by Mateo BROOKS, Treasurer | April 26, 2026

The first quarter of 2026 gave Esperanto-USA a strong start to the year. Revenue was higher than expected, while expenses remained well controlled. That does not mean every dollar is freely available for any purpose. But it does mean the organization entered the spring with healthy cash flow, a strong reserve, and enough flexibility for upcoming programs.

The short summary is this: members renewed strongly, donors continued supporting the work, program income began coming in, and some larger expenses will simply arrive later in the year.

The Key Numbers

During Q1, Esperanto-USA’s total revenue was $52,931. After $964 in costs directly tied to sales, the gross result was $51,967. The most important revenue sources were:

• Membership dues: $14,927
• Donations: $12,209
• Program income: $9,525
• Reed Trust income: $14,862

Total expenses were $27,381, and the quarter ended with a surplus of $24,586.

We also ended the quarter with $62,471 in bank accounts. That matters because money in bank accounts is the money most readily available to pay bills, prepare events, and support the organization’s day-to-day work. In addition, we continue to hold the $50,000 restricted gift in a certificate of deposit so that it can earn interest while we prepare the right way to use it for cultural programs.

Compared with the Budget

The budget is our plan. The actual numbers show how the year really began.

• Revenue: $52,931
  Planned: $38,403
• Expenses: $27,381
  Planned: $37,752
• Final result: $24,586
  Planned: -$473

The difference is clearly favorable. But the reason is not simply “more money.” The real picture is more nuanced. First, membership dues and donations were strong at the beginning of the year. Second, some program costs are planned for Q2 and Q3, especially related to summer activities and the Landa Kongreso.

A note on membership fees: two years ago we decided to renew all memberships at the beginning of the year. Starting in this year’s budget process (for 2027), we’ll try to align that income expectation better in the budget so that reports in Q1 next year more accurately align to the expectations.

So Q1 was a good quarter, but not a reason for careless spending. It is a reason to move forward carefully and confidently.

Why the Surplus Needs Context

The $24,586 surplus looks very strong, and it is a good sign. However, not every part of that surplus is ordinary money that can be used freely.

For example, $5,000 of the donations was a restricted gift for International Representation. That money must serve that purpose. The $14,862 connected to the Reed Trust is also not ordinary income for general administrative costs. The first 90% are not considered operating income, but this year we’ll transfer them again to ESF to support NASK.

When we separate out those special items, the more practical operating surplus is about $4,724. That is a healthy result. It shows that Esperanto-USA’s day-to-day financial base is growing stronger, without overstating the meaning of one quarter.

One especially encouraging point is this: membership dues and bookstore income covered about 60% of our general and program costs during Q1. That is a step in the right direction. We still depend on investments and funds for part of our work, but our ordinary revenue base is showing more strength.

Investments and the Reed Trust

Esperanto-USA’s main Morgan Stanley investment accounts ended the quarter at $536,525. That is lower than at the end of 2025, but the main reason was planned annual withdrawals to support the 2026 budget. This is not a sign of day-to-day financial weakness. It is part of the plan already built into the Board’s budget.

The Reed Trust ended at $431,312. As usual, its picture is a little less simple because the Trust isn’t owned by E-USA; it’s only administered by us. Still, we are pleased that its income will again chiefly support NASK in 2026 through a grant arrangement with ESF.

Market values always move. For that reason, we do not treat short-term changes as the most important measure of our success. The more important question is whether the investments continue to support Esperanto-USA’s long-term stability. At this point, they do.

Continuing to Improve Our Financial Work

Beyond the numbers themselves, Q1 was also a time to improve our internal financial work.

We are continuing to work with our bookkeeper to show transactions and program classes more clearly in QuickBooks Online. That will help us report more clearly to both the Board and the membership.

We are also clarifying the best way to show investment income and money movements between accounts. Those details may not sound exciting, but they matter. Good reporting depends on good internal habits.

