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Session 7C

Legal, Possible, & Practical? Check Yes or No

Sarah Sims, CFRE

Friday, September 23
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (MT) 

About the Session

By far, one of the most challenging areas of our work is determining legality standards in the gift agreements that govern our philanthropic gifts. Is it legal? Is it possible? Is it practical? Chances are, the answer is in a gray area, or at least requires a legal or financial judgment call. Of which, we are not typically lawyers or accountants, but we serve on the front lines of these conversations. The good news is that you are not alone and many organizations struggle with determining the legal, possible, and practical status of their fund purposes. The bad news is that it doesn't make it any easier and doesn't take away any of the liability of your organization may be facing if you are administering funds not in compliance with IRS or federal regulation, or against the court of public opinion (otherwise known as potentially really bad PR). Join this session for an overview of what constitutes legal, possible, and practical in your gift agreements, how to bring your development partners along in these critical conversations, and how to course-correct these issues if they currently exist in your gift documentation.

Learning Objectives

  • Define legal, possible, and practical in term of gift agreement terms with samples of each

  • Identify steps on How to correct illegal and impossible fund criteria

  • Explore samples of sustainable and tiered gift purposes

Keywords: 

Endowment, Foundational Elements of Donor Relations, Gift Documentation, Gift Management Policies and Process, Scholarships

Who Should Attend?
   



 
 

Private College/University, Public College/University, Private Secondary School

Suitable for any size shop

Mid-career (8 - 12 years), Seasoned (13 - 17 years), Experienced (18 + years)

  
 
About the Speaker

Sarah Sims, CFRE
Executive Director of Donor Engagement
University of Houston

With an extensive background in fundraising and leadership, Sarah is committed to not only stewarding past gifts, but inspiring future philanthropy at higher education and non-profit organizations across the country. Known for being a “builder”, Sarah has been responsible for developing new and innovative donor relations programs from the ground up at multiple educational institutions. She currently heads the comprehensive Donor Engagement Team at the University of Houston through oversight of donor relations, stewardship, special events, and development communications. Drawing from her strengths in strategy and execution, Sarah is always looking for ways to turn challenges into opportunities. She believes that every team member is a fundraiser no matter their title, and every donor relations initiative should be designed to impact the fundraising bottom line. As a trainer, consultant, and frequent speaker multiple professional organizations, Sarah balances humor and passion for the profession in her work with others.