Gift Acceptance Policy

The Lamb Center (TLC) solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with our mission, vision, and values and that support our core programs and special projects. TLC urges all prospective donors to seek the assistance of personal legal and financial advisors in matters relating to their gift, including the resulting tax and estate planning consequences. The following policies and guidelines govern the acceptance of gifts made to TLC for the benefit of our operations, programs, or services.

Gifts Generally Accepted Without Review

  • Cash. Cash gifts are acceptable in any form, including by check, money order, credit card, or online. Donors wishing to make a gift by credit card must provide credit card and contact details.
  • 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 (with appropriate signature guarantees) attached. All marketable securities will be sold promptly upon receipt unless otherwise directed by TLC’s Board Finance, Audit and Investment Committee. In some cases, marketable securities may be restricted, for example, by applicable securities laws or the terms of the proposed gift; in such instances, the decision whether to accept the restricted securities shall be made by the Board of Directors.
  • Bequests and Beneficiary Designations under Revocable Trusts, Life Insurance Policies, Commercial Annuities, and Retirement Plans. Donors are encouraged to make bequests to TLC in their wills and to name the Lamb Center as the beneficiary under trusts, life insurance policies, commercial annuities, and retirement plans.
  • Charitable Remainder Trusts. TLC will accept designation as a remainder beneficiary of charitable remainder trusts.
  • Charitable Lead Trusts. TLC will accept designation as an income beneficiary of charitable lead trusts.

Gifts Accepted Subject to Prior Review

Certain forms of gifts or donated properties may be subject to review prior to acceptance. Examples of gifts subject to prior review include, but are not limited to:

  • Tangible Personal 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 any carrying costs for the property for which the organization may be responsible? Is the title/provenance of the property clear?
  • Life Insurance. TLC will accept gifts of life insurance where TLC is named as both beneficiary and irrevocable owner of the insurance policy. The donor must agree to pay, before due, any future premium payments owing on the policy.

Restrictions on Gifts

TLC will not accept gifts that:

  • Would result in a violation of our Articles of Incorporation.
  • Would result in TLC losing its status as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
  • Are too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value.
  • The gift restriction is too specific and limits the utilization of the gift for areas of
    greatest need
  •  The gift is allocated for purposes that are not currently identified within TLC’s operational and program needs
  • Would result in any unacceptable consequences for TLC.
  • Are for purposes outside the Lamb Center’s mission. Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, shall be made by the Board of Directors in consultation with the Executive Director.