Finally, I plan to propose a clearer support structure for future treasurers. The goal is simple: Esperanto-USA should preserve strong financial expertise not only now, but also in the future.

Looking Ahead

After Q1, Esperanto-USA is in a good position to continue working on the upcoming Landa Kongreso, the new e-book project Guteto, clearer financial reporting, and careful use of restricted and investment resources.

Q1 was a quarter of careful execution: strong revenue, controlled expenses, and clear attention to the future. That is exactly the kind of financial foundation our movement needs.

^{Back to the finances page}

The post 2026 Q1 Financial Update appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

Our excellent financial performance earlier in the year allowed us to fund our flagship publication, the US Good Film Festival (UBFF), and the new grant process for local groups without risking our stability. We ended 2025 as an organization that doesn’t just collect funds, but effectively deploys them for its mission.

Investment Performance & Liquidity

Investments: Our Morgan Stanley portfolio reached a significant milestone, closing the year at $588,032. The E-USA accounts grew by ~$12% just in the last quarter. Despite our high activity in Q4, these investments provide long-term stability and a solid foundation for growth in 2026.

The Reed Trust (which E-USA administers) also saw modest growth despite it’s quarterly withdrawals. Next year, we’re excited to share that the full, planned income for the trust will again support NASK (the North American Summer Course). NASK will also again coincide with the Landa Kongreso making it easier for people to attend both — more to come on that!

Liquidity: We ended the year in a strong cash position with $17,320 in immediate liquid bank accounts. We also successfully moved the $50,000 restricted gift from Danielle Power to a high-interest, flexible CD. This kind of account earns a higher interest rate ensuring that it grows while remaining available for future cultural program usage.

Plan vs. Actual: A Successful Year-End Balance

Here is the comparison for our Q4 performance:

• Income: $7,967 (Planned: $37,114)
• Expenses: $34,015 (Planned: $36,337)
• Net Result: -$26,048 (Planned: +$777)

Takeaway: The revenue variance is due to the fact that we met our major income targets earlier in the year than expected. Because of our strong fundraising in Q2 and Q3, we were able to focus on programmatic delivery in Q4. We stayed within our expense budget and successfully weathered some unexpected timing-related challenges (like two issues of Usona Esperantisto hitting us in one quarter).

Full-Year Budget Analysis: A Model of Stability

Taking the full year into view, Esperanto-USA demonstrated remarkable resilience and efficiency. The full-year performance was strongly positive, ending the year with a net surplus of $14,493. This success is a direct result of our strategy to secure income early and then wisely invest those funds into member services.

Our discipline allowed us to finish the year with total expenses significantly lower than the full-year projection, even with the high Q4 activity. This positions us perfectly for the ambitious projects ahead in 2026.

Administrative Actions

During Q4, we didn’t just spend on programs; we strengthened our internal structure:

1. Chart of Accounts: We implemented a more modern system for 2026 for even more transparent reporting to our members.
2. Shipping Classification: We refined our cost tracking for better efficiency.
3. 2026 Planning: At the beginning of December, we successfully finalized the 2026 budget process, ensuring our future financial priorities are clearly defined and ready for immediate implementation.

Looking Forward

We close 2025 in our strongest financial position in recent history. Because of our successful work, the Board is now moving forward with:

• Restarting the E-USA Publishing Department.
• Expanding into grant writing to secure even larger projects.
• Increasing staff support for our programs and the upcoming Landa Kongreso.

^{Back to the finance page}

The post 2025 Q4 Financial Update appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

Esperanto-USA is establishing a new publishing house, “Guteto,” to expand access to Esperanto literature in the United States and beyond. 

Guteto will publish new original works, educational materials for English-speaking learners, and republish classic works. The new initiative directly supports Esperanto-USA’s mission to advance the education and dissemination of Esperanto in the United States and beyond, by offering accessible works for beginners to experts alike. 

The project was developed in collaboration with Stela BESENYEI-MERGER, who led its conception and structuring.

