IRS & Revenue Agency Regulations Policy for Fundraisers
1 Purpose
This policy explains the statutory and regulatory obligations that apply when raising funds for or on behalf of Globalgood Corporation (“Globalgood”). It summarizes the key provisions of the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules and parallel revenue-agency frameworks worldwide, and sets operational standards for issuing charitable receipts. The goal is to ensure every fundraiser—existing or prospective—meets the highest levels of compliance, transparency, and donor confidentiality while protecting Globalgood’s tax-exempt status and the deductibility of donor gifts.
2 Scope
This policy covers:
- Existing Fundraisers—staff, volunteers, contractors, or third-party organizations currently authorized to solicit donations for Globalgood.
- Prospective Fundraisers—individuals or organizations seeking authorization to fundraise on Globalgood’s behalf.
- All jurisdictions in which Globalgood or its agents raise funds, with primary emphasis on the United States and analogous disclosure regimes in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, the European Union, and other territories.
3 Legal Framework & Key Statutes
Below is a non-exhaustive list of statutes, guidance notes, and agency publications that directly govern donation receipting and substantiation:
Jurisdiction | Primary Statutes / Guidance | Key Compliance Points |
United States | Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §170(f)(8) & §6115; Treasury Reg. §1.170A-13; IRS Publication 1771 | Written acknowledgment required for gifts ≥ $250; disclosure of quid-pro-quo benefits; inclusion of EIN; issuing within 30 days |
Canada | Income Tax Act §110.1 & §118.1; CRA Guidance CG-014 | Official donation receipt format; bilingual receipt content; 5-year retention |
United Kingdom | Charities Act 2011; HMRC Gift Aid Scheme | Gift-Aid declaration wording; benefits < 25 % of gift; record retention 6 years |
Australia | ATO Taxation Ruling TR 2005/13; Div. 30 Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 | Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) receipt requirements; market-value test for non-cash gifts |
European Union | Domestic charity laws & EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) | Data-privacy obligations; cross-border donor disclosures |
Fundraisers operating outside these regions must consult the relevant national revenue authority or seek guidance from Globalgood’s Compliance Office before soliciting donations.
4 Receipt-Issuance Requirements
4.1 Issuance Deadline
An official charitable receipt must be issued within 30 calendar days of the date Globalgood receives cleared funds or verified in-kind property.
4.2 Mandatory Receipt Content
Every receipt—physical or electronic—must contain:
- Globalgood’s legal name: Globalgood Corporation
- Globalgood’s Employer Identification Number (EIN / Tax ID): [XX-XXXXXXX]
- Donor’s full name (and address if required in the jurisdiction)
- Date the donation was received
- Amount of cash contributed or concise description of non-cash property
- Fair-Market Value (FMV) of any goods or services provided in exchange (quid-pro-quo benefits)
- Tax-deductible amount (gift minus FMV)
- Statement confirming no goods or services were provided, or description and FMV of those provided (per IRC §170(f)(8))
- Signature (digital or handwritten) of an authorized Globalgood representative
- Unique receipt ID/serial number for audit tracking
4.3 Formatting & Delivery
- Receipts may be emailed as secure PDF files or mailed on Globalgood-branded letterhead.
- Electronic receipts must embed anti-tampering measures (read-only PDF, digital signature).
- All receipt templates are centrally controlled by the Compliance Office. Fundraisers may not create or modify templates without prior written approval.
5 Determining Fair-Market Value (FMV) of Benefits
When donors receive premiums—such as event tickets, merchandise, or hospitality—fundraisers must:
- Conduct objective FMV research (e.g., comparable retail prices, advertised ticket rates).
- Document valuation method and evidence.
- Show FMV on both the donor receipt and the internal reconciliation log.
- Ensure FMV is reasonable; inflated or understated values can trigger penalties or disallow the deduction.
5.1 De Minimis & Token Benefits (U.S. Only)
Under IRS Rev. Proc. 90-12 (as amended), benefits below de minimis thresholds need not reduce the donor’s deductible amount. The fundraiser must, however, disclose the benefit and note its estimated FMV as $0 in the internal record. Consult Publication 1771 for current dollar thresholds.
