1. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this document is to establish the criteria and guidelines under which MOC Foundation, Inc. accepts contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other entities. This policy ensures that all gifts align with our organizational values, support our mission, and comply with all applicable state and federal laws.
2. Governance and Authority
The governance of gift acceptance varies based on the nature of the contribution:
- Standard Donations: Routine financial contributions and items requested as part of active fundraising drives are managed by designated team members.
- Non-Standard or High-Value Gifts: Any non-standard financial gifts, unrequested gifts-in-kind, or gifts carrying potential liability must be routed to a designated committee or specialized team member for evaluation and final approval.
3. Core Values and Ethical Sourcing
- Right of Refusal: MOC Foundation, Inc. reserves the right to decline or refund any donation—financial or in-kind—that we determine conflicts with our organizational values, mission, or ethical standards.
- Donor Anonymity: MOC Foundation, Inc. honors anonymous donation requests that comply with all federal and state regulations. The foundation will make every reasonable effort to protect donor privacy and maintain strict confidentiality regarding the donor’s identity.
4. Financial Gifts
4.1 Accepted Forms of Payment
MOC Foundation, Inc. accepts standard financial contributions via cash, check, credit card, and authorized online electronic transfers.
4.2 Non-Standard Financial Gifts
- Liquidity Clause: Non-standard financial gifts, including but not limited to publicly traded stocks, securities, life insurance policies, or bequests, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Acceptance is heavily weighted upon the liquidity of the asset and whether it can be readily converted to cash without creating an undue administrative or financial burden on the organization.
- Cryptocurrency: MOC Foundation, Inc. does not accept cryptocurrency at this time.
4.3 Unrestricted vs. Restricted Funds
To ensure operational agility and clean accounting, MOC Foundation, Inc. does not accept donor-restricted funds from individual or corporate donors.
- All individual, corporate, and general donations are classified as unrestricted general operating funds.
- The only exception to this rule applies to specific grants for which the MOC Foundation, Inc. has formally applied and been approved.
5. Gifts-in-Kind (General Guidelines)
5.1 Pre-Approval Rule
All gifts-in-kind (non-cash, tangible property) must receive formal approval from a designated team member before they can be accepted.
The Fundraising Drive Exception: Pre-approval is not required for specific tangible items that are explicitly requested as part of an official fundraising drive or donation campaign initiated by MOC Foundation, Inc.
5.2 Valuation and Tax Compliance
In absolute compliance with IRS regulations, MOC Foundation, Inc. will acknowledge all accepted in-kind gifts by providing the donor with a written receipt.
- No Dollar Valuation: The receipt will provide a clear description of the item(s) received but will not declare a specific dollar value.
- Donor Responsibility: The donor is solely responsible for determining the tax-deductible value of their gift and for obtaining any independent appraisals required by law (including IRS Form 8283 for non-cash contributions exceeding $5,000).
6. Gently Used Clothing Donations
MOC Foundation, Inc. gratefully welcomes clothing contributions explicitly to fuel our targeted community impact initiatives, including but not limited to:
- Free Back-to-School Supplies & Apparel Drives
- LaQuisha’s Clothing Closet
- Warm-A-Child Annual Coat Giveaway
6.1 Program-Specific Logistics
Because MOC Foundation, Inc. operates across multiple areas, specific drop-off locations, dates, and accepted item types vary by campaign. Donors must refer to the respective program’s dedicated web page for current logistics, drop-off hours, or appointment requirements.
6.2 Acceptance Standards
Clothing must meet the explicit “gently used” criteria outlined by the specific active drive (e.g., clean, laundered, free of stains or tears). Unrequested, damaged, or unlaundered clothing will not be accepted.
6.3 Management of Excess Inventory
To maximize community benefit and maintain lean operations, any clothing that is overstocked after a drive concludes, or items that do not meet immediate program needs, will be systematically donated to local partner nonprofits to ensure they continue to serve neighbors in need.
7. Policy Review
This policy is subject to periodic review by the Board of Directors and leadership team of MOC Foundation, Inc. to ensure continuous compliance with evolving tax laws and nonprofit best practices.