Policy:Wikimedia Foundation Gift Policy: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 21:33, 9 June 2025

Please also see the Donor Privacy Policy.

This policy was initially approved by the board in 2007–2008 with Resolution:Gift Policy. It was most recently revised in April 2025.

Purpose

Gifts and grants serve to support Wikimedia Foundation's mission to encourage the growth, development, and distribution of free, multilingual content, and to provide the full content of these wiki-based projects to the public free of charge. This work is made possible, in part, by donations made by individuals and organizations from around the globe. We are incredibly grateful for their support, and we are committed to honoring the wishes of our donors. Through this policy, Wikimedia Foundation defines the basic guidelines governing acceptance and acknowledgment of gifts and grants to further its mission.

Note that this policy does not cover gifts made by donors to the Wikimedia Endowment, which are covered by a separate Endowment-issued policy.

Policy

Gifts Not Requiring Board Notice

The Wikimedia Foundation can accept differing types of grants and gifts without requiring Board notice, including those offered without condition, of up to US$1,000,000, as well as grants from the Wikimedia Endowment.

Gifts and associated conditions will be reviewed for purpose and fit prior to acceptance to ensure they advance and align with the Wikimedia movement goals, values, and the Foundation’s financial model.

Gifts Requiring Board Notice

To help ensure that we honor the Foundation and the Board's shared stewardship values, the Foundation shall provide the Board of Trustees with notice and the opportunity to review gifts or grants to the Foundation which:

Are valued in excess of US$1,000,000; or
Have conditions in order for the Foundation to be entitled to the donation;
Would impose restrictions that would result in changes to priorities budgeted in the annual plan or apply to future years, due to restrictions or other obligations on expenditures;
Any donations, at the Foundation’s discretion.

In most cases, the Board will be given 7 business days to review or give feedback.

The Foundation may accept any pledges and gifts/grants that do not require Board notice according to this policy. The Foundation reserves the right to refuse any gift. The Foundation reviews gift offers to ensure that the terms are in conformity with Foundation policy and mission and do not unduly restrict the usefulness or desirability of the gift.

Restricted Gifts

The Wikimedia Foundation encourages donors to make gifts for unrestricted use because they most help the Foundation address its ongoing costs and emerging needs. The Foundation may accept gifts with appropriate restrictions for particular purposes, projects or time periods. These gifts may be subject to additional review.

Pledges

Donors may commit to future gifts ("pledges"), which the Foundation will generally report as gifts of cash in the statement of activities, per revenue recognition accounting requirements in the United States.

Required Accompanying Documentation

Electronic donations made on the Foundation website do not need further declaration of the donor's intent. Gifts must also be accompanied by other documentation as required by applicable state and federal law.

Determining Value of Gift

The dollar amount of a gift shall be the amount of cash actually received; or, if in the form of a pledge, the full amount pledged; or the equivalent to the fair market value of securities or other property. The valuation of stock depends upon the date of its receipt.

Conflicts of Interest

There may be a conflict of interest if the acceptance of a gift is placed in a fund in which the recipient retains control of expenditures (e.g., if an employee or Board member makes a gift in support of a project or department that the employee or Board member administers). All such gifts should be assigned to an account over which the Chief Executive Officer has signature authorization that is not shared by the designated recipient.

Accepting Bequests or Devises

All papers and documents relating to probate matters, including notices of hearings, wills, documentary evidence of assets, and forms of receipt for distribution as assets, should be forwarded promptly to the Foundation. Acknowledgment of a testamentary gift is generally made after distribution from the estate. In some cases, however, acknowledgment prior to receipt may be appropriate.

Planned Gifts

The Foundation shall remit all planned gifts to the Wikimedia Endowment, unless the donor has explicitly directed that the gift be used exclusively for the Foundation's annual operations or another restricted purpose. Planned gifts include, but are not limited to, gifts in wills, gifts of assets made by beneficiary designation, qualified charitable distributions from retirement assets, charitable gift annuities, and other estate gifts.

