GIFT POLICY
The Berthoud Community Library District (BCLD) welcomes gifts and donations from local
business, corporations, families and individuals to support BCLD that will provide BCLD with
the resources, including revenue and/or in-kind contributions, to enhance programs, activities,
events and services to the community that comprises BCLD.
The Board of Trustees of BCLD (the Trustees) believes that libraries play an essential role in the quality of life of our citizens and in this important function, BCLD is supported through public funding supplemented by donations.
Authority
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After conducting a review, the Library CEO will refer naming proposals for an entire building, significant area or collection within the building at any of its locations, to the Trustees for their consideration and review. The Trustees have authority over commemorative naming. The Trustees must approve any naming proposals prior to the CEO discussing the proposal with a prospective donor.
Revised 6/8/16; 8/12/2020; 8/9/2023; 11/13/24
Criteria for Naming Buildings and Interior/Exterior Spaces – Generally
A building or significant area within and building occupied by BCLD may be named for
individuals, families or entities meeting one or more of the following criteria:
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Donors who have made a significant financial contribution to BCLD including donors who have made a significant contribution toward the construction or operational support of a building or major renovation of an existing building or portion thereof, an endowment whether for BCLD or for the Friends of the Berthoud Library, or other program or activity of BCLD.
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Distinguished person who has provided extraordinary service to BCLD or who otherwise merits special recognition;
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Extraordinary service to BCLD as a staff member.
Criteria for Naming Buildings and Interior/Exterior Spaces – New Construction
When the naming opportunity concerns a new library building or renovation of the existing building, a donor will be required to provide a gift supporting a substantial portion of the funds needed to complete the project, or a predetermined gift. Physical spaces will not be named in honor of a donor in return for an estate commitment. A due diligence review of each naming proposal will be conducted by the Trustees to carefully consider the overall benefit of such naming to BCLD, including whether the name is and will continue to be a positive reflection on BCLD. Such due diligence shall include the following:
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Review of any possible conflict of interest issues affecting BCLD;
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Evaluation of the impact on future giving by the donor and others;
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Any other factors that could reflect negatively on BCLD.
In order to avoid any appearance of commercial influence or conflict of interest, or any other potentially adverse consequence, additional due diligence shall be undertaken before recommending that the Trustees approve any naming opportunities that include a commercial enterprise. Naming opportunities may be assigned that include a commercial enterprise only if the proposed name is appropriate in the public setting of BCLD and will not detract from BCLD’s use or reputation as a public entity.
Duration of Names and Name Changes
Naming rights in honor of an individual or individuals, family or non-commercial entity are generally expected to last for the useful life of the building, interior/exterior space or program.
Naming in honor of a commercial enterprise will have a set number of years attached to the naming, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis and included in a signed gift agreement associated with the naming opportunity. The duration of a commercial enterprise name shall normally remain the same notwithstanding future changes in the commercial enterprise name; provided, however, in the event of a name change in the commercial enterprise, the Trustees may at their sole discretion elect to remove the established commercial enterprise name or to change the name, if either such action is determined to be in the best interest of BCLD.
If a building or area within a building is substantially renovated (providing new useful life
equivalent to a new building), or if there is a significant addition to a building, it may be renamed, subject to the terms,
Removal or Change of Name
Naming recognition is provided to individuals, families and entities that exemplify the attributes of integrity and civic leadership. If an individual, family or entity for whom a naming commitment has been made violates these standards, BCLD may elect to remove the individual, family or entities name from the naming opportunity. Before taking such action, BCLD shall undertake due diligence, including consultation with counsel, as to any legal ramifications that BCLD may have under any pre-existing agreement(s) related to naming opportunities or in regard to any other matter that may have legal bearing upon a proposed change in name. Any naming authorized by the Trustees can only be revoked by a vote of that body.
Alternatively, unforeseen circumstances may make it impossible for a donor to complete a gift commitment after that commitment has been recognized by placing a name on a building, interior/exterior space or major program. The Trustees, in cooperation with the Friends, will make reasonable efforts to work with the donor to create a plan for completion of the commitment. However, in certain circumstances it may be necessary in the best interests of BCLD to remove the donor’s name from the naming opportunity.
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​All gifts and/or support must further BCLD's mission, goals, service objectives and priorities. They must not drive BCLD's agenda or priorities.
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All gifts and/or support must preserve equal access to BCLD services. Sponsorship agreements must not give unfair advantage to, or cause discrimination against, against sectors of the community.
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All gifts and/or support must protect intellectual freedom. Sponsors may not direct the selection of collections or require endorsement of products or services.
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BCLD will not sell or provide access to library records in exchange for gifts or support.
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All gifts, grants and/or support must allow for other actual or potential donors to have similar opportunities to provide support to BCLD. The Trustees may decline any gift and/or support with conditions deemed unreasonable or inappropriate.
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All gifts or in-kind support given with special requirements must be approved by the BCLD CEO. The acceptance or solicitation of gifts, grants or in-kind support by BCLD staff valued at up to $1,000 must receive prior approval of the CEO. All gifts valued at $5,000 or more must be accepted by resolution through the Trustees.
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The Trustees will not assess or suggest a value for non-monetary gifts for income tax or other purposes; any letter of acknowledgment will not contain a statement of value.