews. All gifts are accepted subject to the policies, bylaws, and governance structure of UWCE and in accordance with UPMIFA principles of prudence, donor intent, and charitable purpose.

Finance Committee UWCE ‘s Finance Committee is charged with reviewing and advising on complex, non-routine, restricted, or potentially high-risk gifts. The Finance Committee typically includes: •

The Treasurer appointed by the Board

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Finance Committee members appointed by the President & CEO

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The President & CEO or designee

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The Chief Financial Officer

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Legal counsel (as needed)

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Professional advisors as appropriate (investment, real estate, insurance, or planned giving professionals)

The Finance Committee evaluates gifts involving non-cash assets, unusual restrictions, potential

conflicts of interest, or legal or tax considerations and makes recommendations to management and, when required, to the Board of Directors.

Delegated Authority and Approval Thresholds •

Routine unrestricted gifts may be accepted by authorized development and finance staff.

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Restricted gifts, gifts of non-cash assets, or gifts involving ongoing obligations require review and approval by the Chief Financial Officer and President & CEO.

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Gifts involving significant liability, real estate, closely held business interests, or material policy exceptions require Finance Committee review and Executive Committee approval.

III. Ethical Fundraising Standards and Donor Rights UWCE adheres to and aligns its standards and practices with United Way Worldwide requirements and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Standards. UWCE affirms that: •

Donors’ interests and intentions are paramount and respected at all times

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Fundraising communications will be truthful, accurate, and transparent

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Donors are encouraged to explore all giving options and to seek independent legal, tax, and financial counsel

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UWCE does not provide tax advice, legal advice, or asset appraisals

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Donor information is treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law

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UWCE will not accept gifts that create improper benefits, conflicts of interest, or undue influence

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No commissions, finder’s fees, or contingent compensation will be paid in connection with any gift

These principles support donor trust, regulatory compliance, and United Way Worldwide audit standards.

IV. Restricted and Unrestricted Gifts and Donor Intent Unrestricted Gifts Unrestricted gifts are strongly encouraged as they provide UWCE with the flexibility to respond to the most pressing community needs and to steward resources in alignment with strategic priorities.

Restricted Gifts Restricted gifts may be accepted provided that: •

The restriction is consistent with UWCE’s mission, strategic priorities, and community impact model

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The restriction is clearly documented in writing and agreed to in advance of acceptance

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UWCE has the administrative and financial capacity to fulfill the restriction

Restrictions that would compromise UWCE’s tax-exempt status or are otherwise found inappropriate or inadvisable will not be accepted. Further, federal tax law does not permit donors to direct or restrict investment decisions related to irrevocable gifts.

Modification of Restrictions In accordance with UPMIFA and applicable Georgia law, if a donor-designated program, agency, or initiative ceases to operate, or if changing circumstances render a restriction illegal, impracticable, impossible to achieve, or inconsistent with community needs, the UWCE Board of Directors may

modify or redirect the restriction to a purpose that most closely aligns with the donor’s original intent.

UWCE discourages restrictions that are overly narrow, administratively burdensome, or limit effective stewardship.

V. Types of Gifts Accepted UWCE may accept the following types of gifts, subject to review and approval as outlined in this policy.

A. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash, checks, electronic funds transfer, credit cards, and payroll deductions are accepted. Gifts are recorded based on the postmark date or date of receipt, consistent with accounting standards.

B. Publicly Traded Securities Readily marketable securities may be accepted and transferred to a UWCE brokerage account. As a general rule, such securities are liquidated upon receipt, though UWCE reserves the right to hold such securities at the discretion of the Finance Committee. The value of donations of marketable securities is established on the day of the donation transaction.