Real Estate

All real estate gifts must undergo a comprehensive title search and environmental review. Prior to acceptance, the Foundation will conduct a title search to ensure the property is free from encumbrances, liens, or title complications. Real estate donations will not be accepted if the results of either the title search or environmental review are unsatisfactory. Any accepted real estate will be liquidated within two years of donation and the offer price will be set based on an analysis of comparable sales. The minimum appraised value for accepting a real estate gift is set at US$1,000,000.

Donor Benefits and Constraints

Tax Consequences

The Wikimedia Foundation is unable to offer tax advice to prospective donors. Donors who are concerned about tax-deductibility of donations should consult with their own tax advisers. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization operating under United States law as a Florida corporation.

Naming Opportunities

The Wikimedia Foundation does not normally offer naming opportunities.

Donor Expenses

The Wikimedia Foundation does not typically cover donors' donation-related expenses such as travel, shipping, and appraisals.

Anti-Harassment Policy Statement

The Wikimedia Foundation is committed to maintaining an environment that is courteous, respectful and free from harassing behaviors for its employees, contractors, and interns.

The Wikimedia Foundation employees, contractors, and interns have the right to refuse to interact with any donor, potential donor, or supporter. Employees, contractors, and interns who observe or believe they are the subject of harassment are strongly encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate channels, documented in the Foundation’s internal Office Wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation prohibits any retaliation against an employee, contractor, or intern who reports a concern about workplace harassment, other inappropriate behavior or assists in any inquiry about such a report.

Review and Updates

This policy was [[<tvar name="1"Special:Diff/|last updated]] on April 21, 2025. The policy will be reviewed every three years by the Foundation in consultation with the [[<tvar name="3">m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Audit Committee|Audit Committee, or more frequently as needed, to consider any necessary recommendations for improvements.

