Trust for the National Mall – Gift Acceptance Policy Summary

I. Purpose

This policy guides the solicitation, acceptance, recognition, and use of gifts to the Trust for the National Mall ("the Trust"). It outlines types of gifts accepted, how they are credited and recognized, and donor relations principles.

II. Conflict of Interest

Trust staff assist donors but do not provide legal or financial advice. Donors are encouraged to consult their own advisors. The Trust may consult external counsel when needed and does not pay commissions for gifts.

III. Gift Acceptance Committee

This committee reviews non-standard or complex gifts, evaluates risks, and ensures alignment with Trust policies. It includes senior leadership and board representatives and consults relevant experts when necessary.

IV. Guiding Principles

Policies align with industry best practices (e.g., GAAP, FASB, CASE). Donor intent is respected, and donors are encouraged to seek independent legal/financial advice.

V. Source of Gifts

The Trust accepts gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government entities, pending due diligence. All gifts must align with mission and donor review standards.

VI. Fund Designation

  • Unrestricted: Used at Trust leadership’s discretion.

  • Restricted: Directed to specific programs; if no longer viable, the Trust will work with donors to reallocate.

  • Comprehensive Campaign Gifts for the Trust’s Our Monumental Moment – Campaign for the National Mall in honor of America’s 250th in 2026: Counted per set criteria, including pledge timelines and campaign period (began Jan 1, 2022).

VII. Gift & Pledge Confirmation

Gifts over $10 receive acknowledgment and tax receipts. Verbal commitments require written follow-up and leadership approval.

VIII. Outright Gifts

  • Cash/Checks: Accepted and credited on receipt date.

  • Public Securities: Accepted and liquidated; credited at mean market value on transfer date.

  • Illiquid Securities: Subject to review; valued per IRS standards.

  • Real Estate & Personal Property: Requires appraisal and Gift Acceptance Committee approval.

  • In-Kind Gifts: Must be usable or convertible to cash; donors provide value. Services cannot be credited as gifts.

  • Digital Assets: Accepted with criteria (e.g., crypto).

IX. Planned & Deferred Gifts

  • Pledges: Must include written agreement and schedule.

  • Bequests: Accepted (but Trust won’t act as executor). Irrevocable bequests may count toward campaigns based on donor age.

  • Retirement Plans & Insurance: Accepted per IRS rules; life insurance must be fully transferred.

  • Charitable Gift Annuities: Accepted; minimum age 60, minimum gift $10K.

  • Charitable Remainder & Lead Trusts: Accepted; Trust may act as trustee only in select cases.

X. Donor Review Policy

To maintain alignment with the National Park Service (NPS), all gifts may be reviewed for compliance with Director’s Order 21 and shared values. Donations from conflicting industries may be declined.

XI. Declining Gifts

The Trust may decline gifts that:

  • Require unavailable resources

  • Are misaligned with the mission

  • Pose reputational or legal risks

  • Jeopardize tax-exempt status

XII. Morals Clause

Recognition may be rescinded if a donor engages in behavior harmful to the Trust’s reputation or mission.

XIII. Confidentiality & Anonymity

Donor information is confidential. Donors may request anonymity, with access limited to staff involved in managing the gift.

XIV. Policy Changes

All exceptions or updates require approval from the Gift Acceptance Committee and Trust leadership.

 

To request a copy of the full gift acceptance policy,  please email gifts@nationalmall.org