FHA down payment gift rules and requirements can be found in Chapter 5, Section B of HUD Handbook 4155.1.

I am working with a non profit to rezone a piece of land gifted to them by a church in Longmont to build affordable housing units and the city is open to doing that.

The area is not high value or anything to write home about, however, they are willing to gift them to us if we want them. 

In return I send them gift cards at Xmas/holiday time.  

All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserved.

I am not sure why they are giving it away for free for up to 75 units but I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.  

In November 2014 we achieved "comfortable FF". which Included:clothing, 2 vacations each year, charitable gifts, ongoing education, etc.  

Your parents can borrow the money and gift it to you, but they cannot borrow it and loan it to you.

I know that a lot of people on BP are gifted with being able to get into RE without significant investment/income, but my experience in RE has shown me that it takes money to make money.

For me it's a gift card to Target or a local restaurant.