Many people think of gifts to colleges and universities in pleasant terms, but sometimes things go wrong. When a donor's children sued Princeton University in 2002, development officers, college presidents, and trustees took note. Whoever is right and whoever prevails, the lawsuit illustrates that the feel-good images associated with major gifts do not always tell the full story. Donor-college relations usually go smoothly, but some donors and their heirs do not like the way colleges use their money, and may insist that the school change its ways or even return the donation. While state laws generally make it difficult for donors to challenge institutions' use of their money, it is important for all colleges and universities to avoid these types of disputes altogether. This article presents some guidelines for dealing with donors in a way that promotes understanding and trust.