OFFICIAL DONATION POLICY
The Better Than Before Foundation (BTB)
Reentry • Training • Transformation
1. Purpose of the Policy
The Better Than Before Foundation (BTB) establishes this Donation Policy to provide clear guidelines for the acceptance, management, recognition, and stewardship of all contributions received. Donations support BTB’s mission of empowering formerly incarcerated individuals to rebuild their lives through NCCER‑accredited construction‑trade training, job placement, housing and income assistance, financial and technological literacy, and mental health and addiction support services.
2. Donation Tier Structure
Tier 1: General Supporters
Definition: Individual or small-business contributions that sustain BTB’s ongoing programs and daily operations.
Typical Range: $1–$999
Guidelines:
· May be unrestricted or designated to a specific program (training, housing, counseling, etc.).
· Standard acknowledgment letter issued within 7 business days.
Recognition:
· Listed in BTB annual donor report.
· Invitation to quarterly community updates.
· Optional anonymity.
Tier 2: Program Sustainers
Definition: Moderate-level gifts that strengthen BTB’s core reentry and vocational training programs.
Typical Range: $1,000–$9,999
Guidelines:
· May include program-specific designation (NCCER materials, job-placement support, case management).
· Donor receives personalized acknowledgment and inclusion in Program Impact Newsletter.
Recognition:
· All Tier 1 benefits.
· Invitation to tour BTB training sites and meet program staff.
· Recognition on BTB’s website under Annual Sustainers.
Tier 3: Major Impact Donors
Definition: Significant contributions supporting major initiatives such as training expansion, housing assistance, or mental health programming.
Typical Range: $10,000–$99,999
Guidelines:
· Requires a Major Gift Agreement detailing donor intent, restrictions (if any), and reporting schedule.
· May be used for scholarships, equipment, or new program capacity.
Recognition:
· All Tier 2 benefits.
· Recognition at BTB graduation events.
· Opportunity to name a scholarship or training cohort.
Tier 4: Leadership Partners
Definition: High-level contributions that advance BTB’s long-term sustainability and strategic growth.
Typical Range: $100,000–$999,999
Guidelines:
· Requires Leadership Gift Agreement and board notification.
· May fund new programs, facility upgrades, or a multi-year initiative.
· Donor receives semi-annual impact reports.
Recognition:
· All Tier 3 benefits.
· Prominent recognition during BTB community events.
· Naming rights for program spaces (subject to board approval).
Tier 5: Transformational Benefactors
Definition: Extraordinary contributions that reshape the future of BTB and transform reentry opportunities at scale.
Typical Range: $1,000,000+
Guidelines:
· Requires board approval and comprehensive donor agreement.
· May involve creation of an endowment, facility purchase, major expansion, or statewide initiative.
Recognition:
· Customized stewardship plan.
· Dedicated relationship manager.
· Largest naming opportunities (facilities, endowments, long-term programs).
· Special annual impact publication.
3. Gift Acceptance Guidelines
Acceptable Gifts
· Cash, checks, and electronic payments
· Securities and stock transfers
· Employer-matching gifts
· In-kind goods/services supporting construction, housing, or technology programs
· Real estate, vehicles, or equipment (subject to review)
· Legacy gifts (bequests, trusts, insurance beneficiary designations)
· Endowment or scholarship fund contributions
Unacceptable Gifts
· Conflict with BTB’s mission or community values
· Create legal, financial, or reputational risk
· Carry excessive or unmanageable restrictions
· Cannot be used in compliance with donor intent or operational capacity
4. Donor Intent & Use of Funds
Restricted donations must align with approved BTB programs.
If original restrictions cannot be honored, BTB will request updated donor guidance; if unavailable, BTB follows applicable legal procedures.
Unrestricted funds are used where most critically needed (training, housing, case management, mental health programming, etc.).
5. Stewardship & Reporting
All donors receive IRS‑compliant receipts.
Reporting frequency depends on tier level; major donors receive enhanced impact reporting.
BTB undergoes annual financial audits to maintain transparency and trust.
6. Confidentiality & Privacy
BTB protects donor information and does not sell or share donor lists.
Public recognition is optional and documented in donor records.
7. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed every two years or sooner if required by law, operational updates, or board directive.