PO Box 10082
Lancaster, PA 17605

info@paphs.org

By Appointment ONLY

Pennsylvania Postal History Society

Donation Policy

Last Updated: August 6, 2025

Introduction

Pennsylvania Postal History Society (PaPHS) appreciates and values the generosity of its donors, whose contributions support historical research, archival preservation, and nonprofit operations. This policy outlines how donations are accepted, managed, and used to advance the mission of the PaPHS.

Donation Acceptance Guidelines

PaPHS welcomes contributions in the following forms:

  • Monetary Donations
    • One-time and recurring financial contributions
  • Historical Artifact Donations
    • Postal artifacts, documents, and philatelic materials
  • In-Kind Contributions
    • Services, resources, or technical support benefiting PaPHS

PaPHS reserves the right to decline donations that do not align with its mission or ethical guidelines.

Right to Refuse Donations

PaPHS reserves the right to decline or return any donation at its sole discretion, without obligation to provide an explanation. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Contributions that do not align with the mission, values, or nonprofit guidelines of the PaPHS
  • Donations with restrictions that cannot be reasonably accommodated
  • Artifact or in-kind contributions that PaPHS cannot properly archive or utilize

PaPHS makes all donation acceptance decisions in the best interest of the organization and historical preservation efforts.

Ownership of Donations

All monetary donations, artifacts, and in-kind contributions become the property of PaPHS upon receipt and will be used in alignment with the society’s mission, nonprofit guidelines, and donor intent.

PaPHS retains full discretion over the use, storage, display, and archival decisions for all donated items. Donors may not request the return or reallocation of contributions once received.

501(c)(3) Tax-Exempt Status

PaPHS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt entity. Donations made to PaPHS are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

  • Federal Tax ID: EIN # 22-2570151
  • PaPHS operates exclusively for educational and historical preservation purposes.
  • Donors should consult a tax professional to determine deductibility eligibility based on individual circumstances.

PaPHS does not provide financial or tax advice, and tax-deductible status may vary by donor location and contribution type.

Use of Funds

All monetary donations support:

  • Archival preservation and historical documentation
  • Educational programs and nonprofit outreach
  • Website maintenance and accessibility improvements

Restricted donations will be used solely for their designated purposes, ensuring donor intent is honored.

Donor Rights & Transparency

PaPHS ensures that donors:

  • Receive acknowledgment and gratitude for their contributions
  • Can request public recognition or anonymity for their donations
  • Have access to financial reports detailing how funds are utilized
  • Can submit feedback regarding donation policies and implementation

Refunds & Restrictions

  • Donations are non-refundable except in cases of documented error
  • Restricted funds will be used only for their intended purposes
  • PaPHS reserves the right to modify fundraising campaigns as needed

Limitation of Liability & Financial Disclaimer

PaPHS is a nonprofit organization and does not operate as a financial institution, brokerage, or investment entity.

  • No Financial Services
    • PaPHS does not provide banking, investment, financial advising, or tax consultation services. Donations are accepted exclusively for nonprofit purposes.
  • Limited Liability
    • PaPHS is not liable for any loss, financial hardship, or expectations related to donations. Contributions are made voluntarily, and donors acknowledge that PaPHS is not responsible for the financial impact of their donations.
  • Third-Party Payment Processors
    • Online donations may be processed through third-party platforms, and PaPHS does not assume liability for transaction errors, delays, or platform policies.

Donor Privacy & Data Protection

PaPHS values donor privacy and does not sell, trade, or share donor information with external entities.

  • Personal donor details are secured and used solely for nonprofit communication.
  • Donors may request to review or modify their personal information.

Conflict of Interest Statement

PaPHS ensures that board members, leadership, or affiliates do not personally benefit from donations. All funds are used solely for nonprofit activities, research, and educational purposes.

Fundraising & Solicitation Compliance

PaPHS follows state and federal regulations related to nonprofit fundraising, including donor rights and ethical solicitation practices.

Compliance & Policy Updates

PaPHS periodically reviews and updates this policy to align with nonprofit best practices and financial regulations.

Conclusion

PaPHS values the generosity of its supporters and is committed to financial transparency, ethical donation handling, and responsible fund allocation to further postal history research and education.

Contact Information

For donation inquiries or funding questions, contact PaPHS at:

Pennsylvania Postal History Society (PaPHS)
paphs.org
info@paphs.org