A
Purpose
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) welcomes engagement and philanthropic support from individuals and entities that share our commitment to building a world in which freedom and democracy prevail, with dignity for all. Contributions to NDI advance our mission and activities and strengthen the Institute’s institutional resilience.
This Gift Acceptance Policy provides guidance to staff, donors, and partners to ensure that contributions align with NDI’s mission and values, comply with applicable laws, mitigate risk, prevent conflicts of interest, and protect the Institute’s integrity, independence, and credibility.
Mission Alignment and Ethics
NDI accepts monetary and in-kind contributions that:
- Advance and support NDI’s mission and approved program objectives;
- Are consistent with NDI’s core values, including transparency, democratic governance, and human rights;
- Do not create actual or perceived conflicts of interest or unacceptable reputational risk; and
- Are lawful, do not violate applicable sanctions, and do not impose obligations or restrictions that compromise NDI’s independence or operations.
To safeguard the Institute and its mission, NDI reserves the right to decline or return any gift that does not meet these standards.
Sources of Funding Accepted
NDI regularly conducts due diligence on donor relationships and prospective gifts to identify and address potential legal, reputational, and operational risks.
Funding from the U.S. Government
NDI has a history of receiving U.S. Government grant funding and ensures full compliance with all grant management, reporting, and audit requirements. NDI independently determines its programmatic priorities and evaluates whether to participate in available U.S. Government funding opportunities.
Funding from Foreign Governments and Multilateral Organizations
NDI has a history of receiving grant funding from foreign governments and multilateral organizations that support democracy assistance and ensures full compliance with applicable requirements. NDI does not accept funding from non-democratic governments, regardless of purpose. NDI independently evaluates whether to pursue foreign government and multilateral funding opportunities.
Funding from the Private Sector (U.S. and Foreign)
NDI welcomes support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and other philanthropic entities, both U.S. and foreign. All prospective donors and gifts are reviewed in accordance with this policy and applicable due diligence standards.
Types of Contributions Accepted
Subject to review and due diligence, NDI may accept the following types of contributions from U.S. and foreign sources:
- Cash contributions (check, credit card, wire transfer, donor-advised funds, IRA transfers);
- Publicly traded securities;
- Bequests and other legacy gifts;
- General operating support;
- Program-specific grants;
- In-kind contributions (e.g., pro bono services, event space, technology); and
- Sponsorships aligned with mission-consistent public engagement.
NDI does not typically accept gifts of real estate, closely held stock, or other illiquid assets unless specifically reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors due to associated legal, financial, or operational risks.
Anonymous Gifts
NDI may accept anonymous gifts provided that:
- All gifts are fully vetted in accordance with this policy and due diligence requirements;
- Requests for anonymity do not prevent appropriate legal, financial, or ethical review; and
- The source of the gift would otherwise be acceptable under this policy.
NDI will honor donor requests for public anonymity where feasible and appropriate, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is required by law.
Due Diligence
NDI conducts due diligence on all individual and institutional donors contributing $250 or more. Screening may include, as appropriate:
- U.S. Department of the Treasury Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) and Blocked Persons List;
- United Nations Security Council sanctions lists;
- U.S. System for Award Management (SAM) exclusion and debarment lists; and
- Other relevant lists related to anti-terrorism financing or human rights violations.
NDI also assesses whether prospective donors are associated with activities incompatible with democratic norms, including support for authoritarian regimes or efforts that undermine democratic governance.
Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) Compliance
NDI will not accept any contribution that would require the Institute to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) or otherwise compromise NDI’s independence, credibility, or legal standing. Acceptance of gifts may be subject to additional review by Executive Management, the Board of Directors, or relevant committees, as required by law or policy. NDI may also be required by state, local, or federal law to apply additional restrictions, prohibitions, or review of donations, including restrictions on accepting donations from individuals located in countries identified as sources of concern by the U.S. government.
Restricted Gifts and Grants
NDI may accept restricted gifts and grants when restrictions:
- Support approved programs or objectives;
- Do not compromise NDI’s independence or strategic priorities; and
- Are clearly documented in writing.
NDI reserves the right to refuse or return gifts that impose excessive reporting requirements, administrative burdens, or operational constraints incompatible with the Institute’s capacity or mission.
Transparency, Review, and Oversight
NDI is committed to transparency and accountability. All contributions are acknowledged in accordance with IRS regulations, and major institutional donors may be recognized publicly unless anonymity is requested and approved. NDI maintains good standing ratings on relevant charity oversight groups, such as Charity Navigator and Candid.
This policy is reviewed regularly by NDI Executive Management and the Board Development Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. The most current version is posted publicly on NDI’s website and available upon request.
NDI is audited annually by an independent accounting firm, adheres to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), and is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law.
