---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 3015"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "3015"
heading: "Gifts and donations"
release: "119-102"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/3015"
units:
  - "Chapter 35 — Programs for Older Americans"
  - "Subchapter II — Administration on Aging"
---

# §3015. Gifts and donations

- (a) **Gifts and donations—** The [Assistant Secretary](/usc/42/3002.md?p=7) may accept, use, and dispose of, on behalf of the [United States](/usc/42/403.md?p=k), gifts or donations (in cash or in kind, including voluntary and uncompensated services or property), which shall be available until expended for the purposes specified in [subsection (b)](#b). Gifts of cash and proceeds of the sale of property shall be available in addition to amounts appropriated to carry out this chapter.
- (b) **Use of gifts and donations—** Gifts and donations accepted pursuant to [subsection (a)](#a) may be used either directly, or for grants to or contracts with public or [nonprofit](/usc/42/3002.md?p=39) [private entities](/usc/42/12181.md?p=6), for the following activities:
  - (1) The design and implementation of demonstrations of innovative ideas and best [practices](/usc/42/17061.md?p=19) in [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) and services for [older individuals](/usc/42/3002.md?p=40).
  - (2) The planning and conduct of conferences for the purpose of exchanging information, among concerned individuals and public and [private entities](/usc/42/12181.md?p=6) and organizations, relating to [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) and services provided under this chapter and other [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) and services for [older individuals](/usc/42/3002.md?p=40).
  - (3) The development, publication, and dissemination of informational materials (in print, visual, electronic, or other media) relating to the [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) and services provided under this chapter and other matters of concern to [older individuals](/usc/42/3002.md?p=40).
- (c) **Ethics guidelines—** The [Assistant Secretary](/usc/42/3002.md?p=7) shall establish written guidelines setting forth the criteria to be used in determining whether a gift or donation should be declined under this section because the acceptance of the gift or donation would—
  - (1) reflect unfavorably upon the ability of the [Administration](/usc/42/3002.md?p=2), the Department of Health and Human Services, or any [employee](/usc/42/1320a–7h.md?p=e-7) of the [Administration](/usc/42/3002.md?p=2) or Department, to carry out responsibilities or official duties under this chapter in a fair and objective manner; or
  - (2) compromise the integrity or the appearance of integrity of [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) or services provided under this chapter or of any official involved in those [programs](/usc/42/274l–1.md?p=4) or services.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 89–73, title II, § 204, as added Pub. L. 106–501, title II, § 202(2), Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2230.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 3015, Pub. L. 89–73, title II, § 204, formerly § 205, as added Pub. L. 93–29, title II, § 201(c), May 3, 1973, 87 Stat. 33; amended Pub. L. 94–135, title I, § 101, Nov. 28, 1975, 89 Stat. 713; Pub. L. 95–478, title I, § 102(e), title V, § 503(b)(3), (4)(A), Oct. 18, 1978, 92 Stat. 1514, 1559; renumbered § 204 and amended Pub. L. 97–115, §§ 2(e)(2), (f), 11(b)(1), Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1596, 1606; Pub. L. 98–459, title II, § 204, Oct. 9, 1984, 98 Stat. 1769; Pub. L. 100–175, title I, §§ 107(b), 108, 182(d), Nov. 29, 1987, 101 Stat. 931, 932, 964; Pub. L. 100–628, title VII, § 705(2), Nov. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 3247; Pub. L. 102–375, title II, § 205, title IX, § 904(a)(6), Sept. 30, 1992, 106 Stat. 1211, 1306; Pub. L. 103–171, § 3(a)(13), Dec. 2, 1993, 107 Stat. 1990, established a Federal Council on the Aging and provided for its membership, duties, etc., and authorized appropriations for fiscal years 1992 through 1995, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 106–501, title II, § 202(2), Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2230.

A prior section 204 of Pub. L. 89–73 was classified to section 3014 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 97–115.