Published: November 13, 2026
Cotton Branch Refuge Project raises funds through honest communication and responsible stewardship. A person's trust, financial circumstances, privacy, or connection to an animal must never be exploited. This policy guides appeals, events, sponsorships, partnerships, and acceptance of cash and noncash gifts.
Accurate appeals and respectful choices
Describe the purpose of an appeal, the relevant need, and material limitations accurately. Images and stories must fairly represent the situation. Estimates, future plans, and aspirational goals must be identified as such. We correct significant errors when discovered and do not invent rescues, outcomes, urgency, testimonials, or endorsements.
Donating is voluntary. We do not pressure someone to give beyond their means, imply that services or care depend on an unrelated donation, or use shame, threats, or misleading countdowns. Communications must respect channel consent, opt-outs, and our Donor Privacy Policy.
Matching gifts and campaign funds
Before advertising a match, confirm the actual commitment and document its source, amount or cap, eligible dates, qualifying gifts, and material conditions. State the match terms clearly. Do not present money already received without a matching condition as if each new gift unlocks additional funds.
Honor restrictions we explicitly accept. Track restricted gifts so spending can be checked against the agreed purpose. Campaign language should explain how excess funds, an unmet goal, a changed need, or an unworkable project will be handled. A later website edit does not retroactively release an accepted restriction. Where the original purpose cannot be fulfilled, seek appropriate donor agreement or follow a lawful process before redirecting funds.
Accepting and declining gifts
Routine, unrestricted gifts consistent with our mission may be accepted by authorized staff. Material restrictions, naming arrangements, sponsorship conditions, unusual assets, related party gifts, and gifts carrying significant obligations require appropriate leadership or unconflicted Board review before acceptance.
- Decline conditions that compromise animal welfare, equitable treatment, independent governance, or honest communication.
- Assess legal, environmental, financial, reputational, storage, and disposal burdens before accepting property or noncash assets.
- Do not promise a tax result, assign a donor's tax-deduction value, or provide personal tax advice. Receipts must describe the gift and any goods or services provided accurately.
- Reject gifts associated with unlawful activity or unacceptable control over our decisions. Obtain professional advice when a gift requires it.
Partnerships and conflicts
Evaluate sponsorships and partnerships for consistency with our mission, animal welfare, inclusion, and public trust. Document meaningful benefits, deliverables, permitted name and logo use, and any commercial relationship. Do not imply an endorsement that has not been agreed. Disclose and independently manage conflicts under our Conflict of Interest Policy.
Stewardship, errors, and questions
Record gifts and restrictions accurately, reconcile receipts, protect payment information, and use resources for authorized purposes. Refund requests, duplicate or erroneous transactions, charge disputes, and concerns about a restriction receive individual review under the relevant facts, platform terms, and applicable law. We do not promise a blanket refund right or an automatic right to retain an improper gift.
For a donation question, contact Evan Costner at evan@cottonbranch.org. Suspected misuse, misleading appeals, or retaliation may be reported through our independent reporting options. The Board oversees material gift decisions and reviews fundraising practices.