TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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Mt Zion Universal Inc.
Fundraising and Gift Acceptance Policy
Effective Date: July 3, 2025
Location: 2315 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
Contact: Email: [email protected] | Call: (888) 973-7115 | Text: 415-964-1665 | Fax: (341) 300-1200
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Purpose
Mt Zion Universal Inc. is committed to conducting all fundraising activities with the highest standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability. This Fundraising and Gift Acceptance Policy ensures that all gifts and donations received align with the organization’s mission to empower individuals through workshops, bootcamps, scholarships, mentorship, and job placement assistance. Ethical fundraising safeguards the organization’s reputation, fosters donor trust, and promotes the responsible stewardship of resources to maximize community impact.
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Scope
This policy applies to every type of gift received by Mt Zion Universal Inc., including:
Monetary donations (cash, checks, electronic transfers)
In-kind contributions (goods, services, equipment)
Real property (land, buildings)
Securities and marketable financial instruments
Planned and deferred gifts (bequests, trusts, annuities)
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Ethical Fundraising Practices
Mt Zion Universal Inc. adheres strictly to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nonprofit fundraising.
The organization commits to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethical Principles and Standards, which mandates honesty, respect, and transparency in all fundraising efforts.
Fundraisers must solicit gifts in a truthful and respectful manner, respecting donor privacy and preferences.
No coercion, undue influence, or misrepresentation shall occur in any solicitation or gift acceptance process.
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Gift Acceptance Criteria
The Board of Directors or an appointed Gift Acceptance Committee will review and approve all significant gifts, including those that:
Exceed pre-determined thresholds outlined in internal procedures
Involve complex conditions or restrictions
Include real property, securities, or planned/deferred gifts
Mt Zion Universal Inc. reserves the right to decline any gift that:
Conflicts with its mission, values, or ethical standards
Would impose excessive financial or administrative burdens
Is illegal, entails unacceptable risk, or could damage the organization’s reputation
Contains conditions inconsistent with the organization’s policies
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Restricted vs. Unrestricted Gifts
Unrestricted Gifts: Donations given without any donor-imposed conditions, allowing the organization flexibility to allocate resources toward highest priority programs or operational needs.
Restricted Gifts: Donations designated by the donor for a specific purpose, program, or project. These funds will be:
Segregated and tracked separately in accounting systems
Used exclusively for the donor-specified purpose
Reported periodically to donors on how funds were used
If fulfillment of donor restrictions becomes impractical, the organization will seek donor permission to reallocate the funds consistent with the original intent.
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Gift Types Accepted
Gift Type : Guidelines / Conditions
Cash : Accepted without restrictions. Checks must be payable to Mt Zion Universal Inc.
In-Kind Donations : Accepted if relevant and usable to the organization’s programs. Donors required to provide fair market value and description.
Securities : Accepted following review. Transfer must comply with brokerage procedures and applicable laws. Securities may be liquidated promptly or held per investment policy.
Real Property : Requires formal appraisal, environmental review, and legal evaluation. Acceptance subject to Board approval. Donor may bear costs related to property transfer.
Planned Gifts : Include bequests, charitable trusts, gift annuities, and others. Evaluated for alignment with organizational goals and long-term financial planning.
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Donation Acknowledgment and Tax Receipts
The organization will issue written acknowledgments to all donors within 14 business days of receipt of a gift.
Acknowledgment letters will include donor name, amount or description of gift, date received, and a statement regarding goods or services exchanged, if any.
Tax receipts and acknowledgments comply with applicable IRS regulations and other legal requirements.
For non-cash gifts, donors are responsible for valuation; the organization may provide a description but not appraisal values.
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Monitoring and Compliance
The Finance Department is responsible for tracking restricted funds separately and ensuring they are spent as designated.
Periodic financial reports will be made available internally and to donors, outlining the use of restricted contributions.
Internal and external audits may review fundraising and gift management processes to ensure compliance with policies and legal standards.
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Conflict of Interest
Board members, staff, and volunteers involved in fundraising must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest relating to gift solicitation or acceptance.
Those with conflicts shall abstain from participation in related decision-making processes, including gift reviews.
This policy complements the organization’s broader Conflict of Interest Policy.
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Policy Review and Approval
This Fundraising and Gift Acceptance Policy shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board of Directors or an authorized committee.
Revisions will be made as required to reflect evolving legal requirements, organizational goals, and best practices.
All amendments require formal board approval prior to implementation.
Contact Information:
Mt Zion Universal Inc.
Location : 2315 Lincoln Ave Alameda, CA 94501
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (888) 973-7115
Text: 415-964-1665
Fax: (341) 300-1200
