The Ice Cream Association

Sponsorships, Donations, and Gift Acceptance Policy 

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear, consistent, and transparent standards governing the solicitation, acceptance, recognition, and management of sponsorships, donations, and other gifts made to The Ice Cream Association (“the Association”). This policy is intended to safeguard the Association’s integrity, independence, and reputation while supporting its mission, programs, and strategic objectives.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all sponsorships, donations, and gifts received by The Ice Cream Association from individuals, corporations, foundations, members, non-members, and other entities. It applies to all Association staff/management, volunteers, officers, and members of the Board of Directors involved in fundraising, sponsorship development, or donor relations.

3. Definitions

  • Sponsorship: A contribution of funds, goods, or services provided in exchange for defined recognition or benefits, including but not limited to event visibility, branding, or promotional opportunities.

  • Donation (Gift): A voluntary contribution of funds or in-kind support provided without expectation of commercial benefit, influence, or endorsement.

  • In-Kind Contribution: Non-cash goods or services donated to the Association.

  • Donor/Sponsor: Any individual or entity providing a sponsorship, donation, or gift to the Association.

4. Guiding Principles

The Ice Cream Association shall accept sponsorships and donations only when such support:

  • Is consistent with the Association’s mission, values, and tax-exempt purpose

  • Does not compromise, or appear to compromise, the Association’s independence, governance, or decision-making authority

  • Does not create actual or perceived conflicts of interest

  • Complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations

Acceptance of a sponsorship or donation does not constitute endorsement by The Ice Cream Association of any donor’s or sponsor’s products, services, or positions.

5. Acceptable Sponsorships and Donations

The Ice Cream Association may accept sponsorships and donations from:

  • Members and non-members

  • Corporations and businesses

  • Foundations and nonprofit organizations

  • Individuals

Support may be provided in the form of monetary contributions, in-kind goods or services, or sponsorship of Association events, programs, publications, or digital platforms.

6. Prohibited Sponsorships and Donations

The Ice Cream Association shall not accept sponsorships or donations that:

  • Conflict with the Association’s mission, values, or ethical standards

  • Require or imply endorsement of a specific product, service, or political position

  • Seek to influence Association policy, advocacy positions, research, standards, or governance decisions

  • Are contingent upon exclusive or preferential access to Association leadership, management, or members outside of established programs

  • Are unlawful, discriminatory, or otherwise inconsistent with Association policies

  • Would reasonably be expected to result in reputational, legal, or operational risk to the Association

7. Gift Acceptance Thresholds and Approval Authority

The following approval thresholds apply to all sponsorships, donations, and gifts made to The Ice Cream Association:

  • Up to $10,000
    May be reviewed and accepted by Association management in accordance with approved budgets and this policy.

  • $10,001 – $50,000
    Requires review and approval by the President or Executive Director (or equivalent senior leadership).

  • Over $50,000
    Requires review and approval by the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee.

Notwithstanding the thresholds above, the Board of Directors reserves the right to review and approve any sponsorship or donation, regardless of amount, that may present potential conflicts of interest, reputational risk, legal considerations, naming rights, or long-term obligations.

8. Restricted Gifts

The Ice Cream Association may accept restricted gifts only when:

  • The restriction aligns with the Association’s mission and strategic priorities

  • The restriction is clearly documented in writing

  • The Association determines it has the operational capacity to fulfill the restriction

The Association reserves the right to decline restricted gifts that are overly burdensome, impractical, or inconsistent with its objectives.

9. Sponsorship Recognition

  • Sponsorship benefits and recognition shall be defined in advance and documented in a written agreement, sponsorship prospectus, or similar documentation.

  • Recognition may include logos, acknowledgments, signage, digital placement, or verbal recognition, as determined by the Association.

  • The Ice Cream Association retains sole discretion over the form, placement, and duration of sponsor recognition.

  • Sponsorship recognition shall not imply endorsement by the Association.

10. Use of Funds

All sponsorship and donation funds shall be used solely to support the mission, programs, and operations of The Ice Cream Association and shall be managed in accordance with the Association’s financial controls and oversight policies.

11. Transparency and Disclosure

  • Sponsorships and donations may be publicly acknowledged unless anonymity is requested and approved by the Association.

  • Any actual or potential conflicts of interest related to sponsorships or donations must be disclosed and managed in accordance with the Association’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

12. Right of Refusal and Termination

The Ice Cream Association reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to decline, discontinue, or terminate any sponsorship or donation relationship if it determines that continuation of the relationship is no longer in the best interests of the Association.

13. Policy Review

This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Board of Directors and updated as necessary to reflect best practices, legal requirements, and the evolving needs of The Ice Cream Association.