Mendry, Inc. — Gift Acceptance Policy
Document ID: Mendry, Inc.: Gift Acceptance Policy v1.0
Effective Date: 2025.11.14
Contact: contact@mendry.org

1) Purpose & Scope

Mendry, Inc. (“Mendry,” “we,” “our,” or “us“) is a nonprofit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

This policy guides the review and acceptance of charitable contributions to ensure that gifts:

• Align with our mission and values,
  
  
• Comply with applicable laws and ethical standards, and
  
  
• Protect donors and Mendry from undue risk.
  
  

This policy applies to all gifts (cash and non-cash) and all fundraising channels, including online giving, checks/wires, grants, in-kind contributions, and sponsorships.

2) Our Commitment

• We honor donor intent consistent with our mission.
  
  
• We do not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Donors should consult their own professional advisors for guidance.
  
  
• Mendry is an independent entity and not affiliated with any government agency, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Gifts do not influence clinical decisions, coverage determinations, or eligibility for public benefits.
  
  

3) Ethical Safeguards & Governance

To ensure ongoing compliance with ethical standards and to prevent conflicts of interest in practice, Mendry:

• Maintains a Board-approved Code of Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy that applies to directors, officers, staff, and key volunteers.
  
  
• Requires annual conflict-of-interest disclosures and ongoing updates when circumstances change.
  
  
• Requires individuals with a potential conflict related to a proposed gift to disclose the conflict and recuse themselves from review, discussion, and decision-making regarding that gift.
  
  
• Uses a Gift Acceptance Committee (GAC) (see §4) that follows written procedures, keeps minutes, and documents its recommendations.
  
  
• Applies consistent criteria (mission fit, legal/regulatory risk, financial/operational impact, reputational risk) to all non-standard and large gifts.
  
  
• Coordinates with external advisors (e.g., legal, tax, environmental) as needed for due diligence.
  
  

These safeguards are designed to ensure that gift decisions are made in the best interests of Mendry and its mission, rather than any individual.

4) What Gifts We Accept (Standard)

Mendry generally accepts the following, subject to review:

• Cash & Equivalents: Checks, ACH/wire transfers, and credit/debit cards.
  
  
• DAF & Foundations: Grants from donor-advised funds and private/public foundations.
  
  
• Securities: Marketable stocks, mutual funds, and bonds (typically liquidated upon receipt).
  
  
• IRA QCDs: Qualified Charitable Distributions where permitted by law.
  
  
• Employer Matching Gifts.
  
  
• In-Kind Goods/Services: Valuable goods or professional services that Mendry can use directly or readily liquidate (see §8).
  
  
• Event/Sponsorship Support: Recognized as sponsorship in accordance with our Sponsorship & Advertising Standards (no endorsements).
  
  

5) Gifts Requiring Prior Review/Approval

The Gift Acceptance Committee (GAC) reviews non-standard or potentially burdensome gifts before acceptance, including:

• Restricted gifts with conditions that may be impractical or inconsistent with policy;
  
  
• Closely held business interests, stock subject to lockups, options, or derivatives;
  
  
• Real estate or timeshares;
  
  
• Vehicles, boats, aircraft;
  
  
• Crypto/digital assets;
  
  
• Artwork/collectibles;
  
  
• Any gift that could create conflicts of interest, reputational risk, undue reporting burden, or environmental/operational liabilities.
  
  

GAC Composition: Managing Director (chair), Treasurer/CFO, at least one Board member, and counsel/advisors as needed.

Authority:

• Staff may accept standard gifts up to $10,000;
  
  
• The Treasurer/CFO may accept gifts up to $100,000;
  
  
• The GAC/Board must approve gifts above $100,000 and all non-standard gifts.
  
  

6) Process for Non-Standard or Large Gifts

For non-standard or large gifts (e.g., those requiring GAC review), Mendry follows a defined process and keeps donors informed:

1. Initial Inquiry / Proposal
   
   
   • Donor contacts Mendry (e.g., contact@mendry.org) or a designated staff member with a description of the proposed gift.
     