6 Non-Cash Contributions
6.1 Property & Securities
- Donors contributing property valued at >$500 must file IRS Form 8283; Globalgood will complete Section B for items valued at ≥ $5,000.
- Fundraisers coordinate appraisals for unique or high-value items.
- Transfers of publicly traded securities must route through Globalgood’s designated brokerage account.
6.2 Credit-Based Money – Central Ura
Globalgood accepts donations in Central Ura—a credit-based money issued under the Credit-to-Credit (C2C) Monetary System. Central Ura is not a cryptocurrency; it is fully backed by assets and designed to maintain a fixed real value:
- URU 1.00 ≈ 1.69 g of gold in real economic value.
- Pegged to the U.S. Dollar with a protective floor of USD 136.04 per URU, ensuring the unit’s purchasing power even if gold prices fall.
Fundraisers must treat Central Ura donations the same way they treat cash donations for receipting purposes, reflecting the USD equivalent on the receipt and noting “Central Ura (credit-based money)” in the description field.
Reference resources:
globalgoodcorp.org/donation-options/central-ura-credit-based-money-donations/
globalgoodcorp.org/donation-options/founding-holders/
6.3 Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
Globalgood accepts a limited set of cryptocurrencies processed through its approved crypto-donation platform. Fundraisers must follow the separate Cryptocurrency Directive 2024-01 for KYC/AML procedures and valuation.
Accepted Cryptocurrencies | Ticker |
Bitcoin | BTC |
Ethereum | ETH |
Tether (ERC-20) | USDT |
Stellar Lumens | XLM |
Fundraisers must refuse any cryptocurrency not listed above and direct donors to approved alternatives (cash, Central Ura, securities, etc.).
7 Acknowledgement vs Official Receipt
A donor acknowledgement (e.g., thank-you email) is not a legal receipt. Fundraisers must ensure donors receive the compliant receipt outlined in Section 4.
8 Record-Keeping & Reporting
- Retention – Keep all transactional records, receipt copies, donor correspondence, and valuation evidence for ≥ 7 years (longer if local law requires).
- Data Protection – Storage systems must comply with GDPR and other applicable privacy laws.
- Annual Filings – Globalgood’s Finance Department files IRS Form 990 and equivalent returns; fundraisers must supply accurate data by internal deadlines.
9 Roles & Responsibilities
Role | Key Responsibilities |
Fundraisers | Collect complete donor details; issue receipts via approved system; track FMV & currency conversions; attend annual compliance training |
Globalgood Compliance Office | Maintain templates; update legal references; perform quarterly receipt audits; guide fundraisers |
Finance Department | Reconcile donations; file statutory returns; maintain donor ledger |
Donors | Retain receipts; consult tax advisers on deductibility |
10 Training & Resources
- Mandatory annual compliance webinar (new staff must attend within 30 days of onboarding).
- Reference materials: IRS Publication 1771, CRA CG-014, HMRC Gift Aid Guidance, ATO TR 2005/13, Cryptocurrency Directive 2024-01.
- Contact compliance@globalgoodcorp.org for case-specific enquiries.
11 Non-Compliance & Disciplinary Measures
Violations may result in:
- Suspension or revocation of fundraising authority
- Internal disciplinary action up to dismissal
- Referral to external regulators
- Civil or criminal penalties imposed by the revenue agency
12 Review & Amendment
Reviewed annually or sooner if triggered by legal or operational changes. Updates approved by the Chief Compliance Officer and published under Legal Policies and Notices on globalgoodcorp.org.
13 Contact Information
Globalgood Compliance Office
Email: compliance@globalgoodcorp.org
Phone: +1 614-829-5030
Mail: 7211 Charleton Ct., Canal Winchester, OH 43110, USA
Disclaimer
This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Donors and fundraisers should consult qualified professionals to address their specific circumstances.