Global Livingston Institute (GLI) Donor Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all donations to the Global Livingston Institute (GLI) are handled with integrity, transparency, and accountability. This policy outlines guidelines for the solicitation, acceptance, recognition, and utilization of donations to further GLI’s mission of empowering future global leaders through cross-cultural immersion learning.

2. Guiding Principles

  • Mission Alignment: All donations to GLI must support programs and initiatives aligned with GLI’s mission to foster cross-cultural understanding and leadership development between U.S. and African youth.

  • Transparency: GLI commits to full transparency in the management of donations, ensuring donors understand how their funds will be used.

  • Ethical Standards: All fundraising and donor activities will comply with the highest ethical standards, in alignment with national and international guidelines for nonprofit organizations.

3. Donor Rights

Donors to GLI have the right to:

  • Receive prompt acknowledgment of their gifts.

  • Be informed of how their donation will be used.

  • Request anonymity, should they wish for their donation to remain confidential.

  • Review the organization’s financial statements, which will be made available upon request.

  • Expect their donations to be used in a manner that respects their intentions and expectations.

  • Receive regular updates on the impact of their donations and GLI’s ongoing work.

4. Donation Acceptance Guidelines

GLI will accept donations that are consistent with its mission and meet the following criteria:

  • Monetary Donations: GLI welcomes one-time or recurring monetary contributions made via cash, check, credit card, electronic transfer, or other digital payment platforms.

  • In-Kind Donations: GLI may accept in-kind contributions (e.g., goods or services) provided that they directly support its programs and are of clear value to its mission.

  • Restricted Donations: Donors may designate their contributions for specific programs or initiatives. However, such designations must be aligned with GLI’s mission and strategic priorities.

  • Bequests and Legacy Gifts: GLI welcomes legacy gifts and bequests through wills or estate planning. All such gifts will be acknowledged with the same level of transparency and stewardship as other donations.

  • Corporate and Foundation Contributions: GLI accepts grants and sponsorships from corporations, foundations, and trusts, provided that the relationship does not compromise the organization’s independence or its ability to act in the best interests of its beneficiaries.

5. Unacceptable Donations

GLI reserves the right to decline donations that:

  • Are inconsistent with its mission, values, or policies.

  • Present a potential conflict of interest for the organization.

  • Come with conditions that GLI cannot meet or that limit the organization’s ability to pursue its goals.

6. Donor Recognition

  • Acknowledgment: All donors will receive prompt acknowledgment of their contributions through formal communication such as letters, emails, or calls.

  • Public Recognition: Unless otherwise requested by the donor, GLI will recognize donors publicly (e.g., in annual reports, newsletters, website). Donors who wish to remain anonymous may do so by notifying GLI in writing.

  • Major Donor Recognition: For significant contributions, GLI will work with the donor to determine an appropriate recognition method, such as naming opportunities, special acknowledgments, or invitations to key GLI events.

7. Donor Privacy and Confidentiality

  • GLI respects the privacy of its donors and will not share or sell donor information to third parties.

  • Any donor who wishes to remain anonymous will have their request honored.

  • GLI will ensure that all donor records and information are securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.

8. Use of Funds

  • Designated Funds: Donations designated for specific projects or initiatives will be used solely for those purposes unless the project is completed or no longer viable. In such cases, GLI will consult with the donor or apply the funds to a similar program or priority area.

  • General Funds: Unrestricted donations will be applied where they are needed most to further GLI’s mission.

9. Financial Accountability

  • Reporting: GLI will provide regular financial reports to donors, particularly those who have given significant contributions or who request detailed updates. These reports will outline how the funds have been used and the impact achieved.

  • Audits: GLI will conduct annual financial audits and make these results publicly available to ensure full accountability and transparency.

  • Donor Communications: GLI will maintain regular communication with donors, sharing updates on programs, upcoming opportunities for involvement, and the impact of their contributions.

10. Ethical Fundraising Practices

  • GLI will not engage in any unethical practices, including coercive or misleading fundraising activities.

  • GLI will follow all legal requirements in the solicitation and reporting of donations, including compliance with local, national, and international regulations.

  • All fundraising activities will be conducted in a manner that upholds the reputation and integrity of GLI.

11. Policy Review and Amendments

This policy will be reviewed annually by the GLI board of directors and may be amended as needed to reflect the evolving needs of the organization and its donors.

Contact Information

For questions about this donor policy, or to discuss donation opportunities, please contact:

Sarah McCarthy
Chief Executive Officer
Global Livingston Institute
Email: sarah@globallivingston.org
Phone: +1 720 409 7211