Detroit Public Media (DPM) Naming Recognition Policy: 234 Piquette
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define the scope, standards, responsibilities, and approach for philanthropic gift naming opportunities related to the Detroit Public Media Campus. Naming opportunities exist to recognize the extraordinary generosity of individuals and entities whose extraordinary accomplishments, exemplary service, or enduring financial contributions advance DPM’s charitable mission and its standing in the community. This policy governs only naming established in recognition of philanthropic gifts. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Board of Trustees as outlined below.
This policy also articulates the process for determining minimum gift amounts for naming buildings, portions of buildings, and areas owned by DPM. Minimum gift thresholds are important to ensure that DPM has adequate funds available to achieve the purposes for which a donor makes a gift.
This policy is in accordance with the Organization’s Gift Acceptance Policy.
Scope
This policy applies to all fundraising for the Imagine the Possibilities for 234 Piquette Campaign. It sets the standards for which donor giving may be recognized through naming opportunities. This includes, but is not limited, to:
- Buildings, rooms, facilities, physical infrastructure, common spaces, green spaces, elements of spaces, and physical areas of other types;
- Identifying the persons authorized to offer and accept a gift with a naming opportunity;
- Describing the legal and ethical standards within which gifts will receive recognition;
Approval
This policy and the naming opportunity schedule will be approved by the Board of Trustees.
The Campaign Director, CFO and CEO will approve all naming proposals before formal presentations are sent to prospective funders. The Board of Trustees will approve gift agreements that exceed $1 million in value.
All proposals will be reviewed to ensure that the naming opportunity:
- Enhances the organizational reputation and standing in the community;
- Recognizes considerations that relate to donor recognition;
- Complies with ethical and legal fundraising practices;
- Is commensurate with and proportionate to the reason for the donor recognition.
DPM reserves the right to revoke a naming if the donor does not fulfill a pledge obligation as outlined in the gift agreement including, but not limited to, failing to make installments as scheduled in the gift agreement.
Ethics and Duration
To uphold DPM’s core values, facilities shall only be named for individuals and organizations that exemplify the attributes of honesty, leadership, and character consistent with the values of DPM. DPM reserves the right to revoke a naming at any time, if the Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion, determines the continued use of the name may compromise the public trust or reputation of DPM.
The Board of Trustees has the authority to change the name of a space, facility, or building if warranted by changing circumstances. The naming of DPM’s facilities, or portions thereof, is intended to be in place for a period commensurate with the expected life of the named asset (ranging from 10-25 years). Whenever possible, DPM leadership will consult with the donor or donor’s family to determine the most appropriate way to continue recognizing a gift in some other manner when the original use is no longer appropriate.
Specific exclusions include any name associated with a political party or elected official.
Naming Opportunity Schedule
The Development Committee and Building and Real Estate Committee, will periodically review and approve a schedule of gift naming recognition opportunities and associated recommended gift amounts that ensure a significant portion of the construction expenditures are recovered through philanthropic support. The schedule shall be an internal document and shall not be shared with the public unless approved by the Campaign Director and CEO.
Minimum gift levels must strike the appropriate balance between financial need and prospect capacity and readiness and, of necessity, must be revised periodically to reflect DPM’s financial and operational needs, strength of the economy, and philanthropic capability of the prospect pool. Likewise, minimum gift levels must account for these same external economic forces and measures of prospect capacity balanced against the operational needs of DPM.
The Campaign Director will maintain such schedule and ensure it is in accordance with this policy.
The Board of Trustees shall be kept apprised of all such solicitations via a report provided by management to the committee responsible for the campaign at its regular meetings.
Gift Agreement
The Campaign Director will draft a gift agreement for all campaign related gifts that outline specific naming proposals in accordance with this policy. The CFO must approve all gift agreements prior to formal presentation to the funder. A legal signatory representative of Detroit Public Media and Funder must sign the Gift Agreement.
When a philanthropic gift will be paid over a multi-year period or through planned gift mechanisms, the time of the official naming recognition must be clearly articulated in the accompanying gift agreement.
Exceptions
Exceptions to any portion of this policy may only be granted by DPM’s Board of Trustees.
