3,192. Exchanging a Donation

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 8:6

If someone donates a candelabra or a lamp to a shul, it may not be exchanged. If it’s for the purpose of a mitzvah, then it may be exchanged, even if it’s still being called by the donor’s name, such as “Reuven’s menorah” or “Shimon’s lamp.” If the item is no longer called by the donor’s name, it may be exchanged even for secular purposes.

Hilchos Matnos Aniyim 8:7

The previous halacha applies to a Jewish donor. When it comes to a non-Jewish donor, it may not be exchanged even for the purpose of a mitzvah so long as it’s called by the donor’s name. This is out of concern that the donor might be offended that an item he donated to the Jews’ house of worship was sold and the money used for some other purpose.”