USask Gift Acceptance

To ensure that the University of Saskatchewan (USask), as a registered charitable organization, accepts donations or gifts based on informed decisions, that such gifts are receipted in accordance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations and guidelines, and that the donor's intent is adequately documented and appropriately approved.

This policy is founded on ethical gift acceptance methodologies which are in place to further enhance the mission of USask by aligning with priorities while not hindering its reputation.  USask embraces a donor centered philosophy which includes aligning the gift with the intention of the donor.

This Policy applies to all gifts accepted by USask.

All gifts must be compliant with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations and other applicable agency guidelines. Gifts may not be accepted if the donor places parameters on the gift which do not meet USask policies or fit with USask priorities.

Ownership of all gifts directed to USask vest in USask. The final decision to accept or decline a gift, rests with the Board of Governors.

The University Relations office is responsible for coordinating fundraising, gift acceptance, and gift processing. All gifts to USask (cash, gift-in-kind, estate, stock, planned gift) must be processed through the University Relations office. The University Relations office will maintain gift acceptance guidelines and ensure gifts are given appropriate consideration by the respective receiving colleges/units, which includes the creation of trust agreements, receiving endowed gifts, non-cash gifts and financial arrangements.

The Strategic Finance Office is the primary unit responsible for financial management and fund administration policies and procedures and is consulted in the gift acceptance process.

Gifts to USask that are deemed acceptable will be acknowledged with a charitable receipt as directed by Canada Revenue Agency regulations, and will be used by USask in accordance with the direction, if any, of the donor.

USask expects that its faculty, staff, and agents will comply with this policy. Should there be reason to suspect that laws or USask policies have been or are being violated, and USask may suffer reputational, financial or other harm as a result of non-compliance, may constitute grounds for disciplinary or legal action in accordance with any applicable agreements, contracts, collective agreements, regulations or policies, legislation or common law principles. 

The source of institutional approved definitions is in the Academic and Curricular Nomenclature.

• Academic and Curricular Nomenclature 
• Guidelines for Gift Acceptance Policy