“There are so many things that excite me about the project: making classic literature accessible to people and imagining the new discussions, understanding, and friendships that will be formed through shared reading experiences,” said Stela BESENYEI-MERGER. “I see Guteto evolving in such a way that reading in Esperanto will become something that seamlessly fits into everyday life.”

She also highlighted the inspiration behind the project: “The name Guteto honors Morojo’s work. Her involvement in the science fiction world is also a nod to our first Guteto project. Morojo’s works exist for the community. Her zines were an invitation to collaboration and contributed to encouraging reading in Esperanto and creatively encouraged engagement. I hope the publishing house will feel the same way for all of us.”

The establishment of Guteto is also an important step forward in supporting the mission of Esperanto-USA, with an emphasis on accessibility and global reach.

“With Guteto, we aim to bring Esperanto-USA’s publishing work into the 21st century. We can use ebooks to make high-quality Esperanto literature more easily accessible to readers around the world, without barriers such as shipping, storage, or customs,” said Brandon SOWERS, President of Esperanto-USA. “We want to build a publishing house that simultaneously preserves our cultural heritage and supports the development of new literature.” 

To learn more about the project and be notified of news and upcoming publications, visit the official Guteto page.

The post Guteto – Esperanto-USA’s Publishing House appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

Esperanto-USA announces the creation of the Committee on the 75th Anniversary of Esperanto-USA, in celebration of its milestone anniversary in 2027.

During the March board meeting of this year, the board approved a special committee to highlight the important upcoming milestone for Esperanto-USA. This committee will coordinate festivities in 2027, including the creation of a special logo, the preparation of an updated edition of A History of ELNA with new material covering 1905 – 1952, the selection of historically significant locations for the 2027 American Esperanto Congress, and the development of a program to celebrate and publicize the occasion. Its charter can be found here.

The special committee is composed of the following founding members: Elle BECK, David BECK, Bradford SMITH, and Izaak ZAWYRUCHA-MOORE. 

The committee’s work supports Esperanto-USA’s lasting mission to “advance education and dissemination of the international language.” Izaak ZAWYRUCHA-MOORE, chair of the special committee, firmly believes that uncovering and educating about the history of the Esperanto movement in the United States is essential to teaching, informing, and guiding the future of the movement in the country, especially during turbulent times.

“We need a few enthusiastic volunteers to make it unforgettable,” says Izaak ZAWYRUCHA-MOORE. “If you are fascinated by our history, from Zamenhof’s 1910 greeting to our “Land of Freedom” in Washington, D.C., to early congresses in places like Madison, Wisconsin, and Sacramento, California, this is your opportunity to deepen that interest.”

If you are interested in volunteering with this special committee, contact Izaak ZAWYRUCHA-MOORE at izaak.zawyrucha@esperanto-usa.org.

The post Esperanto-USA announces 75th Anniversary Committee appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

NASK will remain a central experience for Esperanto learners, offering a week-long immersion in the language. Participants will learn, live, and socialize together in a fully Esperanto environment, with a focus on rapid progression and community bonding.

The 2026 US Esperanto Conference will include lectures, cultural events, and local excursions. The event aims to bring together participants from across the United States and internationally for a weekend of exchange and community.

Additional updates, including the final schedule and detailed program, will be released soon.

Contact: Conference Team – kongreso2026@esperanto-usa.org

The post This Year’s U.S. Annual Esperanto Conference appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

The financial health of Esperanto-USA rests not only on budget plans and daily expenses but also on a solid pillar: the investment portfolio (or investaĵaro). Although membership dues are essential, they cover only a portion of the organization’s operating costs. To support programs — such as grants for local meetings in Cleveland, reducing costs for the National Congress (Landa Kongreso), and technical maintenance for the Central Office — the organization relies on the growth of its investments. The current strategy is moderate regarding risk, aiming for (and often achieving) an annual yield of more than 10 percent.

