1. Purpose and Scope

The American Abrahamic Education Foundation (“AAEF” or the “Foundation”) solicits and accepts contributions that further its charitable and educational mission in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable federal, District of Columbia, and other relevant laws.

The purpose of this Gift Acceptance Policy is to:

  • Provide guidance to donors and their professional advisers

  • Establish parameters for the review and acceptance of gifts

  • Ensure sound stewardship, legal compliance, and fiduciary oversight

  • Preserve operational flexibility while welcoming philanthropic support

This Policy applies to all gifts, contributions, pledges, bequests, and other transfers of value made to AAEF.

2. Authority and Oversight

Final authority over the acceptance of gifts rests with the Board of Directors, acting directly or through any duly authorized finance, audit, or gift review committee, as applicable. AAEF may consult with legal counsel, tax advisers, valuation professionals, and its fiscal sponsors as necessary to evaluate proposed gifts and associated obligations.

3. General Gift Acceptance Principles

AAEF welcomes charitable contributions that are consistent with its mission, values, and legal obligations. In evaluating gifts, AAEF may consider, among other factors:

  • Alignment with AAEF’s charitable purpose

  • Administrative feasibility and cost

  • Legal, regulatory, tax, and compliance implications

  • Potential financial, reputational, or operational risk

  • Restrictions, conditions, or donor expectations

Unrestricted gifts are generally preferred, as they provide maximum flexibility to advance AAEF’s mission. Restricted gifts may be accepted provided that restrictions are lawful, clear, and administratively practicable. AAEF reserves the right to decline, defer, or request modification of any proposed gift where acceptance would:

  • Jeopardize AAEF’s tax-exempt status

  • Conflict with applicable law or governance documents

  • Impose disproportionate administrative, financial, or reputational burden

  • Require obligations beyond AAEF’s reasonable capacity

Any modification of donor-imposed restrictions requires written donor consent and appropriate Board authorization.

4. Use of Legal Counsel and Fiscal Sponsors

AAEF shall seek guidance from legal counsel and its fiscal sponsors, as appropriate, in connection with gifts involving heightened complexity or risk, including but not limited to:

  • Closely held securities

  • Restricted or conditional gifts

  • Gifts involving conflicts of interest

5. Types of Acceptable Gifts

Subject to this Policy and applicable law, AAEF may accept the following categories of gifts.

a. Cash and Cash Equivalents

AAEF accepts cash gifts in any lawful form, including:

  • Checks

  • Bank transfers

  • Online and electronic payments

  • Money orders

AAEF does not retain donor credit card or banking credentials; payment processing is handled through third-party service providers.

b. Pledges

AAEF may accept written pledges to contribute funds over time, subject to Board-approved terms and enforceability considerations.

c. Donor-Advised Funds

AAEF accepts gifts from donor-advised funds, subject to sponsor requirements and applicable law.

d. Marketable Securities

Publicly traded securities may be transferred electronically or physically. Unless otherwise determined by the Board or a designated committee, such securities may be liquidated promptly upon receipt. Restricted or non-publicly traded securities require additional review.

e. Closely Held Securities

Closely held securities may be accepted subject to:

  • Independent valuation

  • Review of transfer restrictions

  • Assessment of marketability and tax consequences

  • Consultation with legal counsel and fiscal sponsors

f. Real Property

Gifts of real property, including developed or undeveloped land and remainder interests, may be accepted subject to:

  • Independent appraisal

  • Title review

  • Environmental assessments (Phase I and, if required, Phase II/III)

  • Board approval following committee review

g. Life Insurance

AAEF may accept life insurance policies where AAEF is named as irrevocable owner and beneficiary, subject to review. Fully paid policies are preferred.

h. Planned Giving Instruments

AAEF may accept designation as beneficiary of:

  • Wills and trusts

  • Retirement accounts

  • Commercial annuities

  • Life insurance policies

Such gifts are recorded upon receipt.

AAEF may accept interests in charitable remainder trusts or charitable lead trusts, subject to minimum funding thresholds, legal review, and Board approval. AAEF generally does not serve as trustee.

i. Tangible Personal Property

Tangible personal property may be accepted following review of:

  • Mission relevance

  • Marketability

  • Carrying costs

  • Title and ownership

  • Donor-imposed restrictions

j. Endowment Funds

AAEF may establish endowment funds subject to:

  • Minimum funding thresholds established by the Board

  • Compliance with applicable law, including UPMIFA

  • Clear articulation of donor intent

Donors are encouraged to define purposes broadly to allow future flexibility.

6. Restrictions on Gifts

AAEF seeks to honor donor intent while preserving fiduciary responsibility. Gifts may be declined or modified where restrictions:

  • Are inconsistent with AAEF’s mission or governing documents

  • Require unlawful, discriminatory, or unethical conduct

  • Impose undue administrative or financial burden

  • Interfere with AAEF’s ability to seek support from others

  • Create reputational or operational risk

AAEF retains sole discretion regarding investment decisions for all funds, subject to law.

7. Ethics, Stewardship, and Confidentiality

AAEF prohibits compensation, commissions, or finder’s fees based on a percentage of contributions. All gifts are acknowledged in a timely and lawful manner. Donor information is treated as confidential and handled in accordance with AAEF’s Privacy Policy. Donor lists are not sold or exchanged.

8. Fundraising Events

Public fundraising events may be conducted upon Board or committee approval. Events are evaluated for mission alignment, cost efficiency, and compliance with applicable tax and disclosure rules.

9. Recognition and Naming Opportunities

Donor recognition, including naming opportunities, is subject to Board approval and formal written agreement, which may address:

  • Duration

  • Recognition parameters

  • Revocation conditions

  • Reputational considerations

AAEF reserves discretion to modify or remove recognition where circumstances materially change.

10. Miscellaneous Compliance Matters

AAEF complies with all applicable reporting obligations, including IRS Form 8282 where required. AAEF does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice and encourages donors to consult their own professional advisers.

11. Amendments

This Policy may be amended by the Board of Directors at any time. Amendments apply prospectively unless otherwise determined.

12. Contact Information

American Abrahamic Education Foundation

2001 L Street N.W.,

Washington, DC 20036

Email: info@aaef-usa.org

Website: www.aaef-usa.org