Foundation Questions and Answers
Q: What is the UNC Foundation?
A: Established in 1967, the University of Northern Colorado Foundation (the UNC Foundation) is an independent, privately governed nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support the University of Northern Colorado.
Q: Why is the Foundation separate from the University?
A: Having an independent, nonprofit foundation results in greater efficiencies and benefits to the University by properly stewarding private gifts; providing flexibility and responsiveness; managing assets strategically; engaging volunteers as informed advocates; and ensuring the accuracy and confidentiality of donor records.
Q: If the University of Northern Colorado is a public university, why does it need private gifts?
A: The State of Colorado provides approximately 20% of the University’s operating budget. Private gifts allow the University to attract and retain the best and brightest faculty, provide scholarships for students, build first-class facilities, and continue the quality education and research programs.
Q: How is my gift spent?
A: The goal of the UNC Foundation is to help the University provide the best possible educational experience for students. By reducing administrative expenses and optimizing organizational efficiencies, the Foundation provides the University with millions of dollars each year to support scholarships and programs. Each gift received by the Foundation, regardless of the purpose or amount, makes a difference at UNC.
Q: Is my gift tax deductible?
A: The UNC Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. You should consult with your tax attorney/advisor concerning the deductibility of your gift.
Q: Who decides the fundraising priorities?
A: UNC’s president and campus leadership determine which proposed initiatives and projects become fundraising priorities.
Q: Can I designate my gift for a particular purpose?
A: Yes. Although discretionary (i.e., unrestricted) gifts provide the University with the most flexibility in responding to the needs of the institution, donors can designate a gift to a particular college/school, department, or a particular fund. See “make a gift now” for a list of giving opportunities.
Q: What is an endowment?
A: Endowments are often referred to as the gifts that keep on giving. Endowments are permanently invested by the University of Northern Colorado Foundation and the income generated by that investment is used for the purpose you wish to support—scholarships, supplemental salary support for faculty, research, libraries, programs, and much more. A portion of the income is reinvested each year enabling the endowment to grow and provide a permanent stream of income over time. A new endowment can be established with a minimum gift of $25,000.
Q: How do I establish a scholarship?
A: Gifts that fund scholarships make it possible for UNC to attract and retain the best undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their financial circumstances. You can make a difference by contributing any amount to an existing scholarship or establishing a new endowment to benefit students enrolled in the college/school of your choice.
Q: Who governs the Foundation?
A: The University of Northern Colorado Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The Board appoints an executive director to manage the day to day operations of the Foundation and its staff.
Q: How is the Foundation funded?
A: The Foundation is funded in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, investment income, board designated endowments and gift reinvestment fees.
Q: How can I obtain additional information?
A: If you have reviewed this web site in its entirety and cannot find the information you need, please contact us at 800.568.5213, 970.351.2034 or info@uncfoundation.org. We will do our best to answer your question(s) in a thorough and timely manner.