@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 <!--T:3-->
-This policy was initially approved by the board in 2007–2008 with [[<tvar name="1">Special:MyLanguage/Resolution:Gift Policy</tvar>|Resolution:Gift Policy]]. It was most recently revised in February 2021 with [[<tvar name="2">Special:MyLanguage/Resolution:Gift Policy Amendments, 2021</tvar>|Resolution:Gift Policy Amendments, 2021]]
+This policy was initially approved by the board in 2007–2008 with [[<tvar name="1">Special:MyLanguage/Resolution:Gift Policy</tvar>|Resolution:Gift Policy]]. It was most recently revised in <tvar name="2">[[Special:Diff/|{{dateT|2025|04}}]]</tvar>.
 </translate>
@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 <translate><!--T:5-->
-Gifts and grants serve to support Wikimedia Foundation's mission to encourage the growth, development, and distribution of free, multilingual content, and to providing the full content of these wiki-based projects to the public free of charge. This work is made possible, in part, by donations made by individuals and organizations from around the globe. We are incredibly grateful for their support, and we are committed to honoring the wishes of our donors. Through this policy, Wikimedia Foundation defines the basic guidelines governing acceptance and acknowledgment of gifts and grants to further its mission.
+Gifts and grants serve to support Wikimedia Foundation's mission to encourage the growth, development, and distribution of free, multilingual content, and to provide the full content of these wiki-based projects to the public free of charge. This work is made possible, in part, by donations made by individuals and organizations from around the globe. We are incredibly grateful for their support, and we are committed to honoring the wishes of our donors. Through this policy, Wikimedia Foundation defines the basic guidelines governing acceptance and acknowledgment of gifts and grants to further its mission.
+Note that this policy does not cover gifts made by donors to the Wikimedia Endowment, which are covered by [[<tvar name="1">Special:MyLanguage/Endowment:Wikimedia Endowment Gift Policy</tvar>|a separate Endowment-issued policy]].
 == Policy == <!--T:6-->
@@ Line 18: / Line 20: @@
 <!--T:8-->
-The Wikimedia Foundation will accept differing types of grants and gifts without requiring board notice, including:
+The Wikimedia Foundation can accept differing types of grants and gifts without requiring Board notice, including those offered without condition, of up to US$1,000,000, as well as grants from the Wikimedia Endowment.
-<!--T:9-->
-* Cash and cash-equivalent gifts, offered without condition, of up to US$250,000.
-* Publicly traded securities, which will be liquidated upon receipt, up to US$250,000 in value.
-<!--T:10-->
-The Wikimedia Foundation may accept the following, subject to the other provisions of this policy:
-<!--T:11-->
-* Real estate, subject to title search and environmental audit. Real estate will be sold within two years of donation. Minimum value of a gift of real estate must be US$1 million.</translate>
-<translate>
-<!--T:12-->
-* Other assets, including but not limited to stock in closely held businesses, patents, stock options, collectibles such as artwork, manuscripts and copyrighted works, stamps, coins, and memorabilia, provided that the minimum value of such gifts, in themselves or as part of a larger gift, is US$1 million.
 <!--T:13-->
-Gifts may be reviewed for purpose and fit prior to acceptance.
+Gifts and associated conditions will be reviewed for purpose and fit prior to acceptance to ensure they advance and align with the Wikimedia movement goals, values, and the Foundation’s financial model.
 === Gifts Requiring Board Notice === <!--T:14-->
 <!--T:15-->
-The Wikimedia Foundation takes its commitments to our donors very seriously. To help ensure that we honor those commitments, the foundation shall provide the Board of Trustee with notice and the opportunity to review gifts or private grants to the Foundation which:
+To help ensure that we honor the Foundation and the Board's shared stewardship values, the Foundation shall provide the Board of Trustees with notice and the opportunity to review gifts or grants to the Foundation which:</translate>
+* <translate><!--T:16--> Are valued in excess of US$1,000,000; or</translate>
-<!--T:16-->
+* <translate>Have conditions in order for the Foundation to be entitled to the donation;</translate>
-* are valued in excess of US$250,000;
+* <translate><!--T:17--> Would impose restrictions that would result in changes to priorities budgeted in the annual plan or apply to future years, due to restrictions or other obligations on expenditures;</translate>
-* include any restriction on how the gift may be used;</translate>
+* <translate>Any donations, at the Foundation’s discretion.</translate>
-<translate>
-<!--T:17-->
-* do not conform with approved Foundation policies; or
-* obligate the Foundation to expenditures or costs for which there is no established fund source.
-<!--T:18-->
+<translate><!--T:18-->
-In most cases, the Board will be given 7 business days to decline a proposed gift or private grant if they feel that the Foundation cannot meet the commitment to the donor or if the grant obligates the foundation to unfavorable terms.
+In most cases, the Board will be given 7 business days to review or give feedback.
-<!--T:19-->