Dialogue: What is in the “Basket”?

In the following conversation, the Treasurer explains to a new board member, Elena, the reasons why the organization chooses specific tools for its funds.

Elena: While studying the balance sheet, I noticed that a large portion of our resources is held in investment accounts instead of ordinary bank accounts. Why don’t we simply use a traditional savings account?

Treasurer: Savings accounts are indeed safe, but their interest is often lower than inflation. For Esperanto-USA to grow and finance future projects, it is necessary to place a portion of our resources into stocks and bonds.

Elena: Isn’t that too risky for a non-profit organization? The securities market sometimes experiences sudden drops.

Treasurer: That is a completely valid concern. That is why the organization does not buy individual stocks in specific companies. Instead, we use ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds). You can imagine them as baskets full of hundreds of different stocks. They are more efficient and less costly than traditional mutual funds. If one company in the basket fails, the hundreds of others keep the whole thing stable.

Elena: So, is that the diversification mentioned in our guidelines?

Treasurer: Exactly. Through this strategy, the organization maintains moderate risk yet enjoys an annual yield of approximately 10 percent. This gain directly helps pay for various software and services for the Central Office without the need to excessively raise membership dues. Furthermore, it allows the Board to support local grants and other programs so that we can advance the mission of Esperanto-USA.

Elena: I understand. So the investments work like an engine that constantly generates resources for the movement’s goals.

Treasurer: Precisely! Soon you’ll be ready to be the Treasurer yourself!

Fundamental Terms

Here is an overview of the fundamental terms used in the conversation above:

Institutional Policy

The investment strategy of Esperanto-USA is not accidental, but carefully documented in the Financial Management Policy. A detailed description of the guidelines can be found at the following link:

Financial Management Policy – Investment Strategy

Understanding the language of finance helps every member recognize the resources that ensure the long-term future of Esperanto in the United States.

^{Back to the finance page}

The post Exploring the Language of Finance – Part 5: Investment Accounts and Strategy appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

Supporting clubs: our strategy, our budget, your idea

Esperanto‑USA believes a simple truth: the strongest way to grow Esperanto in the United States is through local people, local relationships, and local activities. Clubs and regional groups are often the first place a beginner feels genuinely welcomed. In many cases, local friends actively encourage those beginners to continue learning Esperanto—and, ideally, to also become members of Esperanto‑USA.

That’s why, in the current budget, we set aside a dedicated amount to support local and regional clubs. As Treasurer, my role is both to protect the organization’s finances and to ensure that our resources truly serve the mission. This grant program does both: it invests in the most effective channel for engaging people, while remaining transparent and responsible.

New grant application

To simplify the process, we recently launched a straightforward application form. You can request funding using the new grant application.

What kinds of projects can a grant support?

Grants are intended for concrete activities that strengthen learning, visibility, and community engagement. Since our budget year follows the calendar year, requests should be for support during a year. If you request for help with space or technology costs that recur each year, you should plan to resubmit an application each year that you need help.

Examples of support or project costs that you can request support for:

• rental of space for meetings, courses, or public programs
• printed outreach materials (posters, flyers, beginner guides)
• basic materials for “Try Esperanto” events or information tables at local events
• modest costs for outreach and reaching new audiences
• technical needs for public talks or hybrid meetings (as appropriate)
• Meetup (or similar services) subscriptions if that’s the main way you attract new members to your club or communicate club gatherings

Tip: The strongest applications clearly explain (1) what you plan to do, (2) how much it will cost, and (3) how you will know the project is successful.

What we look for in a strong request

We aim to be fair, consistent, and transparent. A strong application typically:

1. Has a clear goal (e.g., a series of meetups, a beginner course, a public lecture)
2. Includes a realistic budget (what the expenses are and why they are necessary)
3. Describes the expected impact (how many participants you expect, how many new contacts you aim to reach, and whether follow‑up activities are planned)
4. Aligns with Esperanto‑USA’s mission: learning, community, and sustainable local presence

Accountability without unnecessary bureaucracy

We want this program to support volunteers—not burden them. At the same time, because these are organizational funds, basic accountability is necessary.