     
   • Staff acknowledges receipt and explains that the gift will be reviewed in accordance with this policy.
     
     
2. Preliminary Screening
   
   
   • Staff conducts an initial assessment (mission fit and basic feasibility) and determines whether a GAC review is required.
     
     
   • The donor may be asked to provide additional information (e.g., appraisals, title documents, financial statements).
     
     
3. Due Diligence
   
   
   • For gifts requiring GAC review, Mendry may obtain independent reports (e.g., appraisals, environmental assessments, legal/regulatory checks).
     
     
   • Staff prepares a written summary for the GAC.
     
     
4. GAC Review & Recommendation
   
   
   • The GAC meets (or acts via written consent) to review the proposed gift, considering its ethical, legal, financial, and operational implications.
     
     
   • The GAC makes a recommendation (accept, accept with conditions, or decline) and, where required, refers the matter to the full Board.
     
     
5. Decision & Communication to Donor
   
   
   • Mendry provides the donor with a written decision (e.g., acceptance, acceptance subject to certain conditions, or declination).
     
     
   • If accepted, Mendry outlines the steps to complete the gift (e.g., transfer instructions, timing, recognition, and any restrictions to be documented).
     
     
6. Documentation & Completion
   
   
   • For non-standard or large gifts, Mendry typically uses a written gift agreement that sets forth key terms (e.g., restrictions, variance language, recognition, and reporting expectations).
     
     
   • After the transfer, Mendry issues the appropriate gift receipt and initiates stewardship consistent with §§ 14–16.
     
     

Throughout this process, Mendry strives to respond on time and keep donors apprised of significant milestones or delays.

7) Restricted Gifts & Variance

We welcome reasonable restrictions that fit our mission. Suppose a restriction becomes impracticable, impossible, or obsolete. In that case, Mendry may apply variance power to use the gift in the closest possible manner to the donor’s original intent, consistent with applicable law, donor agreements, and this policy.

Where material changes are contemplated and feasible, Mendry will seek to communicate with the donor or donor representative.

8) Valuation, Receipts & Acknowledgment

Mendry issues receipts that describe the gift and the date it was received. Mendry does not provide valuations or appraisals of non-cash gifts; donors are responsible for obtaining any required independent appraisals (e.g., for IRS Form 8283).

If required, Mendry will file IRS Form 8282 upon disposal of specific non-cash property.

Quid pro quo acknowledgments will disclose the fair-market value of any goods or services provided in return for a contribution.

Our acknowledgment goal is:

• Within five (5) business days of deposit/acceptance for cash and marketable securities; and
  
  
• Within ten (10) business days for approved non-cash gifts, subject to the complexity of the gift.
  
  

9) In-Kind Gifts (Goods & Services)

Mendry accepts only in-kind items and services that we can use directly in our programs/operations or readily liquidate without undue cost or risk.

Donors must represent that:

• They own and can transfer a clear title to any goods; and
  
  
• The goods are safe, lawful, and do not impose unreasonable storage, insurance, or disposal burdens.
  
  

Donors should retain independent appraisals for tax purposes. Donated services themselves are generally not tax-deductible; donors should consult their advisors.

10) Real Estate

Real estate gifts are subject to GAC review, which may include:

• Independent appraisal;
  
  
• Title report and confirmation of clear, marketable title;
  
  
• Environmental screening (e.g., Phase I assessment if indicated);
  
  
• Analysis of carrying costs (taxes, insurance, maintenance, association dues);
  
  
• Marketability and any encumbrances or restrictions.
  
  

Mendry may decline a proposed real estate gift or require that the property be sold at or after closing, with proceeds benefiting Mendry.

11) Crypto/Digital Assets

If accepted, crypto/digital asset gifts will be processed via a qualified third-party processor and are typically liquidated as soon as practicable. Gifts are irrevocable upon receipt; refunds are not available after the item has been liquidated. Donors must complete any KYC/AML steps required by the processor and acknowledge associated volatility and transaction risks.

12) Sponsorships & Co-Branding

Sponsorship support is acknowledged in accordance with our Sponsorship & Advertising Policy. Sponsorships do not influence educational content, program decisions, or directory placement. No clinical, coverage, or government-affiliation endorsements are permitted.

