Major-Gift Cultivation & Restricted-Gift Agreement Toolkit (Named Preserves & Program Funds)
A cultivation-through-close toolkit for five- and six-figure conservation gifts, paired with a model restricted-gift/naming agreement locking donor intent and stewardship obligations in writing at the moment of the gift.
Draft: pending review
This starter document is signed off by Nonprofit counsel (restricted gifts, UPMIFA, gift agreements + real property) + major-gifts officer before it ships. The guardrails below define that review.
What’s inside
- Moves-management cultivation plan and proposal template for land-acquisition and program gifts
- Model restricted-gift agreement: purpose, use restrictions, reporting, stewardship duties
- Naming-rights terms with morals/reputation and de-naming provisions
- Gift-over/variance clause for when a purpose becomes impracticable
Legal & ethical guardrails
The sector-specific compliance points this document must honor.
- Restricted gifts create enforceable donor-intent obligations; misuse can trigger donor action and AG/charitable-trust oversight
- Include gift-over/variance (cy-près-style) language; endowed funds are governed by UPMIFA spending rules
- For gifts of land or funds tied to a future acquisition, avoid promising tax outcomes and screen for environmental liability
- Naming terms should protect mission and independence and not confer donor control over program, science, or advocacy
Held for professional review.
The native DOCX and full working text ship only after sign-off by Nonprofit counsel (restricted gifts, UPMIFA, gift agreements + real property) + major-gifts officer on this exact version. The summary and review requirements remain visible in the meantime.
Not legal advice. Not legal, tax, or accounting advice. The Fundraising Co. provides educational fundraising materials and is not a law firm; nothing here creates an attorney–client relationship or substitutes for advice from professionals licensed in your jurisdiction. Laws and IRS rules vary by state and change over time. Review every document with qualified counsel before use.