EESI Gift Acceptance Policy

Whereas the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) solicits gifts, contributions, and grants (“gifts”) to advance science-based solutions for climate change, energy, and environmental challenges in order to achieve our vision of a sustainable, resilient, and equitable world; and

Whereas there could be potential costs, conflict, controversy, or reputational harm to EESI if certain gifts are solicited, received, or accepted; therefore

Be It Resolved that the EESI board of directors adopts the following gift acceptance policy:

• When assessing whether to solicit or receive gifts, or accept unsolicited gifts, EESI will consider:
  • Whether the gift would advance the mission and vision of EESI;
  • Whether the solicitation, receipt, or acceptance of the gift would present a real or perceived conflict of interest;
  • Whether there is compatibility between the intent of the donor and EESI’s use of the gift;
  • Whether soliciting, receiving, or accepting the gift could cause potential harm to EESI’s reputation;
  • Whether the primary beneficiary of the gift is EESI or the donor;
  • If the solicitation, receipt, or acceptance of the gift would be consistent with EESI’s past practices;
  • Whether the form of the gift would cause undue expense to or difficulty for EESI to liquidate;
  • Whether the gift carries any restrictions on EESI; and
  • Any other factors that might be relevant to the circumstances of the gift.

• Examples of gifts that EESI routinely accepts include cash (typically checks sent by mail or donations made online), publicly- traded securities, distributions from retirement accounts, and proceeds from estates and planned giving.

• EESI reserves the right to refuse any gift based on our sole determination of these considerations and at our sole discretion.