As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, WIA gratefully accepts tax-deductible sponsorships to support its mission relevant activities. WIA is also committed to maintaining its integrity and impartiality, as well as the appearance of impartiality, and to maintain public confidence in the organization. WIA will not solicit or accept sponsorships or gifts from corporate entities whose practices, policies, or operations are deemed unacceptable and contrary to its values and mission.

Statement of Policy

WIA actively solicits and encourages the business community and other organizations to become sponsors and donors of WIA events, programs, and services. WIA enters into sponsorship agreements with sponsors and accepts donations from organizations it deems appropriate. Sponsorship agreements may vary by sponsor. This policy is designed to be mindful of WIA’s status as a nonprofit organization under the law. WIA reserves the right to refuse or decline any offer of sponsorship at its absolute discretion or to negotiate with the sponsor concerning any aspect of a proposed sponsorship.

A sponsorship is defined as a mutually beneficial exchange arranged in advance whereby

• WIA obtains financial support for a specified activity.
• Sponsor receives acknowledgement in return for cash and/or products and services-in-kind to WIA.

A donation is defined as a contribution to WIA for support of its mission, programming and events.  

• WIA obtains financial support for specific activity.
• Donor does not receive public acknowledgement in return for cash and/or products and services-in-kind to WIA.

Sponsorship and Donor Guidelines

WIA welcomes sponsorship and donors in support of its organizational efforts subject to the following guidelines:

1. WIA will not accept sponsorship that reflects in a negative manner on the organization, does not align with its mission statement or adopted values, or is not in the best interest of the health and safety of the organization as determined by decision-making parties listed below.
2. WIA does not endorse, directly or by implication, any products, services, or ideas promoted by sponsorship or donor organizations.
3. Individual staff will not receive any substantial benefit from association with sponsors or donors.
4. WIA retains control over all sponsored programs and sponsors will not have input into operational matters relating to a project they have sponsored.
5. Sponsor or donor does not receive any priority treatment or governance over WIA programming.
6. WIA reserves the right to determine appropriateness of linking to the Sponsor or Donor from the WIA web and social media properties. 

No Endorsement 

WIA, by accepting a sponsorship or donation, is not giving an implied or real endorsement of that donor. All public communications regarding philanthropic engagements are subject to prior agreement by WIA and the donor. No third-party entity, including a corporation, may use WIA name and/or trademarks without explicit written permission.

Right to Terminate

WIA retains the right to terminate a philanthropic engagement for reasons relating to actual or potential reputational harm or legal compliance, breach of an agreement, and misuse of WIA intellectual property including its name or brand.

Gift Acceptance Review 

WIA’s Board of Directors will convene as needed to review and make determinations regarding a potential gift(s). WIA reserves the right to refuse any gift it believes is not in the best interest of the organization. All decisions to solicit and/or accept potentially controversial gifts are made by the Board of Directors.

Restrictions on Gifts

WIA will not accept gifts that (a) would result in WIA violating its mission, (b) would result in WIA losing its tax-exempt status as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)3 as recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, (c) are too difficult or too expensive to administer in relation to their value, (d) would result in any unacceptable consequences for WIA or (e) are for purposes outside WIA’s mission. Decisions on the restrictive nature of a gift, and its acceptance or refusal, are made by the Board of Directors. In order to be honored, gifts with restrictions on use of funds are required to be in writing and state the specific restrictions. If WIA is not able to honor the restrictions, WIA will work with the donor to come to a mutually-agreeable solution.

Gifts Generally Accepted Without Review

• Gifts from donors that explicitly share the mission and values of WIA
• Gifts from donors with which WIA has an established and beneficial funding relationship
• Gifts from non-controversial donors

Gifts Accepted Subject to Prior Review

Certain forms of gifts or donations are subject to review prior to acceptance. Examples of gifts subject to prior review include, but are not limited to:

• Gifts from institutional donors (including foundations, foreign government agencies, corporations, corporate foundations, or for-profit entities) that might not implicitly or explicitly share the core values of WIA
• Gifts that require review by legal counsel: E.g. securities, tangible personal property, life insurance proceeds, or real estate
• Gifts that could lead to conflicts of interest
• Gifts that include significant restrictions

Use of Legal Counsel

WIA seeks the advice of legal counsel in matters relating to acceptance of gifts when deemed appropriate. Review by counsel is used for:

• Gifts of securities that are subject to restrictions or buy-sell agreements.
• Documents naming WIA as trustee or requiring WIA to act in any fiduciary capacity.
• Gifts requiring WIA to assume financial or other obligations.
• Transactions with potential conflicts of interest.
• Gifts of property which may be subject to environmental or other regulatory restrictions.
• Non-cash gifts if the donor is willing to cover legal review costs, if necessary and costs related to bringing donation to completion.
• Gifts involving use of Charitable Remainder Trust and other comparable strategies.
• Gifts of art or other collectible items.

Gifts In-Kind

WIA considers gift-in-kind donations that provide added benefit to the organization’s work and mission. WIA will provide an official acknowledgement to donors for their accepted gifts, but in accordance with IRS regulations, the organization cannot provide gift valuation and the donor is responsible for determining the value of the gift. If an in-kind donation does not further the organization’s goals, WIA reserves the right to decline the gift and/or send the donation and donor contact information to another charitable organization.