The Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board of Trustees recognizes the benefit of the acceptance of gifts. The Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (the Library) is required by federal and state laws and sound public considerations to satisfy various requirements regarding gifts made to the Library.

The Library must have legal authority over the use of contributed funds, although a donor may request that the Library apply the funds to a particular need and such request will be honored if the Library finds that such application of funds is consistent with the purposes and best interest of the Library.

The Library is legally obligated to adhere to the terms and condition of every gift. Therefore, the terms of each gift must be considered with the utmost care by the Library to be sure the terms are feasible, do not unduly hamper usefulness, nor expose the Library to undue risk.

1. Cash - Gifts by cash or checks made payable to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library.
2. Books and other Library Materials - Books and other Library Materials are generally considered donated to the Friends of the Library. Books and other Library Materials are considered donated to the Library only after review by the Library Executive Director or designee, and if the item(s) have met the criteria established in the Policy for Selecting and Discarding Materials.
3. Art - Artwork, art collections, or antiques are always subject to prior approval of the Library Executive Director or designee. Restrictions imposed by the donor regarding sale, maintenance, or display of such items, or items that will require additional funding to maintain or support will be reviewed by the Library Executive Director. Generally, such gifts can be accepted only if any additional expenses are underwritten by the donor.
4. Gifts-in-kind - Gifts-in-kind are non-cash donations. Gifts of equipment and other inventory such as software will be accepted if they serve the purpose of the Library and would otherwise need to be purchased. The decision to accept such gifts shall be made by the Library Executive Director or designee.
5. Wills and Bequests - Cash and non-cash bequests will be subject to this policy as applicable, unless otherwise stated in the will or bequest. Donor restrictions on the disposal of or use of the property bequeathed shall supersede this policy if the gift is accepted by the Library
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6. Real Property - Offers of real estate will be accepted only if:
1. Property that is intended for a future library site that meets the criteria established in the Site Guidelines Policy.
2. Property that is intended for uses other than a future library site with approval of the Library Executive Director or designee.

1. Offers of gifts of personal property with any of the following conditions attached are generally not accepted:
1. If acceptance of the gift involves significant unbudgeted expenses for its present or future use or display, maintenance, or transfer, or if significant insurance, fees or other costs will be incurred.
2. If burdensome educational, technical, or service obligations or expenses will be incurred.
3. If the gift is made on the condition or expectation that the items will be loaned or given back to the donor or the donor's designee for life or extended periods of time determined by the donor.

1. Offers of negotiable stocks and bonds. Gifts of stocks and bonds are generally considered donated to the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation.
2. Funds to establish a named endowment fund. Named endowments are generally established within the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation.
3. Memorials and bequests are generally established within the Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation.

Board Approved:

Original Policy August 16, 1979
Revised: September 10, 2001
Revised: September 9, 2002