Donor Recognition Policy

Donation or gift: A philanthropic/charitable contribution of cash and/or in-kind goods or services by a private individual(s), foundation, or corporation made to the Library, the VPL Foundation or the Friends of Vancouver Public Library, without expectation or requirement of a reciprocal benefit. While most donors expect some form of recognition in addition to a charitable tax receipt, the recognition is marginal in value relative to the value of the donation as defined by the Canada Revenue Agency.

Donor recognition: public and private actions taken to recognize and celebrate a donation.

Major gift: a substantial gift, typically a one-time donation of $20,000 or more; or a pledge totaling $25,000 or more.

CRPD: Community Relations, Planning & Development committee of the VPL Board

When identifying options for recognition, VPL will consider the history of the donor’s Indigenous relations, and how public association with a donor may impact the reputation of VPL in the eyes of Indigenous patrons, communities, and local Nations.

VPL will consider recognition for Indigenous donors that is culturally relevant and respectful of the traditions and protocols of local Nations and Indigenous partners. This could include traditional means of expressing gratitude.

1. Principles
   • Recognition will be timely, meaningful, and consistent
   • The Library will respect the wishes of any donors wanting to remain anonymous.
   • Recognition activities will be consistently offered/applied by the Library and the VPL Foundation, and generally implemented by the VPL Foundation.
2. Goals of Recognition
   • To thank and recognize donors
   • To motivate subsequent giving by current donors and cultivate future donors
3. General Guidelines
   • VPL will follow Canada Revenue Agency guidelines related to donations
   • Recognition will strive to be appropriate to, but may not be limited to, the service, collection, or area related to the donation.
   • Publicity of donations may be considered, with the agreement of relevant parties.
   • Recognition will not extend beyond the useful life of equipment or materials, unless otherwise specified in a gift agreement.
4. Recognition Opportunities 
   VPL staff will work with the VPL Foundation to create a thoughtful and appropriate recognition plan for major gifts, reviewing previous recognition for similar donations. Recognition opportunities will vary according to the size of the donation, and may include both public and private acknowledgements. 
   
   Naming may be considered as a means of recognizing donations. Naming of library spaces is guided by VPL’s Interim Naming Library Spaces Policy. Fundraising programs designed to offer opportunities for naming of Library assets other than physical spaces will be approved by the VPL Board, with the following guidelines: 
    
   • Naming of a Library event, program, or service will convey that it is a VPL activity, with funding provided by the donor.
   • Corporate names, not logos, will be used when recognizing corporate donors.
5. Approval of Recognition of Donation 
   The Chief Librarian & CEO may approve recognition of donations which are: 
   a) valued at $50,000 or less per year, subject to the naming policy; and 
   b) have a total multi-year value of $150,000 or less.
   The Library Board will approve recognition of donations exceeding these values.

Staff who convey commitments that are not aligned with this policy, or otherwise fail to comply with this policy, may face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. The VPL Board may request that Council remove board members who fail to comply with this policy.

• Art Donations
• Library Square Look-Back Recognition
• Naming of Library Spaces (interim)
• Programming at Vancouver Public Library
• Sponsorship