Gates Philanthropy Partners (GPP) accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission to support the Gates Foundation’s strategic programs and vetted, trusted grantee partners. This Gift Acceptance Policy is intended to guide the receipt, acceptance, and administration of gifts to GPP, ensuring that contributions support our mission, comply with legal and ethical standards, and respect donor intent.
Scope
This policy applies to all gifts offered to GPP from individuals, foundations, and other entities, regardless of gift size or type as noted in this policy.
Gift acceptance principles
GPP gratefully accepts gifts that support our charitable mission and comply with all applicable laws. To
ensure we can responsibly manage contributions and advance our work and the work of the Gates
Foundation effectively, we are only able to accept gifts that do not create undue restrictions, administrative
challenges, or legal or reputational risks. In some cases, GPP may need to decline a gift if it:
- Does not align with GPP’s mission or charitable purpose.
- Violates federal, state, or local laws or regulations.
- Involves complex assets or conditions, such as liens, encumbrances, or partial ownership interests.
- Requires GPP to provide preferential treatment, any return benefits to the donor, or personal benefits to a specific individual or entity.
- May expose GPP to legal, financial, reputational or operational risk.
GPP is deeply grateful for the generosity of our supporters and is committed to working closely with donors to ensure gifts can be accepted and used to advance meaningful impact. While the provisions herein are intended to guide GPP’s receipt of gifts, GPP may decline a gift for any reason at its discretion.
Donor intent and gift designation
GPP is committed to honoring donor intent. To ensure clarity and alignment with our charitable mission and operational capacity, donor designations must be provided in writing and confirmed by GPP.
We are not able to accept gifts that are earmarked for individuals, that include conditions or contingencies not in alignment with our grantmaking or require individual donor attribution. All gifts are conditioned on GPP’s acceptance. If GPP is unable to fulfill a gift’s restrictions, we will work with the donor to find an alternative solution; if that’s not possible, the gift may be declined and returned.
Unrestricted gifts, which provide the greatest flexibility to address urgent needs and opportunities, are allocated to GPP’s Unrestricted Fund known as “Must-Solve Problems Fund”.
Types of gifts we can accept
GPP gratefully accepts a variety of gifts that support its mission, subject to review for alignment with our
guidelines, including:
- Cash and cash equivalents, including credit card payments, wire transfers, checks, and money orders.
- Cash grants and contributions from donor-advised funds, community and private foundations, and other giving platforms.
- Gifts in currencies other than US dollars, valued at the exchange rate on the date received by GPP.
- Pledges, including commitments to donate a set amount on a fixed schedule, using any of the payment methods listed above.
- US publicly traded stocks, which are sold upon receipt by GPP. These gifts are processed in accordance with IRS regulations.
- Planned gifts, which donors are encouraged to discuss with GPP and their tax advisor or estate planning attorney in advance, such as:
- Retirement plan beneficiary designations, such as naming GPP as a beneficiary of a 401(k) or IRA, including IRA charitable rollover distributions.
- Bequests through a will or trust, including cash, liquidated assets, or a percentage of an estate.
All complex assets, excluding U.S. publicly traded stocks, must be liquidated prior to donation. GPP can recommend third-party partners to assist with the liquidation process.
While GPP can be the ultimate beneficiary of complex asset donations, we do not directly liquidate these assets. If you wish to give a gift in a form of one of the assets not listed above, we can facilitate a referral to third party charitable intermediaries who can assist with liquidation and disburse the gift in cash to GPP.
Use of legal counsel
When appropriate, GPP’s board and legal counsel may seek advice from outside legal counsel on matters related to gift acceptance. Legal review is typically sought in situations such as:
- Transactions involving potential conflicts of interest.
- Administration of estates in which GPP is named as a beneficiary.
- Any other circumstances where the GPP board deems legal counsel necessary.
Conflict of interest
GPP does not provide personal, legal, financial, or tax advice. Donors are advised and strongly encouraged to consult their own legal and financial advisors regarding the terms of their gifts and any related tax or estate planning implications.
Confidentiality and privacy
GPP treats all donor and prospective donor communications as strictly confidential, disclosing information only as required by law or with the donor’s explicit permission.
Donor acknowledgement
GPP is deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors. Every donor will receive an acknowledgment letter, including a formal tax receipt for donations upon receipt of a gift. Donors that provide contact information will also receive a copy of GPP’s annual impact report.
GPP does not publicly share or publish donor names, including on its website or in an annual report. If a special report or opportunity arises where GPP would like to recognize a donor publicly, a representative will always request permission before including any names.
Changes to gift acceptance policy
This policy has been reviewed and approved by GPP’s Board of Directors. Any amendments or updates to the policy require approval by the Board.