After the project, we generally ask for:

• a brief report (what took place, how many people attended, what you learned)
• basic documentation for major expenses (such as receipts or payment confirmations), as needed
• ideally, a short article submitted to Usona Esperantisto for publication

This protects both you and the organization, and it helps us show the membership: “This is how budgeted funds turned into real, local movement‑building.”

Invitation to clubs: propose, test, and grow

If your club has an idea—even if it is not yet perfectly polished—I encourage you to submit an application. A small, well‑planned grant can be the difference between “we would like to do something” and “we actually did it.”

Once again, here is the grant application.

The post Grants for local and regional clubs (new request form) appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

En la mondo de financoj, fermi la librojn simple signifas fini la monaton tiel, ke la financinformo spegulu la realon. Ni faras praktikajn ordigadojn: ni bilancas la bankajn kaj kreditkartajn kontoeltiraĵojn kun nia oficiala financsistemo: QuickBooks Online (QBO). Ni notas tempodiferencojn kaj korektas evidentajn misklasifikojn. Ni ankaŭ faras kelkajn ĵurnalajn registrojn por klarigi specialajn situaciojn, ekzemple kiam mono moviĝas el la investa konto en la bankokonton kaj tuj poste eliras por pagi programan elspezon. Alia tia situacio estas kiam kosto apartenas al junio (ekz) sed la fakturo alvenas en julio. Post tio ni pretigas la financajn raportojn por analizi kiel la organizo progresas al la jaraj celoj kaj por prezenti klaran, fidindan bildon al la estraro kaj al la membraro.

Por konkretigi tiujn agadojn, jen mallonga, fikcia interparolo inter la Kasisto kaj la Direktoro de la ĉefoficejo.

Kasisto: Ni ankoraŭ ne ricevis la fakturon pri la bazaj oficejaj provizoj kiel elektroprovizo, akvoprovizo, rubforigo, interretkonekto, ktp. Por teni junion kompletan, ni registru akrualon je 900 $.

Direktoro de la ĉefoficejo: Bone. Mi faros ĵurnalan registron por debeti Bazprovizo-elspezon je 900 $ kaj krediti Pagendaĵojn je 900 $. Tiel junio montras la koston eĉ antaŭ ol ni ricevos la fakturon.

Kasisto: Bonege. La banka kontoeltiraĵo montras 2 000 $ da nepagitaj ĉekoj. Nur temas pri tempodiferenco… ni klarigos tion en la bilancigo.

Direktoro: Ni antaŭpagis 12 000 $ por la kongresejo. Pasis unu monato, do ni registru 1 000 $ kiel elspezon.

Kasisto: Ĝuste! Debetu Elspezon 1 000 $ kaj kreditu Antaŭpagitan elspezon 1 000 $. Dum ni faras tion, ni registru amortizon por la kopiilo. Rondigu tion je 500 $ por junio.

Direktoro: Ankoraŭ unu: la enspezo por la oktobra ateliero. Ni ricevis jam 6 000 $ en julio.

Kasisto: Tio nun estas neankoraŭ gajnita enspezo. Ni prokrastu ĝin kaj rekonu ĝin poste dum ni liveras la programon.

Direktoro: Post tiuj paŝoj, mi kalkulos la provan bilancon kaj certigos, ke la etatoj kongruas.

