Purpose 

This policy establishes guidelines for the acceptance, management, and stewardship of gifts to United Hands Relief (UHR). Its objective is to ensure that all contributions align with UHR’s mission, comply with legal and ethical standards, and respect donor intent.

Scope 

This policy applies to all UHR staff, volunteers, board members, and representatives engaged in fundraising, donor relations, and financial management.

1.  General Principles 

• UHR welcomes gifts that support its mission and
• All gifts must be evaluated to ensure they are consistent with UHR’s values and operational capacity.
• Donor intent must be honored and documented for all restricted

2.  Types of Acceptable Gifts 

• Cash & Monetary Donations: Accepted in the form of checks, electronic transfers, or online payments.
• In-Kind Contributions: Goods or services that directly support UHR’s
• Securities: Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, subject to liquidation
• Real Estate & Property: Accepted only after review of legal, financial, and environmental considerations.
• Planned Gifts: Bequests, trusts, or other deferred giving
• Other Assets: Gifts of equipment, intellectual property, or other items may be accepted upon review.
• Gifts must not conflict with UHR’s mission, values, or ethical
• UHR reserves the right to decline gifts that:
  • Carry restrictions inconsistent with organizational
  • Pose financial, legal, or reputational
  • Require commitments beyond UHR’s capacity to

4.  Donor Intent 

• Donor intent will be documented in writing for all restricted
• UHR will use restricted gifts solely for the purpose designated by the
• If circumstances change and donor intent cannot be fulfilled, UHR will seek donor approval for alternative use or follow applicable legal procedures.

5.  Acknowledgment & Stewardship 

• All gifts will be acknowledged promptly with appropriate
• Major gifts will be recognized in accordance with donor
• Donors will receive regular updates on the impact of their

6.  Compliance 

• UHR will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing charitable
• Staff and volunteers must adhere to ethical fundraising standards, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics.

7.  Review & Oversight 

• The Development Committee will review unusual or complex gifts prior to
• The Board of Directors will provide oversight of gift acceptance
• This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as