The Maritime Administration issued an update to the agency policy for acceptance of gifts and bequests to the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA). This update includes significant improvements designed to streamline the process, make acceptable gifts available sooner, and inform donors early if a gift cannot be accepted by the government.

Under the updated policy, the USMMA Superintendent may accept a gift of up to $10,000 directly, subject to an expedited legal review. This threshold doubles the $5,000 limit established in 2010 and covers approximately 80% of gifts the USMMA has historically received.

Additionally, the updated policy requires faster processing -as quickly as a 10-day turnaround- for legal and ethical reviews on gifts up to $100,000. To ensure timelines are being met, senior agency leadership will closely monitor the processing of gifts under the new policy.

Additional information is available in the Maritime Administrative Order 440-2 "Gifts and Bequests." If you wish to donate more than $10,000 in funds or real property of any kind to the USMMA or if you have questions, please contact: Ilene Kreitzer (kreitzeri@usmma.edu) at (516) 726-5661.