Vortoj lernitaj

• Ĵurnala registro (Journal Entry): Per mana enskribo en la financsistemo kun debetoj kaj kreditoj por transakcio. Kelkaj kontadaj agadoj ne rekte kongruas al fakta transakcio (ekz. kiam ni registras parton de la amortiza kosto ĉiumonate). Por certigi, ke ĉi tiaj aferoj estas en la sistemo por bone trakti la librojn, librotenisto aŭ alia profesiulo devas registri ilin mane.
• Akrualo/enperiodigo (Accrual): Meti kostojn kaj enspezojn en la ĝustan periodon… ne laŭ la monfluo. Tio ĉi estas tre grava agado por certigi, ke la financraportoj reflektas la regulajn, atendatajn elspezojn en monato (ekz. tiaj por monataj utilaĵoj).
• Prokrasti (Defer) / Prokrasto (Deferral): Rekoni poste tion, kio estis pagita aŭ ricevita nun. Estas malpermesate, ke ni ne en niaj libroj registru la enspezoj de evento antaŭ ol la evento fakte okazos, eĉ se ni ricevas monon dum la registrada procezo antaŭ la evento.
• Neankoraŭ gajnita enspezo (Unearned Revenue): Mono ricevita por laboro ankoraŭ ne liverita. Vidu “Prokrasto”-n supre.
• Bilanci (Reconcile) / Bilancigo (Reconciliation): Klarigo de diferencoj inter banka kontoeltiraĵo, sublibroj kaj la ĉeflibro. Dum ni bilancas la etatojn, ni analizas iajn diferencojn por klarigi kial ili okazis aŭ kiel ni devos fari por korekti erarojn.
• Antaŭpagita elspezo (Prepaid Expense): Aktivo, kiu laŭtempe fariĝas elspezo.
• Amortizo (Depreciation): Planita elspezigo de longdaŭra aktivo.
• Ricevaĵoj — A/R (Accounts Receivable): Sumo ŝuldata al la neprofitcela organizo.
• Pagendaĵoj — A/P (Accounts Payable): Sumo kiun la organizo ŝuldas al aliaj.
• Prova bilanco (Trial Balance): Listo por konfirmi, ke debetoj egalas kreditajn enskribojn antaŭ ol oni faras la etatoj.

Tiuj paŝoj certigas, ke la Etato de Financaj Agadoj kaj la Etato de Financa Pozicio estas klaraj kaj fidindaj. Kaj tio konstruas la fidon de la membraro.

^{Reen al la paĝo de financoj}

The post Monata Financfermado: Kion ni faras por certigi, ke niaj financlibroj restas bonstataj appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

Purpose: 

Esperanto‑USA (“the Organization”) solicits and accepts charitable gifts that support and further its mission to advance education in and awareness of Esperanto in the United States. This policy guides donors, volunteers, staff, and board members in evaluating, accepting, or declining gifts and ensures that acceptance decisions protect the Organization’s integrity, financial health, and reputation.

Policy:

1. Scope

This policy applies to all forms of gifts—including cash, securities, tangible and intangible property, and planned‑giving instruments—offered to Esperanto‑USA for any purpose, program, or service.

2. Definition of Major Gift

A major gift triggers formal review and is defined as (a) any cash or marketable security valued at $10,000 or greater, or (b) any proposed non‑monetary asset of any value (e.g., real estate, tangible personal property, intellectual property). Gifts described in (b) are not ordinarily accepted and will be processed in accordance with §3 and §7.

3. Gifts Generally Accepted Without Review

1. Cash & Cash Equivalents – including checks, ACH, credit/debit cards.
2. Marketable Securities (Publicly Traded) – transferred to the Organization’s designated brokerage account and generally liquidated upon receipt.
3. Bequests & Beneficiary Designations – via wills, revocable trusts, life‑insurance policies, commercial annuities, and retirement plans.
4. Charitable Remainder & Lead Trusts – where Esperanto‑USA is a named beneficiary only.

