Central Okanagan Food Bank Gift Acceptance Policy

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

The Central Okanagan Food Bank (“COFB”, “we”, “us”, “our”) welcomes donations that support our purpose to relieve hunger and improve food security in our community. 

This policy establishes guidelines for the acceptance of gifts and donations to ensure that all contributions align with the organization’s purpose, vision, values, legal obligations, and operational capacity. 

 

When does this Gift Acceptance Policy Apply?

This policy applies to all donations made to the Central Okanagan Food Bank, including monetary contributions, gifts in kind, securities, planned gifts, sponsorships, and corporate partnerships. 

It applies to all fundraising staff, volunteers, leadership, and members of the Board of Directors. 

 

Types of Gifts Accepted 

The Central Okanagan Food Bank accepts gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations, community groups, and other organizations. 

According to the Canada Revenue Agency, a gift is defined as a voluntary transfer of property without consideration. 

The organization may accept the following types of gifts: 

Monetary Gifts 

  • Cash 
  • Cheques 
  • Credit card or electronic payments 
  • Online donations 
  • Electronic funds transfers 

Publicly Traded Securities 

  • Stocks 
  • Mutual funds 
  • Bonds 

Publicly traded securities may be sold upon receipt and converted to cash unless otherwise determined by the Executive Director. 

Gifts in Kind 

Gifts in kind may include: 

  • Food donations 
  • Equipment and operational supplies 
  • Property or other tangible goods that support operations 

All gifts in kind will be reviewed to determine their usefulness and whether they can be reasonably accepted, stored, or distributed. 

Planned Gifts 

The Food Bank may accept planned gifts including: 

  • Bequests 
  • Life insurance policies 
  • Residual interest gifts 
  • Charitable annuities or other estate gifts 

Certain gifts may require legal or financial review prior to acceptance. 

Guidelines for Gift Acceptance 

All gifts must support the purpose, vision, and values of the Central Okanagan Food Bank. 

The organization will not accept gifts that: 

  • Compromise the independence or integrity of the organization 
  • Restrict the organization’s ability to carry out its mission 
  • Damage the reputation or credibility of the Central Okanagan Food Bank 
  • Create unreasonable financial or operational burdens 
  • Expose the organization to legal or reputational risk 

The Central Okanagan Food Bank reserves the right to decline any gift. 

Independent Advice

The Central Okanagan Food Bank aims to ensure that acceptance of a gift will not create an undue financial hardship for a donor or their family. The organization reserves the right to defer or decline a gift if there is a concern that the contribution may jeopardize the donor’s essential financial security.

COFB does not provide legal, financial, or tax advice; donors are responsible for seeking independent professional counsel to determine the tax implications and legal consequences of their gift. We strongly encourage all donors to consult with their own legal, financial, or tax advisors before making significant or complex gifts.

Any costs associated with seeking such advice (e.g., legal fees, appraisals for tax purposes) are the responsibility of the donor unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Executive Director.

 

Corporate Partnerships 

Partnerships with businesses and organizations can enhance the Food Bank’s ability to address food insecurity in our community. 

Corporate partnerships may include: 

Community Investment Partners
Corporate donations or foundation grants supporting programs or operations. 

Event Sponsorship
Support for fundraising events in exchange for recognition or participation benefits. 

Employee Engagement Partners
Organizations whose employees volunteer or organize workplace fundraising initiatives. 

Third-Party Fundraisers
Businesses that donate a portion of sales or organize campaigns benefiting the Food Bank. 

Program Support Partners
Organizations providing goods, services, or expertise that support programs or operations. 

All corporate partnerships will be evaluated to ensure alignment with the Food Bank’s mission and community values. 

 

Food Industry and Retail Donations

The Central Okanagan Food Bank works closely with grocery retailers, food producers, distributors, farms, and other food industry partners. 

Food donations are vital to supporting our programs and services. 

When accepting food donations, the Food Bank will: 

  • Ensure donated food meets applicable food safety standards 
  • Decline food that is unsafe, expired, or unsuitable for distribution 
  • Accept surplus food donations where safe and appropriate 
  • Prioritize nutritious and appropriate food items 
  • Follow all applicable public health and food handling regulations 

Donations requiring significant handling, storage, or disposal costs may be evaluated before acceptance. 

 

Naming Opportunities 

The Central Okanagan Food Bank may offer naming recognition for significant contributions associated with programs, facilities, or initiatives. 

Authority to approve naming opportunities rests with the Executive Director in consultation with the Board of Directors or an appropriate board committee. 

Naming recognition must align with the values and reputation of the organization. 

 

Reputational Risk and Donor Review 

Maintaining public trust is essential to the work of the Central Okanagan Food Bank. 

The organization may evaluate potential reputational, ethical, or operational risks before accepting significant gifts or partnerships. 

The Food Bank may decline gifts from individuals or organizations where acceptance could: 

  • Conflict with the organization’s purpose, vision, or values 
  • Undermine public trust 
  • Create reputational risk 
  • Involve unlawful or unethical activities 
  • Create undue influence over programs or decision-making 

Where concerns arise, the Executive Director may consult with the Board of Directors or a designated board committee.

Charitable Tax Receipting 

Charitable tax receipts will be issued for eligible donations in accordance with regulations established by the Canada Revenue Agency.

For non-cash donations, fair market value will be determined in accordance with CRA guidelines. Independent appraisals may be required for certain gifts. 

Receipts will be issued to the individual or organization making the donation. 

 

Transparency and Accountability 

The Central Okanagan Food Bank is committed to transparency and responsible stewardship of donated funds. 

  • Donations will be recorded and reported in accordance with accepted accounting practices. 
  • The organization will respect donors’ wishes for anonymity where requested. 
  • The organization will respect donors’ wishes to no longer be contacted, or to limit the method or frequency of contact.
  • Public recognition of donations will occur only with donor consent. 
  • Financial reporting will comply with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements. 

Donors are encouraged to consult their legal or financial advisors regarding the tax or estate planning implications of charitable gifts.