Mission and Values Alignment: The Institute for Family Studies (IFS) solicits and accepts gifts that are consistent with its mission and values. This evaluation considers both a donation’s stated purpose and the interests of the donor. Specifically, IFS will not accept gifts that:
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Serve purposes that do not align with the mission
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Come with interests or purposes—stated or unstated—that compromise IFS’ independence or neutrality
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Create incompatibility between the donor’s intent and the organization’s use of the gift
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Require associations with illegal, unethical, or otherwise controversial activities
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For any other reason pose significant reputation risk
Because IFS’ work includes tech policy, IFS will not accept donations from companies commonly grouped under the banner of “Big Tech,” as this would constitute a conflict of interest.
However, generally speaking, IFS’ acceptance of a donation does not constitute an endorsement of that donor’s words, actions, and values. As a nonpartisan research and educational organization, IFS strives to engage scholars, policymakers, cultural leaders, and laypeople of all backgrounds and systems of belief. No ideological purity tests will be imposed upon donors beyond the evaluation criteria listed above.
Donor Types: Donations will generally be accepted from individuals (directly or through donor-advised funds or other means), partnerships, nonprofit organizations, foundations, government agencies, and corporations. Potential donations from individuals wishing to remain anonymous, government agencies and corporations will receive a higher level of scrutiny to affirm mission and values alignment.
Donation Types: In the course of its regular fundraising activities, IFS will accept donations of money, real property, personal property, stock, and in-kind services. Certain types of gifts, especially property and complex securities, will be reviewed prior to acceptance due to the special liabilities they may impose. Donated assets will be liquidated as soon as possible by the Executive Director or Finance Manager. IFS does accept restricted, named, and planned/deferred donations, all of which are subject to the same evaluation criteria.
Evaluation Process: All potential donations are reviewed by multiple IFS staff members. Should a potential donation raise prima facie concern, the Executive Director will be notified. For particularly large (generally $100,000+) and/or complex potential donations, the Executive Director will consult the IFS board. If a staff or board member has a personal or financial relationship with a prospective donor, he or she will recuse him/herself from the evaluation process.
