Gift Acceptance Policy

Revised July 2025

At Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD), we believe in the power of community and collective care. Every donation we receive helps us provide culturally grounded, justice-driven birth and reproductive health support to low-income families across Chicagoland. Your generosity directly supports free DONA-certified training for every CVDoula cohort and ensures doula services remain accessible to individuals who need them most.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we’re committed to transparency and integrity in all aspects of our fundraising and donor relations.

Purpose of the Policy

This Gift Acceptance Policy governs the acceptance of donations from individuals, foundations, businesses, and other entities. It ensures that contributions are aligned with our mission and that we remain in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

What We Accept

Unrestricted and Restricted Gifts
We accept both unrestricted donations and those designated for specific programs, provided the restrictions align with our mission. If a restriction becomes impractical or burdensome to honor, we may reach out to the donor to amend or redirect the gift. In some cases, we may respectfully decline or return a gift.
Types of Gifts
CVD accepts a variety of gift types, including:
- Cash or credit card donations
- Pledges with clear documentation
- In-kind goods or services (e.g., birth kits, office equipment, pro bono services)
- Bequests and planned gifts
- Donor-advised funds and beneficiary designations
- Securities and cryptocurrency (processed through a designated third-party)
- Tangible personal property, subject to review
Real estate, intellectual property, or complex assets may require legal or financial review and approval by CVD leadership before acceptance.

Refund Policy

Donations are generally considered nonrefundable. However, we understand errors can happen. Refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis within 90 days of the donation. Contact comms@thecvd.org to inquire.

Anonymous Donations

We encourage donors to share their names so we may recognize their generosity. However, we will honor requests for anonymity and take care to assess and document anonymous donations to ensure legal compliance and ethical standards.

Confidentiality and Donor Privacy

CVD is committed to safeguarding donor information. We never sell or share donor data and will only disclose information when legally required or with donor consent. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

Donor Acknowledgment

Every gift matters. All donors will receive a written acknowledgment including:

Our full organization name
The date and amount (or type) of the gift
A statement about tax-deductibility, when applicable

Legal and Financial Guidance

We always recommend that donors consult with their own legal or tax advisors regarding the value and treatment of charitable gifts. CVD staff do not provide legal or financial advice.

Contact

For questions about giving to CVD or to discuss a gift, please email: comms@thecvd.org. Thank you for supporting birth justice and reproductive freedom with us.

Support CVD Today 💜

Your donation directly fuels birth justice in action. When you give through our site, you help:

Provide free DONA-certified doula training to every CVDoula cohort
Offer no-cost, culturally grounded doula services to low-income families across Chicagoland
Sustain a community-centered model of care rooted in equity, compassion, and collective power
Ensure that CVDoulas are paid for their labor—because community care should never depend on unpaid work

Fund the Frontline

Every contribution strengthens our ability to care for birthing people who are too often left behind. Thank you for standing with us.

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