ETC Cooperative Gifts and Donations Policy

General

The ETC Coop will accept unrestricted gifts, as well as gifts restricted for specific programs and purposes, provided that such gifts are not inconsistent with its stated mission, values, purposes, and priorities. Gifts may be restricted to specific ETC Coop programs or purposes or communities throughout the United States of America and around the world where the Coop operates.

While the ETC Coop will accept gifts that contain restrictions that they be used for specific programs or services, no gift can be accepted that stipulates a specific individual who is to benefit.

Before a gift is accepted, the ETC Coop reserves the right to decline any gift that cannot be used to support its mission or that is too restrictive to allow it to be administered or used effectively. The final decision to decline any gift shall be made by the ETC Coop Board of Directors.

After a gift has been accepted, if circumstances should at any time make it, in the view of the ETC Coop Board of Directors acting reasonably, impractical to apply the gift to the designated purpose, it may re-designate the purpose of the gift using its best efforts to adhere as closely as possible to the original intent of the gift.

Restriction of Gifts

The ETC Coop will not accept gifts that (a) would result in the ETC Coop violating its corporate charter, (b) would result in the ETC Coop losing its status as an IRC 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, (c) are too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value, (d) would result in any unacceptable consequences for ETC Coop, or (e) are for purposes outside ETC Coop’s mission. Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Executive Director, in consultation with the Board of Directors.

Gifts Generally Accepted Without Review

Cash

Cash gifts are acceptable in any form, including check or money order.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities may be transferred electronically to an account maintained at one or more brokerage firms or delivered physically with the transferor’s endorsement or signed stock power attached.

Gifts Subject to Prior Review

Certain forms of gifts or donated properties are subject to Board of Directors review and approval, prior to acceptance. Examples of these gifts include, but are not limited to:

Cryptocurrency

Any tokens either from private keys or exchanges are subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors, prior to acceptance.

Real Estate or Tangible Property

The Board of Directors shall review and determine whether to accept any gifts of tangible personal property in light of the following considerations: does the property further the organization’s mission? Is the property marketable? Are there any unacceptable restrictions imposed on the property? Are there carrying costs for the property for which the organization may be responsible? Is the title/provenance of the property clear?