Volunteer Policy
Last updated: January 24, 2026
1. Gift Acceptance Policy
This policy serves as a guide for StoryBridge staff, board members, volunteers and prospective donors who wish to make gifts to StoryBridge. Storybridge actively solicits gifts and grants that further the mission of the organization and is grateful to have the support and commitment of individuals, donors, foundations and businesses.
2. Definition of a Gift
A gift is a voluntary transfer of property for which the donor expects and receives nothing of value in return. StoryBridge does not provide tax, legal or valuation advice on any proposed gifts.
3. Types of Gifts
a. The following gifts will generally be accepted without prior review by the Board of Directors:
i. Cash.
StoryBridge accepts monetary donations in the form of cash, direct debit payments, credit card payments, cheques or money orders.
ii. Will and Bequests.
StoryBridge will accept bequests where terms and conditions are aligned with StoryBridge’s gift acceptance policies and are accompanied by a copy of the documents naming StoryBridge as a beneficiary.
iii. Beneficiary Designations under Life Insurance Policies and Retirement Funds.
StoryBridge will accept gifts from being designated a beneficiary under life insurance policies and retirement funds.
iv. Gift In Kind.
StoryBridge will accept gifts and services in-kind that are directly in support of StoryBridge programming activities and events.
b. The following gifts will generally be accepted after review by the Board of Directors:
i. Tangible personal property (equipment, art, vehicles) having a value greater than $2500. Property under $2500 may be accepted by the Treasurer or Executive Director, except those that are covered at paras 3c and 3d.
ii. Gifts with restrictions or conditions attached to their use.
c. The following gifts will generally not be accepted:
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Gifts that violate StoryBridge’s commitment to its mission and vision.
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Gifts that would jeopardize StoryBridge’s reputation and non-profit status.
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Gifts that are too difficult or too expensive to administer relative to their value or impose unacceptable costs or liabilities to StoryBridge.
d. If there is any doubt about the merit of a gift, then it should be reviewed by the Board of Directors to determine its value to StoryBridge.
4. Gift Acceptance
The responsibility for gift acceptance lies with the Board of Directors. Gifts shall be accepted by StoryBridge through the Treasurer or Executive Director (or their delegates) except when the nature of the gift requires Board approval as noted in this policy.
5. Disposition of Gifts
By accepting a gift, StoryBridge does not make any representation that it will retain the property or use it for the same purpose or in the same manner as the donor. Gifts of property may be sold, and the net proceeds will be used to further the mission and vision of StoryBridge.
6. Donor Standards
StoryBridge endorses the following donor principles:
a. Donors will be informed of the StoryBridge’s intended purposes of the gift at the discretion of the Board.
b. To have access to StoryBridge’s most recent audited financial statements at the discretion of the Board.
c. To receive appropriate, timely acknowledgement and recognition.
d. To be assured that the information about their gift is used and maintained in accordance with StoryBridge’s privacy policies.
e. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interests to the donor will be professional in nature.
f. To feel free to ask questions when making or having made a gift and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
7. Donor Requests
Storybridge honours donors’ and prospective donors’ requests to:
a. Remain anonymous for any gifts or associations with StoryBridge
b. Limit frequency of contact through telephone, or other forms of technology
c. Discontinue contact
8. Donor Information
All donor information will be kept private and shall only be used for the creation of a donor list. StoryBridge will not sell, rent, transfer or share its donor lists with outside organizations. All outside contractors are expected to agree to and adhere to StoryBridge’s policies governing the use of personal or organizational information.
9. Payment of Fundraisers
No member of the Board of Directors, employee, contractor or volunteer of StoryBridge will receive, either directly or indirectly, any finder’s fees, commissions or percentage compensation based on donations received. As a rule, StoryBridge does not contract service providers to fundraise or solicit on behalf of the organization.
10. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Board to ensure its ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
If you have questions, please contact:
The Executive Director
The StoryBridge Network
By email: info@thestorybridge.ca