Our Policies

Cultural Equity Statement

Non-discrimination Statement

Investment and Gift Acceptance Policy

Cultural Equity Statement

At Tynkertopia we recognize and acknowledge the systemic inequities that uphold structures, policies, and practices, and limit access to opportunities for all those not associated with the majority culture be it race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, able-bodied and more.

Acknowledging and Affirming

  1. We acknowledge that Tynkertopia sits in Flagstaff at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, on homelands sacred to Native Americans throughout the region. We honor the past, present, and future generations who have lived here for millennia and will forever call this place home. We humbly assume the collective responsibility of caring for this land, water, air, and environment we live and work within, as we help preserve and promote the Indigenous Ways of Knowing of this place, toward a more sustainable community.

  2. We acknowledge that in our community Latinx, Indigenous, and Black children do not have equal access to resources, materials, and mentors that can encourage a growth mindset and interest in STEM/STEAM educational opportunities and careers.

  3. We acknowledge that in our country, STEM/STEAM learning opportunities and career pathways are not as accessible to people outside of majority culture.

  4. We believe that for the future of our community, country, and of our global world, that we must have a more diverse representation of lived experiences and community and cultural knowledge to improve and strengthen our scientific, technology, creative disciplines, communities, and sectors.

Modeling Through Action

To demonstrate and develop our ability to lead within our community, we strive to:

  1. Pursue equity and cultural consciousness with intention for systemic change throughout our organization including the board, advisory bodies, staff and volunteers.

  2. Dismantle inequities within our policies, practices and programs and services by gathering feedback and continuously reviewing research on anti-racist pedagogies and ethnographies, social justice agreements, and co-created critical affinity spaces by promoting a sense of collective rejuvenation and inspiring a more progressive anti-racist STEM/STEAM curricula.

  3. Commit time and resources to expand the diversity within our leadership, our board, advisory bodies, staff and volunteers.

  4. Serve historically under- resourced and diverse communities and neighborhoods within Flagstaff, particularly in the Sunnyside neighborhood and the Siler Homes community.

  5. Commit ourselves to encouraging intergenerational learning by supporting all members of a family in learning, growing and contributing at Tynkertopia.

Striving for Systemic Change

  1. Encourage intentional, continual learning regarding social justice among the Board, Advisory Bodies, Staff, Volunteers, and Visitors to build cultural consciousness and an equitable mindset, particularly regarding STEAM education, in order to create pro-equity policies and practices, as a positive catalyst for change in the Flagstaff community.

  2. Review, share, and discuss quantitative and qualitative research related to equity among Board, Advisory Bodies and Staff to make progress towards policies, procedures, and ethical pedagogies more visible in the climate and culture of Tynkertopia.

Tynkertopia’s Non-discrimination Statement

Tynkertopia, Inc. does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, visitors, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Tynkertopia, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Investment and Gift Acceptance Policy

Our Investment and Gift Acceptance Policy is crucial for ensuring transparency, compliance, and alignment with Tynkertopia's values.

1. Purpose

• The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the acceptance of donations, gifts,

grants, and other forms of financial support to Tynkertopia.

2. Scope

• This policy applies to all donations, gifts, grants, and sponsorships received by Tynkertopia

from individuals, corporations, foundations, government agencies, or other entities.

3. Principles

• Alignment with Mission: All donations must align with the mission, values, and strategic

priorities of Tynkertopia.

• Legal and Ethical Compliance: Tynkertopia will comply with all applicable federal, state, and

local laws and regulations regarding the acceptance of gifts, including but not limited to tax

requirements and anti-money laundering regulations.

• Transparency: The acceptance of gifts will be conducted in a transparent manner, respecting

the intentions of the donor while safeguarding the interests of Tynkertopia.

• Non-Discrimination: Tynkertopia does not discriminate against donors on the basis of race,

color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender

identity, or any other legally protected status.

4. Types of Acceptable Gifts

• Cash Contributions: Monetary donations made by check, credit card, wire transfer, or other

electronic means.

