Gift Acceptance

Responsibility: Vice-President, University Relations 
Authorization: Board of Governors
Approval Date: May 11, 2001; October 5, 2020

To ensure that the University of Saskatchewan, as a registered charitable organization, accepts donations/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 the University by aligning with priorities while not hindering its reputation.  The University embraces a donor centered philosophy which includes aligning the gift with the original donor intention.

This Policy applies to all gifts accepted by the University of Saskatchewan.

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 University policy or fit with University priorities. Ownership of all gifts directed to the University vest in the University. 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 the University of Saskatchewan (cash, gift-in-kind, estate, stock, planned gift) must be processed through the University Relations office. Financial Services, the primary unit responsible for financial management, is consulted in the gift acceptance process.

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

University Relations office is responsible for coordinating fundraising, gift acceptance, and gift processing. All gifts to the University of Saskatchewan (cash, gift-in-kind, estate, stock, planned gift) must be processed through the University Relations office. Financial Services, the primary unit responsible for account management, is consulted when necessary, in the gift acceptance process.

The University of Saskatchewan expects that its faculty, staff, and agents will comply with this policy. Should there be reason to suspect that laws or university policies have been or are being violated, and the university may suffer reputational, financial or other harm as a result of non-compliance, this 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 University Relations office will ensure that 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.