-The Foundation shall also provide the Board of Trustees with notice for information only, on a quarterly basis, for any donations (or cumulative donations from an individual donor or entities controlled by an individual donor-controlled) that exceed US$100,000 or equivalent value.
 <!--T:20-->
-The Foundation may accept any pledges and gifts/private grants that do not require Board notice according to this policy. The Foundation reserves the right to refuse any gift. The Foundation reviews gift offers to ensure that the terms are in conformity with Foundation policy and do not unduly restrict the usefulness or desirability of the gift.
+The Foundation may accept any pledges and gifts/grants that do not require Board notice according to this policy. The Foundation reserves the right to refuse any gift. The Foundation reviews gift offers to ensure that the terms are in conformity with Foundation policy and mission and do not unduly restrict the usefulness or desirability of the gift.
 === Restricted Gifts === <!--T:21-->
 <!--T:22-->
-The Wikimedia Foundation encourages donors to make gifts for unrestricted use. The Foundation may accept gifts with appropriate restrictions for particular purposes or projects. These gifts may be subject to additional review. When a donor wishes to make a restricted gift, that donor may determine gift parameters in advance with the Wikimedia Foundation. Such parameters may include the following:
+The Wikimedia Foundation encourages donors to make gifts for unrestricted use because they most help the Foundation address its ongoing costs and emerging needs. The Foundation may accept gifts with appropriate restrictions for particular purposes, projects or time periods. These gifts may be subject to additional review.
-<!--T:23-->
-* Donation amount and type
-* Restrictions and designation
-* Gift date</translate>
-<translate>
-<!--T:24-->
-* Distribution term
-* Reporting requirements
-* Provisions for disposition of gifts when the purpose or project terminates or becomes impossible to achieve.
 === Pledges === <!--T:25-->
 <!--T:26-->
-Donors may commit to future gifts ("pledges"), which the Foundation will generally treat as gifts of cash.
+Donors may commit to future gifts ("pledges"), which the Foundation will generally report as gifts of cash in the statement of activities, per revenue recognition accounting requirements in the United States.
 === Required Accompanying Documentation === <!--T:27-->
 <!--T:28-->
-Electronic donations made on the Foundation website do not need further declaration of donor's intent. In-kind donations, such as computer or office equipment may be accompanied by a declaration of donor's intent, and delivery should be arranged with Foundation staff. Gifts must also be accompanied by other documentation as required by applicable state and federal law.
+Electronic donations made on the Foundation website do not need further declaration of the donor's intent. Gifts must also be accompanied by other documentation as required by applicable state and federal law.
-<!--T:29-->
-Endowments may be accompanied by a statement in writing from the donor, which may:
-<!--T:30-->
-* express the donor's intent to make a gift;
-* describe the gift;
-* declare the irrevocability of the transfer;
-* if the donor wishes, designate the purpose(s) for which the gift is to be used;</translate>
-<translate>
-<!--T:31-->
-* authorize the Foundation to:
-* combine the endowment with other funds for investment purposes;
-* transfer the income to the principal;
-* authorize the Executive Director to identify a new purpose if the original purpose is no longer valid, and to transfer funds to other Foundation priorities;
 === Determining Value of Gift === <!--T:32-->
 <!--T:33-->
-The dollar amount of a gift/private grant shall be the amount of cash actually received; or, if in the form of a pledge, the full amount pledged; or the equivalent to the fair market value of securities or other property. The valuation of stock depends upon the date of its receipt.
+The dollar amount of a gift shall be the amount of cash actually received; or, if in the form of a pledge, the full amount pledged; or the equivalent to the fair market value of securities or other property. The valuation of stock depends upon the date of its receipt.
 === Conflicts of Interest === <!--T:34-->
 <!--T:35-->
-There may be a conflict of interest if the acceptance of a gift is placed in a fund in which the recipient retains control of expenditures (e.g., if an employee or Board member makes a gift in support of a project or department that the employee or Board member administers). All such gifts should be assigned to an account over which the Executive Director has signature authorization that is not shared by the designated recipient.
+There may be a conflict of interest if the acceptance of a gift is placed in a fund in which the recipient retains control of expenditures (e.g., if an employee or Board member makes a gift in support of a project or department that the employee or Board member administers). All such gifts should be assigned to an account over which the Chief Executive Officer has signature authorization that is not shared by the designated recipient.
-=== Accepting Gifts of Securities === <!--T:54-->
-<!--T:36-->
-The Foundation is the official custodian of all securities (e.g., stocks and bonds). When securities are received by any department, that fact should be made known immediately to the Executive Director or to an officer delegated by the Executive Director.
 === Accepting Bequests or Devises === <!--T:37-->
