Washington state historical society (society) has the power and authority to accept gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests, of real or personal property or both, whether or not these are held in trust or otherwise. It is also authorized to sell, lease, exchange, invest, or expend the same or the proceeds from rents, profits, and income except as limited by the donor's terms. The society is required by law to adopt rules to:

(1) Govern and protect the receipt and expenditure of the proceeds, rents, profits, and income of all gifts, grants, conveyances, bequests and devices to the society;

(2) Ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules and regulations, society policies, and professional standards of ethical and donor-centered fund-raising; and

(3) Provide protocols for individuals soliciting or accepting gifts on behalf of the society.

The purpose of these rules is to fulfill the society's legal responsibility to adopt these rules.