• Securities: Publicly traded stocks, bonds, or mutual fund shares.

• In-Kind Contributions: Tangible goods or services that align with Tynkertopia’s mission and

programmatic needs.

• Planned Gifts: Bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, or other

planned giving instruments.

• Real Estate and Personal Property: Gifts of real estate or personal property that can be used

for the benefit of Tynkertopia or directly for Capital Campaign purposes (e.g., land for

expansion).

• Restricted and Unrestricted Gifts: Donors may designate their gifts for specific programs or

purposes (restricted) or allow Tynkertopia to allocate funds where needed most

(unrestricted).

5. Capital Campaign-Specific Gifts

• Campaign Goals and Objectives: All gifts should support the specific goals outlined in the

campaign’s case for support, whether for capital improvements, endowment growth, or

program expansion. All gifts made to a Capital Campaign will be used exclusively to further the

stated objectives of the campaign. Campaign materials and communications will clearly

outline the purpose of the campaign and the intended use of funds.

• Naming Opportunities: Major gifts to a Capital Campaign may be eligible for naming

opportunities, where donors can have their names (or those of their choosing) associated with

specific campaign assets, such as rooms, wings, or buildings. Naming opportunities will be

handled with respect to the donor’s wishes, the campaign goals, and Tynkertopia’s policies.

• Pledges: Donors may make multi-year pledges for large capital gifts. Pledges will be carefully

managed, with clear documentation of the commitment and a schedule of payments.

Tynkertopia will honor the terms of the pledge agreement.

• Matching Gifts: Tynkertopia will seek to leverage matching gift opportunities, where

employers or other entities match a donor’s contribution, to maximize Capital Campaign

fundraising.

• Types of Gifts: Gifts may include cash contributions, securities, in-kind donations, matching

gifts, bequests, construction materials, professional services, foundations or corporate grants,

or purchases of facilities.

• Value of In-kind Contributions: The value of in-kind contributions (e.g., building materials,

professional services) will be assessed in consultation with relevant experts.

• Restricted Gifts: Restricted gifts may be designated specifically for a building fund, equipment

purchase, or specific capital projects.

• Updates: Regular updates on the progress of the Capital Campaign, including total funds

raised and specific projects funded, will be communicated to donors and stakeholders.

6. Acceptance Procedures

• Review and Approval: All proposed gifts over $5,000 will be reviewed and approved by the

Board of Directors or a designated committee. This will ensure that the gifts align with the

overall goals and objectives of the campaign and Tynkertopia’s mission.

• Valuation: Tynkertopia will determine the value of non-cash gifts in accordance with

applicable IRS regulations and other valuation guidelines.

• Acknowledgment: Donors will receive timely acknowledgment and recognition for their

contributions, consistent with IRS requirements.

7. Restrictions and Refusals

• Tynkertopia reserves the right to refuse gifts that:

o Are inconsistent with the goals and objectives or the broader mission of Tynkertopia.

o Pose conflicts of interest, legal risks, or reputational damage.

o Require expenditures or obligations beyond Tynkertopia’s resources or capabilities.

o Include restrictions that could limit the flexibility or effectiveness of the campaign.

8. Donor Privacy

• Tynkertopia respects the privacy of its donors and will not sell, trade, or share donors’

personal information with any third parties, unless required by law or with explicit consent

from the donor.

9. Record Keeping and Reporting

• Tynkertopia will maintain accurate records of all gifts received and ensure compliance with

reporting requirements for tax purposes, donor stewardship, and project progress tracking.

10. Amendments

• This policy may be amended by the Board of Directors as necessary to reflect changes in legal

requirements, organizational practices, or strategic priorities. Updates related to the Capital

Campaign may include adjustments to naming opportunities, gift levels, or campaign goals.

11. Adoption and Communication

• This policy was adopted by the Board of Directors on March 18, 2025 and communicated to all

relevant stakeholders, including staff members, donors, and volunteers. It was also posted on

the Tynkertopia website at the following address: https://www.tynkertopia.org/gift-policy.