Gift Acceptance Policy

This policy serves as a guide for Manitoba Theatre for Young People (MTYP) staff, board members, volunteers, external gift planning/solicitation advisors, and prospective donors who wish to make gifts to MTYP. MTYP actively solicits gifts and grants that further the mission of MTYP and is grateful to have the support and commitment of individual donors, foundations and businesses.

Mission Statement
MTYP is a professional theatre company devoted to young people. Our home, a venue built specifically for young audiences, is a recognized centre for the creation of theatre and participation in the arts. We produce and present professional theatre, provide training in theatre and related arts, and support the development of new and re-imagined works that portray the experiences of children and youth. We are a decisive voice in Canada’s artistic and cultural life.

Vision Statement
To empower all young people to transform the world with imagination and creativity.

Definition of a Gift
A gift is a voluntary transfer of property for which the donor expects and receives nothing of value in return. The Canada Revenue Agency considers that a gift is made if all three of the conditions listed below are satisfied:
(a) property is transferred by a donor to a registered charity;
(b) the transfer is voluntary; and
(c) the transfer is made without expectation of return

1. Gift Acceptance Practices
As a matter of principle, MTYP engages in the following practices in all areas of its fundraising activities:

1.1 The Board, General Manager, Artistic Director and those staff and
volunteers designated by them have the authority to solicit and/or accept gifts on behalf of MTYP.

1.2 MTYP does not accept gifts where a condition of acceptance would compromise the organization’s autonomy and artistic freedom.

1.3 MTYP does not accept gifts that require it to provide any valuable
consideration to the donor or anyone designated by the donor, such as employment, contracting, or participation in decision-making.

1.4 MTYP does not provide any legal, accounting, tax or financial advice
to donors with respect to gifts to MTYP nor shall it be held responsible for any costs incurred in relation to a donor obtaining such independent advice.

MTYP reserves the right to accept or decline any gift, with the final determination of the gift’s compatibility with its mission and vision resting with the Board of Directors.

2. Gift Acceptance Procedures
MTYP is committed to the following procedures in accepting donations:

2.1 The solicitation of gifts is informed by and consistent with MTYP’s
strategic priorities.

2.2 Designated gifts consistent with MTYP’s mission will be accepted and used for the stated purposes for which they are given.

2.3 Undesignated gifts will be accepted and used for such purposes as the General Manager, Artistic Director and Board of Directors determine will best advance the mission of MTYP.

• 2.3.1 Undesignated bequests over $10,000 will be subject to review by the General Manager, Artistic Director and the Board of Directors within the fiscal year of receipt to determine the use of the gift that will best advance the mission of MTYP.

2.4 All gifts accepted by MTYP will be acknowledged with appropriate recognition and accurate and timely reporting by MTYP staff.

• 2.4.1 Donor anonymity will be granted upon request.

2.5 Where appropriate, gift agreements will be recorded between donors and MTYP and adhered to by MTYP.

2.6 All donations will be recorded and receipted in accordance with the rules and regulations set out by the Canada Revenue Agency.

2.7 MTYP will issue an official receipt for donations of $20 or more that qualify
as charitable gifts, in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.

2.8 Receipts for donations of less than $20 will be issued upon request
by the donor.

3. Eligible Gift Categories
3.1 In the course of its regular fundraising activities MTYP will generally
accept the following types of gifts without review:

• 3.1.1 Cash
  MTYP accepts legal tender, credit card payments, direct debit payments and cheques or money orders made payable to “Manitoba Theatre for Young People” or “MTYP”.
• 3.1.2 Publicly traded securities
  MTYP will accept gifts of securities that are publicly traded stocks and bonds.
  • 3.1.2.1 The value of such gifts shall be determined by the value of trading on the date of receipt of the donation by MTYP’s designated licensed broker.
• 3.1.3 Will and Bequests
  MTYP will accept bequests where terms and conditions are aligned with MTYP’s gift acceptance policies and are accompanied by a copy of documents naming MTYP as a beneficiary.
  • 3.1.3.1 Official receipts will be issued to the estate of the deceased.
• 3.1.4 Beneficiary Designations under Life Insurance Policies and Retirement Funds
  MTYP will accept gifts from being designated a beneficiary under life insurance policies and retirement funds.

3.2 Certain categories of gifts must be reviewed prior to acceptance as their acceptance may pose certain liabilities to MTYP.

• 3.2.1 Gifts of Property
  All proposals for gifts of property will be reviewed by MTYP to ensure that acceptance will not involve financial commitments in excess of budgeted items or other obligations disproportionate to the use of the gift.