The Bozeman Dharma Center (BDC or Center) encourages the solicitation and acceptance of gifts from generous supporters that will further and fulfill its mission and support its core programs. In order to be assured that the BDC is a responsible steward of these gifts and that these gifts are in the best interest of the Center, the board of directors adopted the following policy.

Donor Bill of Rights

The BDC is committed to ethical engagement. All solicitations on behalf of the Center will be in accordance with the standards in the Donor Bill of Rights developed by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, et al. Donors are encouraged to seek their own independent financial and legal counsel in all matters related to charitable giving.

Gift Definition

A gift is a voluntary transfer of assets from a person or an organization to the Center where no goods or services are expected, implied, or forthcoming in return to the donor. The following criteria generally identify a gift:

  • Gifts are motivated by the dana paramita of generosity and philanthropic intent.
  • Gifts are transfers of assets to the Center’s full control. The Center cannot be obliged to return unexpended funds.
  • The donor may make a restricted-use gift by designating a specific purpose. The donor may also designate a gift for unrestricted use by the Center. Beyond those possible designations, the donor has no direct control over the use of a gift once accepted by the Center.
  • Generally funds received from individuals, donor-advised funds, and family foundations will be classified as gifts.

Types of Gifts

Accepted Giving Sources

Cash, check, credit card (via Venmo, PayPal, Stripe, or BDC online portal), Direct ACH Debit, Gifts of Stock and other securities, Bequests, Estate Gifts, Annuities, Donor Advised Funds, Matching and in-kind donations. Note: Gifts of Stock are converted to cash within 5-7 business days. 

The BDC is unable to accept gifts of crypto-currency.

Individual Giving

BDC accepts donations from all individual donors. BDC accepts pooled donations through crowdfunding platforms and from individuals’ securities that can be sold upon receipt.

Donor Advised Funds

BDC accepts donations from donors via Donor Advised Funds (DAFs). The DAF is recognized as the official donor, rather than the original supporter, though BDC’s relationship is with the individual, not with the financial entity/DAF sending the funds.

Donors are still able to designate a specific purpose for their gift through their DAF contribution.

Bequests & Estate Gifts

A bequest is a gift from a donor’s estate (transfer of cash, securities, or other property) made through their estate plans. Bequests are made by including language in a will or living trust leaving a portion of the estate to the BDC or by designating the BDC as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy. The donor retains control of and use of all assets during their lifetime. Bequests may be modified if circumstances change. If BDC is made aware of a donor’s intentions, we will be able to thank and recognize the donor publicly (or as donor desires).

Private Foundations

BDC accepts gifts/grants from private foundations. 

Real Estate

No gift of real estate will be accepted without prior approval of the Board of directors and may require legal counsel and a qualified independent appraisal before acceptance.

In Kind Donations

In Kind donations are subject to approval before acceptance. In general, donations of artwork, statuary, books, etc. are welcome if they pertain to Buddhism and with the donor’s knowledge that the gift may be sold rather than displayed. In accordance with IRS regulations, it is the donor’s responsibility to determine the value of the gift.

Donations of supplies that the BDC uses regularly (e.g. flowers, candles, printer paper) are gratefully accepted.

Gift Review

Any gift or proposed gift that does not appear to comply with this policy must be reviewed by the Executive Committee composed of the Executive Director and Board President. The Executive Committee will make a recommendation to the Board for final approval. Examples of gifts that should have prior review before acceptance include but are not limited to:

  • Life Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Corporate Gifts over $10,000

Restrictions on Gifts

Bozeman Dharma Center will not accept gifts that in the board’s judgment

  • Would result in BDC losing its status as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization
  • Are too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value
  • Would result in any unacceptable consequences for the organization
  • Are for purposes outside BDC’s mission
  • Are gifts intended to thank volunteers or staff over $200 in value

Use of Legal Counsel

The BDC will seek the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when appropriate. Review by counsel is recommended for

  • Gifts of securities that are subject to restrictions or buy-sell agreements.
  • Documents naming Bozeman Dharma Center as trustee or requiring it to act in any fiduciary capacity
  • Gifts requiring BDC to assume financial or other obligations
  • Transactions with potential conflicts of interest
  • Gifts of property that may be subject to environmental or other regulatory restrictions

Thank you for considering Bozeman Dharma Center in your gifting plans. May your generosity bring you joy.