At Pinky Swear Foundation, we believe giving should always feel like a conversation. Every donor has a reason for giving, and we’re here to help you make the kind of impact that matters most to you. To help guide that conversation, it can be useful to understand the difference between restricted and unrestricted gifts.
Unrestricted gifts are donations that can be used wherever the need is greatest.
Restricted gifts are donations set aside for a specific purpose, program, or use.
Both types of giving make a difference. They just work in different ways.
Unrestricted giving is like ordering from the regular menu at your favorite restaurant. It’s dependable, thoughtfully designed, and built to meet the needs of the most people. In the same way, unrestricted giving allows Pinky Swear Foundation to respond quickly and provide support where families need it most.
Restricted giving is more like ordering from the secret menu. It’s specific and designed for a particular purpose. In the same way, restricted giving can support a donor’s specific area of interest, but it often requires additional behind-the-scenes coordination to ensure the gift is used exactly as intended.
Both have value.
Pinky Swear Foundation encourages unrestricted giving whenever possible.
That’s because unrestricted gifts allow us to:
Some donors choose to give with a specific purpose in mind. In some cases, especially with foundations or institutional partners, that structure is required. We are able to accept restricted gifts when they align with our mission and when the purpose is clearly defined.
It’s important to know that restricted gifts do require additional planning, tracking, and reporting to ensure we honor the intent of the gift.
Sometimes restrictions can also limit how quickly or broadly funds can be used. That said, when a restricted gift aligns well, it can still create meaningful impact and help support families in important ways.
No matter how you choose to give, the goal is the same: helping families navigate the financial challenges of childhood cancer. We are here to help you make the giving decision that creates the greatest impact for families.
If you want to see what your impact looks like, we invite you to read our All-Star Stories. These are real families facing childhood cancer, real moments in their lives, and real support during some of their hardest days. Your generosity helps families focus less on financial stress and more on their child.