Recognizing that the donor, whether individual or corporate, is a crucial and appreciated element in any giving program, Traverse Area District Library acknowledges that importance through the following policy.
Types of Gifts
- Monetary
The Library accepts all levels of monetary gifts (including financial securities, bequests, and trusts). One-time gifts are recognized* on the Donor Wall for permanent recognition and displayed accordingly in one of the following giving levels:
- Bronze Level - $500 - $4,999
- Silver Level - $5000 - $9,999
- Gold Level - $10,000 or more
Unrestricted monetary gifts under $30,000 will be used at the discretion of the Library Director. Unrestricted monetary gifts over $30,000 will be used at the discretion of the Library Board of Trustees, under advisement of the Library Director.
Restricted monetary gifts will be accepted on the condition that the specific use requested is consistent with the goals and objectives of the Library.
The Library Board of Trustees will acknowledge and formally accept gifts of $10,000 or more at a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Gifts over $10,000 which are used for a specific purpose will be acknowledged* on the Donor Wall and, if appropriate, a plaque acknowledging* the donor will be displayed in the area where monies have been spent.
*Donors reserve the right to remain anonymous.
- Non-Monetary / In-Kind
The Library accepts in-kind (goods or services other than cash) gifts at the discretion of the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees under the following conditions:
- Gifts of library materials (books, DVDs, CD’s, Things, etc.) are accepted with the understanding that the Library reserves the right to add them to its collection, distribute them to other libraries, donate them to the Friends of TADL for fundraising purposes, or discard them. Any proceeds derived from such disposal may be used at the discretion of the Administration for library improvement or staff development.
- Gifts other than library materials (personal assets or property, art objects, collectibles, services etc.), if accepted, are accepted only on the condition that they may be sold, kept, given away or discarded at the discretion of the Library Board and/or the Library Director. However, specific requests for the disposition of an item will be taken under advisement by the Board, and the gift will be returned if the request is not deemed to be suitable to the goals and objectives of the Library.
The Library will not appraise or estimate the value of non-monetary gift donations. The responsibility for such assessment lies with the donor. The Library also reserves the right to temporarily suspend acceptance of non-monetary gifts at any time.
Non-monetary gift items will be formally acknowledged, if appropriate, at the donor’s request.
- Historical
The Library accepts items of local historical value to the community that are within the parameters of the Traverse Area District Library’s Local History Collection. Items donated must meet the right to donate and transfer ownership requirements under the Museum Disposition of Property Act or any other applicable law. Intellectual property rights shall be conveyed and assigned to TADL when the gift is made. The donor(s) must agree that TADL would hold the sole ability to provide conservation efforts for the materials and in determining the disposition of these materials. In the event that TADL determines to dispose all or any portion of the Property following the donation, TADL shall follow all disposal procedures within the Deed of Gift for Local History Collection of the Library.
Combined Gift and Donor Recognition Policies December 15, 2022