Donation and grant acceptance

This is a draft description of processes for discussion.

This document details the process and policy for accepting donations received by Wikimedia UK. There are circumstance in which it may not be appropriate for Wikimedia UK to accept a particular donation. This policy may be adjusted by the Board separately from the Donor privacy policy.

Guiding principles

Wikimedia UK will accept all donations which will enable it to further its charitable objectives, unless;

• There is significant risk a donation represents funds the donor is not legally entitled to (e.g. the proceeds of theft, fraud or money-laundering).
• A gift is made with restrictions on how the charity may spend it which are disproportionate to the likely impact of the gift.
• A gift poses the risk of adverse publicity to the charity which would hinder the charity's ability to fulfil its mission more than the gift enhances it.
• In any other way, there is a risk that a proposed donation would not help fulfil our charitable objectives.

These principles will be applied bearing in mind the values of Wikimedia UK and the Wikimedia movement.

All donations

• It is the responsibility of any staff member or volunteer dealing with a particular donation to identify any areas of risk associated with the donation. Where any person has a concern that a donation of any value should not be accepted for any of the reasons above, they should contact the Chief Executive for advice.
• The Chief Executive should determine whether there is any material risk associated with a donation, and either he or the Board should determine whether or not to accept the donation.
• The Chief Executive has the authority to determine the acceptance of donations of less than £1,000.
• Donations of £1,000 or more, where any risks have been identified, should be referred to the Board.
• All donations of £50,000 or more should be discussed at Board level prior to acceptance.

Restricted donations

• Restricted donations for less than £1,000 will not normally be accepted.
• All restricted donations equal to or in excess of £1,000 will be subject to Board approval prior to acceptance.

Grants

• All UK grants given to support Wikimedia projects should be processed via Wikimedia UK, and hence follow our Finance Policy
• The acceptance of a UK grant is subject to Board approval.

Security gifts

• All gifts in terms of stocks and bonds and other financial instruments require the approval of the Chief Exec prior to the acceptance of receipt.
• Such gifts should follow the policy for unrestricted and redistricted donations as appropriate.

Pledges

• Donors may commit to future gifts ("pledges"), which WMUK will generally treat as gifts of cash. A donor who commits to a future gift of £10,000 or more may be asked to sign a WMUK pledge agreement.

Gifts in kind

• Gifts in kind will only be accepted where the current market value of the goods exceeds the cost of ethically disposing of the goods.
• All gifts in kind are subject to the approval of the Chief Executive.
• Gifts in kind that exceed a net value of £1,000 will be subject to Board approval.

See also

• Wikimedia Foundation's Gift policy