2023                      5230

Non-Instructional/Business Operations

 

SUBJECT:    ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, GRANTS AND BEQUESTS TO THE DISTRICT

 

The Board may accept gifts, donations, grants, or bequests (collectively “gifts”) of money, real property or personal property, as well as other merchandise that add to the overall welfare of the District, provided that acceptance is in accordance with existing laws and regulations. Donations to the District are fully tax deductible so long as the gift is used exclusively for public purposes. The Board may refuse any gift that constitutes a conflict of interest, gives an appearance of impropriety, or is not in its best interests. The Board will safeguard the District, the staff, and students from commercial exploitation, from special interest groups, and the like.

 

The Board will not accept any gifts which will place encumbrances on future Boards, or result in unreasonable additional or hidden costs to the District. The Board may, if it deems it necessary, request that gifts of equipment, facilities, or any item that requires upkeep and maintenance include funds to carry out maintenance for the foreseeable life of the donation.

 

The Board will not formally consider the acceptance of gifts until and unless it receives the offer in writing from the donor or grantor or their attorney or financial advisor. Any gifts donated to the Board and accepted on behalf of the District must be by official action and resolution passed by Board majority. The Board  suggests that donors or grantors work first with school administrators in determining the nature of their gift prior to formal consideration for acceptance by the Board.

The Board is prohibited, in accordance with the New York State Constitution, from making gifts or charitable contributions with District funds.

 

Gifts to the District will be annually accounted for as required by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

 

All gifts become District property. A letter of appreciation, signed by the President of the Board and the Superintendent, will be sent to donors or grantor in recognition of their contribution to the District. Letters will be sent in a timely manner and will acknowledge the possible tax deduction available to donors whose gifts qualify under IRS regulations.

 

 

 

• New York State Constitution Article 8, § 1
• Education Law §§ 404(1), 1604(44), 1709(12), 1709(12-a), 1709(12-b), 1718(2), 3701, and 3703

 

 

 

 

Adopted:  8/24/11

Revised:  9/22/20; 3/14/23