The Women’s Bar Association Foundation of D.C. (“WBAF”, “Foundation”), a 501(c)(3) organization, is supported by the generous contributions from supporters who are committed to our mission to serve the legal and related needs of women and girls in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan community. Through direct grants to nonprofit, community-based organizations, we support programs that address legal issues that disproportionately impact women and girls, including, but not limited to, domestic violence, human trafficking, discrimination, homelessness, economic fairness, immigration, and access to justice.

 

The WBAF values transparency, responsible stewardship of funds, and the trust that our supporters place in the Foundation. When interacting with donors and in our fundraising activities, we follow the standards set by the Donor Bill of Rights, which is maintained by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. 

 

The WBAF’s policy governing the acceptance of gifts is set forth below.

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I. Purpose of Policy

The WBAF solicits current and deferred gifts from individuals, law firms, corporations, and other entities to further our mission. This policy governs the acceptance of gifts by the WBAF and provides guidance to prospective donors and our advisors when making gifts to the Foundation for our grant-giving, fellowships, programs, operations, and services.

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II. Types of Gifts Accepted

 

Cash

Gifts of cash are accepted in any form, including currency, check, money order, credit card, wire transfer, and online donations through the WBAF website.

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Publicly Traded Securities

Gifts of marketable securities are accepted and valued for tax deduction purposes on their market value at the time of transfer. Upon transfer and receipt of the securities, WBAF may sell or retain them in our sole discretion as the needs of the Foundation require unless otherwise stipulated by the donor and agreed upon by the Foundation.

 

Tangible Personal Property

Gifts of tangible personal property are accepted and can be used as auction or raffle prizes at our fundraising events or liquidated.

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Planned Gifts

Planned gifts help secure the WBAF’s future and have contributed significantly to the Foundation. The WBAF will accept planned gifts such as bequests, life insurance beneficiary designations, and retirement plan beneficiary designations. These types of gifts are not recorded as received by the WBAF until the funds are received. Learn more about planned giving to the WBAF here. 

 

Other Gifts

Other gifts not mentioned above, as well as gifts categories mentioned above, may be reviewed, when necessary or appropriate, by the WBAF Board of Directors to determine whether the WBAF will accept or decline the gift.

 

III. Recognition of Gifts

Unless otherwise requested by the donor, the WBAF may recognize each of its donors by name in our annual reports, website, event materials, and through social media and other means.

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IV. Restrictions and Refusals of Gifts

The WBAF accepts unrestricted gifts, and gifts for specific programs and purposes, provided that the gifts are not inconsistent with the WBAF mission, programs, and priorities. The WBAF will treat any gift received as unrestricted unless otherwise specified by the donor and agreed to by the Foundation. The WBAF reserves the right to refuse any gifts with burdensome or unusual restrictions, including gifts that may subject the Foundation to taxes, costs, or other charges. All final determinations on the requirements or restrictive nature of a gift and its acceptance or refusal are subject to the approval of the WBAF Board of Directors.

 

This policy applies to all gifts of cash, securities, and property, including bequests and other planned gifts. All determinations as to whether to accept donations of services will be in the sole discretion of WBAF.

 

While this policy is intended to provide guidance to donors, it is not intended to give legal, accounting, and/or tax advice. Donors are responsible for ensuring that any proposed gift furthers their charitable, financial and estate planning goals. Therefore, all prospective donors are urged to seek the advice of their independent legal counsel, accountant, and/or financial planner in connection with the gift planning process. 
 

Approved by the Board, May 3, 2022