 <!--T:38-->
-All papers and documents relating to probate matters, including notices of hearings, wills, documentary evidence of assets, and forms of receipt for distribution as assets, should be forwarded promptly to the Executive Director or to an officer delegated by the Executive Director. Acknowledgment of a testamentary gift is generally made after distribution from the estate. In some cases, however, acknowledgment prior to receipt may be appropriate. The Executive Director or an officer delegated by the Executive Director should be consulted in advance concerning prior acknowledgment of a testamentary gift.
+All papers and documents relating to probate matters, including notices of hearings, wills, documentary evidence of assets, and forms of receipt for distribution as assets, should be forwarded promptly to the Foundation. Acknowledgment of a testamentary gift is generally made after distribution from the estate. In some cases, however, acknowledgment prior to receipt may be appropriate.
+=== Planned Gifts ===
+The Foundation shall remit all planned gifts to the Wikimedia Endowment, unless the donor has explicitly directed that the gift be used exclusively for the Foundation's annual operations or another restricted purpose. Planned gifts include, but are not limited to, gifts in wills, gifts of assets made by beneficiary designation, qualified charitable distributions from retirement assets, charitable gift annuities, and other estate gifts.
-=== Accepting Gifts-in-Kind === <!--T:55-->
+=== Real Estate ===
+All real estate gifts must undergo a comprehensive title search and environmental review. Prior to acceptance, the Foundation will conduct a title search to ensure the property is free from encumbrances, liens, or title complications. Real estate donations will not be accepted if the results of either the title search or environmental review are unsatisfactory. Any accepted real estate will be liquidated within two years of donation and the offer price will be set based on an analysis of comparable sales. The minimum appraised value for accepting a real estate gift is set at US$1,000,000.
-<!--T:39-->
-Gifts-in-kind may only be accepted by the Executive Director or by an officer delegated in writing by the Executive Director with the authority to accept such a gift.
 == Donor Benefits and Constraints == <!--T:40-->
@@ Line 128: / Line 84: @@
 <!--T:42-->
-The Wikimedia Foundation is unable to offer tax advice to would-be donors. Donors who are concerned about tax-deductibility of donations should consult with their own tax advisers. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization operating under United States law as a Florida corporation.
+The Wikimedia Foundation is unable to offer tax advice to prospective donors. Donors who are concerned about tax-deductibility of donations should consult with their own tax advisers. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization operating under United States law as a Florida corporation.
 === Naming Opportunities === <!--T:43-->
@@ Line 146: / Line 102: @@
 <!--T:49-->
-The Wikimedia Foundation employees, contractors, and interns have the right to refuse to interact with any donor, potential donor, or supporter. Employees, contractors, and interns who observe or believe they are the subject of harassment are strongly encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate channels, documented in Wikimedia's internal Office Wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation prohibits any retaliation against an employee, contractor, or intern who reports a concern about workplace harassment, other inappropriate behavior or assists in any inquiry about such a report.
+The Wikimedia Foundation employees, contractors, and interns have the right to refuse to interact with any donor, potential donor, or supporter. Employees, contractors, and interns who observe or believe they are the subject of harassment are strongly encouraged to report such incidents to the appropriate channels, documented in the Foundation’s internal Office Wiki. The Wikimedia Foundation prohibits any retaliation against an employee, contractor, or intern who reports a concern about workplace harassment, other inappropriate behavior or assists in any inquiry about such a report.
 == Review and Updates == <!--T:50-->
 <!--T:51-->
-[[<tvar name="1">Special:MyLanguage/Resolution:Gift Policy Amendments, 2021</tvar>|This policy was last updated on February 24, 2021]]. The policy will be reviewed annually by the Audit committee of the Board of Trustees of the Wikimedia Foundation, to consider any necessary recommendations for improvements.
+This policy was [[<tvar name="1"Special:Diff/|last updated]] on <tvar name="2">{{dateT|2025|04|21}}. The policy will be reviewed every three years by the Foundation in consultation with the [[<tvar name="3">m:Special:MyLanguage/Wikimedia Foundation Audit Committee</tvar>|Audit Committee, or more frequently as needed, to consider any necessary recommendations for improvements.
 </translate>
-== {{int string|See also}} ==
-* [[Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Delegation of authority policy|<translate><!--T:52--> Delegation of Authority Policy</translate>]]
-* [//foundation.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Policy:Gift_policy&oldid=104442 <translate><!--T:53--> Earlier Gift Policy</translate>]
 [[Category:Policies{{#translation:}}]]

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