13) Donor-Advised Funds, Pledges & Installments

• DAF Grants: Donor-advised fund grants are welcome; in accordance with IRS rules, no goods or services with more than incidental value will be provided in return.
  
  
• Pledges: Pledges should be documented in writing, including schedule, amount, and any restrictions or designations.
  
  
• Installments: For multi-year or installment gifts, Mendry and the donor may mutually agree on timing, recognition, and reporting expectations.
  
  
• Naming: Naming or recognition opportunities generally occur after pledge agreements are executed and payments have commenced, and remain subject to Board approval and this policy.
  
  

14) Conflicts of Interest & Due Diligence

Board members, staff, contractors, and volunteers must:

• Disclose potential or actual conflicts of interest related to proposed gifts; and
  
  
• Recuse themselves from review and decision-making where appropriate.
  
  

Mendry may decline gifts that:

• Create conflicts of interest that cannot be effectively managed;
  
  
• Are inconsistent with our mission, values, or policies;
  
  
• Could reasonably expose Mendry to material legal, regulatory, financial, or reputational risk; or
  
  
• They are conditioned on actions that would compromise Mendry’s independence or ethical standards.
  
  

Due diligence (including legal, financial, and public information review) may be conducted for non-standard or large gifts as part of this conflict- and risk-management process.

15) Refusal or Return of Gifts

Mendry may decline, or in rare cases and where lawful, return a gift that:

• Cannot be used as intended;
  
  
• Would expose Mendry to material legal, environmental, tax, operational, or reputational risk;
  
  
• Includes conditions inconsistent with our mission, values, or independence; or
  
  
• This is otherwise inconsistent with this policy.
  
  

Notification & Support:

• Donors will receive written notice (email or letter) if a gift is declined or, where feasible and lawful, proposed to be returned.
  
  
• Where appropriate, Mendry may offer to discuss alternative structures (e.g., revised restrictions, different asset type, or payment structure) that better align with this policy.
  
  
• Mendry cannot provide individual tax or legal advice regarding the consequences of a declined or returned gift; donors are encouraged to consult their own advisors.
  
  

16) Use of Gifts & Stewardship

Unrestricted gifts support Mendry’s most significant needs as determined by the Board and leadership. Restricted gifts are tracked and used in accordance with the donor’s documented intent and applicable law.

We report our impact through acknowledgments, updates, our annual report, and similar communications.

17) Recordkeeping & Privacy

Mendry maintains donor and gift records in accordance with applicable law, accounting standards, and our internal policies. Donor information is handled in accordance with our Donor Privacy Policy and general Privacy Policy.

Mendry does not sell or share donor data for unrelated third-party marketing.

18) Naming & Recognition

Mendry may offer recognition opportunities for donors, depending on the type, size, and nature of the gift, such as:

• Inclusion in an annual report or donor listing (with an option to be listed as “Anonymous”);
  
  
• Digital acknowledgments (e.g., website listings, digital plaques, or acknowledgments in publications);
  
  
• Recognition associated with specific programs, projects, or initiatives;
  
  
• For significant gifts, named funds, programs, or other naming opportunities, subject to Board approval and separate written terms where appropriate.
  
  

All recognition is:

• Subject to Mendry’s mission, brand standards, and legal obligations; and
  
  
• Revocable or modifiable if circumstances change materially (for example, if continued recognition would conflict with our mission or values, or if a named program is discontinued).
  
  

Donors may request anonymity or adjustments to recognition preferences, consistent with our policies and practical constraints.

19) Administration & Revisions

This Gift Acceptance Policy is approved by the Board of Directors (or its authorized committee) and is reviewed at least annually, or more often as needed.

Mendry may amend this policy at any time, subject to Board approval. The most current version will govern new gifts and, to the extent permitted by law and donor agreements, the administration of existing gifts.

Questions about this policy may be directed to contact@mendry.org.

20) Contact

Gift & Sponsorship Inquiries:Email: contact@mendry.org