INTRODUCTION
The leadership and Board of the Christian International School of Prague (CISP) are grateful for the generous support of the global CISP community! The following guidelines exist in order to effectively steward and ensure that each gift is used to further the mission and vision of CISP.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Giving to CISP should be through the least restrictive means so as not to encumber CISP with gifts that (a) cost more to administer than the benefit received, or (b) cannot be easily liquidated into cash. In other words, gifts should not be accepted if the donor restricts or designates the gift in a manner that is inconsistent with the immediate use of the gift to fulfill the mission and vision of CISP.
Prior to accepting any donation, CISP may, in its sole discretion, consider whether the donor engages in an activity or cause that would be inconsistent with CISP’s mission and vision, statement of faith, or conduct expectations.
Prospective donors should be encouraged to seek their own legal and/or tax counsel advice in matters relating to their charitable gifts, taxes, and estate plans. Likewise, CISP should not enter into any giving agreement without the advice of CISP’s legal counsel and tax accountants.
No finder’s fee or commission will be paid to anyone as consideration for directing a gift to CISP.
SPECIFIC GIFT GUIDELINES
A. Gift Type
1. The preferred form of donating to CISP is through a gift of cash. If a question arises at the time of the gift as to (a) legal title to the donated funds, or (b) legal capacity of the donor to donate the funds, then CISP may reconsider its acceptance of a cash donation.
2. Generally, donors should make cash gifts by a banking transfer [such as ACH or wire] or credit card, and in either such event, payable solely to The Christian International School of Prague. CISP may not accept a donation payable to (a) more than one payee, (b) an employee, director, or volunteer of CISP, or (c) another individual, regardless of whether, in any such case, the donation is for the credit or benefit of CISP.
3. For tax purposes, donors are encouraged to give in US or CA dollars through the organization TeachBeyond, provided the gift is made explicitly to CISP’s TeachBeyond account.
4. Donors in the United States are also encouraged to give to the CISP Foundation. This organization is officially separate from CISP, but its exclusive legal purpose is to support the mission and vision of the Christian International School of Prague. The Board of the CISP Foundation is responsible for distributing funds directly to CISP.
B. Restricted Gifts and Gift Designations
1. CISP will include a statement substantially in the following form in its fundraising and solicitation materials, and donor receipts:
“The Christian International School of Prague (CISP) has adopted and operates based on specific Gift Acceptance Guidelines. These address various methods of giving. Acceptance of a donation by CISP is subject to these guidelines. CISP will treat any donor gift restrictions and/or designations as a suggestion, unless the Board of CISP has approved the restriction and/or designation in advance of receiving the gift.”
2. In the event a restricted or designated gift is approved in advance of receiving the gift, then the restricted or designated gift may only be used for the purpose(s) for which they are restricted or designated. CISP will determine if a segregated account will be established for the gift. If CISP does not use the restricted or designated funds, in whole or in part, for the purpose(s) restricted or designated, then CISP will return the remainder of the gift to the donor unless the donor releases the restriction or designation.
For questions about giving to CISP, please contact the development team at [email protected].