C. Closely Held Securities and Business Interests Closely held securities, LLC interests, partnership interests, and similar assets that are not publicly traded may be accepted only with prior review and approval by the Finance Committee and, when appropriate, legal counsel. Gifts must be marketable, free of unacceptable restrictions, and not expose UWCE to unrelated business income tax or liability. UWCE will seek to liquidate nonmarketable securities as soon as practicable. IRS rules may require a donor of non-publicly traded

securities to establish value through an independent appraisal. In the event such an appraisal is necessary, any costs for the appraisal are the sole responsibility of the donor in accordance with Article VII. D. Tangible Personal Property Tangible personal property may be accepted only if the property aligns with UWCE’s mission or can be readily sold, has no significant carrying costs, and presents no undue legal or financial risk. Such property much be free of any liens, taxes, or fees, and the donor must be willing to assume all costs of transfer or disposition of any such property donated. A donor of titled tangible personal property must be the legal owner of such property.

E. Real Estate Real estate gifts—including residential, commercial, undeveloped, or shared-interest property— require prior review by the Finance Committee and legal counsel. Acceptance criteria include a clear title, an acceptable environmental review, assessment of marketability carrying costs, and the cost of selling the property, and the absence of unacceptable encumbrances. Due diligence costs are generally the responsibility of the donor.

F. Remainder Interests and Retained Life Estates UWCE may accept remainder interests in personal residences or other real property, subject to the same review criteria as outright real estate gifts. Donors or life tenants are responsible for all property-related expenses during the retained interest period.

G. Additional and Emerging Gift Types In addition to the gift types described elsewhere in this policy, UWCE may consider acceptance of the following, subject to review and approval:

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Digital assets (including cryptocurrency): Accepted only upon review; generally liquidated promptly unless otherwise approved.

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Corporate sponsorships and quid‑pro‑quo arrangements: Reviewed to ensure proper valuation, disclosure, and compliance.

VI. Planned and Deferred Gifts UWCE encourages planned gifts that support long-term community impact while minimizing administrative complexity and financial risk.

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Bequests: Encouraged; recorded when irrevocable or received, and will be applied to the unrestricted fund unless otherwise specifically directed by the donor

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Beneficiary Designations: Life insurance and retirement plans naming UWCE are encouraged and recorded upon receipt or when irrevocable

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Life Insurance: Accepted when UWCE is named as irrevocable owner and beneficiary; term, variable, or equity-based policies are generally not accepted

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Charitable Remainder and Lead Trusts: UWCE may accept designation as beneficiary following legal review, but will not serve as trustee

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Charitable Gift Annuities and Pooled Income Funds: Offered, when available, through approved third-party or United Way Worldwide partnerships

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Donor Advised Funds: Grants may be accepted following staff review

UWCE recommends that an independent third party serve as trustee, executor, or personal representative for estates or trusts in which UWCE is a beneficiary. UWCE will not serve in these roles unless specifically approved by the Board.

VII. Valuation, Recording, and Acknowledgment

UWCE records gifts in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, IRS requirements, and United Way Worldwide audit standards. UWCE does not assign values to non-cash gifts for donor tax purposes. Donors are responsible for obtaining qualified independent appraisals when required by law. UWCE will provide to its donors an acknowledgement that complies with all IRS substantiation and reporting requirements, including Forms 8282 and 8283, when applicable. UWCE is not responsible for completing any IRS filings required of the donor.

VIII. Legal and Professional Counsel UWCE may engage legal, tax, investment, or other professional advisors as necessary to evaluate proposed gifts. Donors are strongly encouraged to seek their own independent counsel regarding the tax and estate planning implications of charitable gifts.

IX. Amendments and Review This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure continued alignment with nonprofit best practices, United Way Worldwide requirements, regulatory standards, and UWCE’s strategic direction.

Amendments require approval by the UWCE Board of Directors.

Appendix A: Board Resolution for Adoption Resolved, that the Board of Directors of United Way of the Coastal Empire hereby adopts the Gift Acceptance Policy dated [insert date], and authorizes the President & CEO and staff to administer the policy consistent with its terms and applicable law.

Appendix B: Public-Facing Gift Acceptance Summary (Donor Version) United Way of the Coastal Empire welcomes charitable gifts that advance our mission to improve lives and strengthen communities. Gifts may be accepted in many forms, including cash, securities, and planned gifts. All gifts are reviewed to ensure they align with our mission, respect donor intent, and can be responsibly stewarded. UWCE encourages donors to consult their own professional advisors when considering charitable gifts.

Adopted by the United Way of the Coastal Empire Board of Directors