4. Gifts Not Accepted 

Esperanto‑USA will decline any proposed gift that:

1. Consists of restricted, closely held, or otherwise illiquid securities (no exceptions) (example: privately held securities. Donor must convert to cash prior to donating);
2. Names Esperanto‑USA as a trustee or fiduciary —except where the Organization is already a named beneficiary or administrator of a pre‑established trust (e.g., the Harmon Reed Trust)—;
3. Cryptocurrency or other digital tokens;
4. Non‑marketable, speculative, or heavily encumbered assets;
5. Obliges the Organization to assume financial, environmental, or other liabilities;
6. Mineral Rights
7. Presents a potential conflict of interest;
8. Involves real property or other assets subject to environmental or regulatory concerns (no exceptions); 
9. Violates the Organization’s Articles of Incorporation or jeopardizes its 501(c)(3) status;
10. Is incompatible with its mission, values, or strategic priorities;
11. Creates an undue financial, administrative, legal, or reputational burden;
12. Imposes restrictions that prevent prudent management or use; 
13. Gifts conditioned on extremist, discriminatory, or otherwise unethical purposes; or
14. Is otherwise unlawful or unethical.

5. Gifts Requiring Finance Committee Review

6. Gift Acceptance Process

1. Initial Screening – Treasurer or designated staff logs the offer and determines whether it falls under §4 or §5.
2. Due Diligence – For §5 gifts, staff gathers required documentation (appraisals, insurance or policy documents, trust or legal agreements, intellectual‑property assignments) and submits a summary to the FC.
3. Committee Recommendation – The FC records its analysis and recommendation (accept, modify, or decline).
4. Board Action – When required, the Board votes on the gift at the next regular or special meeting, or may conduct an expedited virtual vote in accordance with Board operating rules when timing is critical.
5. Gift Agreement – For major or restricted gifts, Esperanto‑USA and the donor must memorialize—via a mutually agreed‑upon email or a signed document—an agreement outlining purpose, restrictions, liquidation intent, reporting schedule, and the five‑year sunset clause. The finalized email or document will reside in the Organization’s official electronic storage system until all conditions of the gift have lapsed.

7. Review & Approval Authority

1. Treasurer/Executive Director – may immediately accept gifts listed in §3.
   
2. Finance Committee (FC) – reviews gifts listed in §5 and recommends acceptance, modification, or declination to the Board.
   
3. Board of Directors – retains final authority for gifts exceeding $250,000, gifts that significantly impact strategy, or any gift the FC refers for further consideration.

8. Default Time‑Limited Endowment & Restricted Funds Clause

Unless the Board explicitly approves an alternative, all endowment‑style and other restricted gifts will convert to unrestricted status after five (5) years from the date of gift acceptance. Donors may request a longer or perpetual restriction, but such requests require Finance Committee review and Board approval.

When a restriction sunsets—or if a donor‑imposed condition later proves impracticable—the Board will make a good‑faith effort to honor the donor’s original intent by moving the funds to the closest mission‑aligned category‑level purpose (e.g., an Education/Scholarship endowment may be redesignated to Education/General Support). If no substantially similar purpose exists, the Board reserves the right to repurpose the funds to meet the Organization’s most pressing needs while remaining consistent with its charitable mission.

9. Donor Responsibilities

1. Donors bear responsibility for obtaining independent tax or legal advice and for all required appraisals.
   1. Required appraisals include obtaining the fair market value of the gifts if requiring a gift receipt for tax reporting
2. Esperanto‑USA does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice.

10. Valuation & Acknowledgment

1. Gifts are recorded at fair market value on the date of transfer.
2. Donors are responsible for providing and defending the fair market value at time of transfer.
3. The Organization issues written acknowledgments compliant with IRS regulations (e.g., for gifts ≥ $250) within 30 days of acceptance.

11. Policy Review & Transparency

This policy will be reviewed at least every three (3) years by the Finance Committee and updated as needed. The current version will be posted on the Organization’s website for transparency.

Questions about this policy may be directed to the Treasurer at kasisto@esperanto-usa.org 

^{Back to the finance page}

The post Esperanto-USA Gift Acceptance Policy appeared first on Esperanto-USA.

The post Festu Paralelan Universon kun ni! appeared first on Esperanto-USA.