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Fundraising Policy

Dickinson Center, Inc will follow appropriate fundraising practices to be consistent with its mission, compatible with its organizational capacity and respectful to the interests of donors and prospective funders. Solicitation and promotional materials will be accurate, truthful and correctly identify the organization, its mission, and the intended use of the solicited funds.  All statements made by the Center in its fundraising appeals about the use of a contribution must be honored. 

All fundraisers will be approved by the Chief Executive Officer.  All funds received must pass through and be maintained by the fiscal office.

Donor Privacy Policy

All information concerning donors or prospective donors, including their names, addresses, and telephone numbers, the names of their beneficiaries, the amount of their gift, etc., shall be kept strictly confidential by Dickinson Center, Inc. and its staff and board unless permission is obtained from the donor to release such information.

Gifts and donations may be restricted by a donor for use in any specific service area, and/or for any stated Dickinson Center, Inc. purpose or program, and these requests must be honored.

Dickinson Center, Inc. honors donors request to remain anonymous and assure that their name, the amount of their gift, or other information will not be publicly released.  The Center will honor all requests to curtail mailings and/or solicitations.  The Center assures that its solicitations are free from undue influence or excessive pressure and are respectful of the needs and interests of donors or potential donors.

Gift Solicitation and Acceptance Policy

Dickinson Center, Inc. solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission and that support its core programs, as well as special projects.

Donations will generally be accepted from individuals, partnerships, corporations, foundations, government agencies, or other entities without limitations.

In the course of its regular fundraising activities, the Center will accept donations of the following:  money, real property, personal property, etc.

Certain types of gifts must be reviewed prior to their being accepted because they may create liabilities or impose special obligations on the Center.  The types of gifts that require review, and the review process, are as follows:

• Gifts of Real Property – land and/or buildings may only be accepted upon approval of the Board of Directors;
• Gifts of Personal Property – personal property, such as automobiles, furniture, business equipment, etc. may only be accepted upon approval of the Chief Executive Officer;
• Gifts of Securities – stocks, bonds or other securities may only be accepted upon approval of the Chief Executive Officer;
• Unusual Gifts – gifts that are out of the ordinary may only be accepted upon approval of the Chief Executive Officer.

The Center may elect to refuse gifts of cash, securities, real estate or items of value if there is reason to believe that such gifts are incompatible with the mission of the organization, conflict with its core values, or would create a financial or administrative burden.  The Chief Executive Officer will refer questionable gifts to the Board of Directors for guidance on a case-by-case basis.  Staff are encouraged to bring to the attention of their immediate supervisors any concerns they may have about the appropriateness of accepting any gift.

Acknowledgement of Gifts

Dickinson Center, Inc. acknowledges all gifts and gifts-in-kind with the standard letter that is available on the Center’s S drive.  All acknowledgements must contain the following wording: The official registration and financial information of Dickinson Center, Inc.  may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.  Registration does not imply endorsement.

Dickinson Center, Inc. acknowledges all gifts-in-kind by providing a description of the items donated.  The Center will not assign a monetary value for this gift.  Valuing the gift for purposes of tax deductibility is the responsibility of the donor.

Staff may at times be presented with non cash gifts from a consumer.  The Center does not encourage gifts to individual staff members.  However, the staff may accept gifts up to a value of $15.  All gifts with a value in excess of $15 must be used for the benefit of the entire agency.

Last updated 2.1.12