GIFT MANAGEMENT
The integrity of Foundation gift management begins with and is a part of each and every solicitation. The Foundation and its professional staff subscribe to and practice the Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. The Foundation's goal is the loyal advancement of the University consistent with the protection of the rights and interests of donors in a mutual spirit of true philanthropy.

The Foundation is in compliance with all laws and regulations pertaining to charitable organizations, including all necessary registration and filings with the State of Wisconsin and Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation is identified on the Internal Revenue Service's list of charitable organizations tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Its annual tax returns and audited financial statements prepared by an independent certified public accountant are, upon reasonable notice, available in their entirety (except for confidential donor information) for inspection (or duplication at cost) at the Foundation's office during regular business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by request pursuant to IRS regulations.The Foundation also publishes and distributes an annual report that highlights activities, summarizes financial and corporate information and recognizes donors.

Foundation gift management includes three areas:

1. An unrestricted gift is administered and disbursed as general purpose (unrestricted) income solely within the discretion and judgment of the Foundation's Board of Directors. It may be directed to any purpose or program within the Foundation's mission. These are often the most difficult funds to raise, yet the most crucial in meeting the many unforeseen challenges and opportunities faced by the University.

2. A restricted gift (unless for an endowment fund) is one directed by the donor to a restricted fund, which is held by the Foundation until properly disbursed for the purpose directed by the donor. This type of fund is also often known as a "pass through" fund because it is intended that the entire gift amount (principal) should be expended. Any interest or earnings realized before the money is disbursed is received by the Foundation as unrestricted income. In addition, all receipts and contributions to a restricted (or pass through) fund are subject to a percentage fee for gift administration, which is also received by the Foundation as unrestricted income.

3. A restricted gift may be directed to create or add to an existing endowment fund. In an endowment fund, which must by Foundation Board policy reach and maintain a minimum balance before making award disbursements from earnings, principal is preserved and invested while only earnings can be spent to make awards (scholarships, grants, etc.) and pay management fees. Working with professional investment managers, the Foundation's Investment Committee regularly reviews and evaluates performance based on established goals for annual investment "total return" consisting of interest, dividends and realized and unrealized gains or losses. The goal of the "total return" policy is to provide award payouts at a stable level established by the Foundation Board to be as large as possible today while still recognizing a strong commitment to the future by pursuing growth to preserve purchasing power in the face of inflation and rising costs. Contributions to an endowment fund are held in the fund's cash account until transferred to endowment balance (to begin generating investment income) on the first day of the calendar quarter immediately following receipt by the Foundation. Management fees are assessed quarterly by the Foundation and its investment agents as an annual percentage of the endowment fund balance and paid from earnings only. Annual endowment fund reports are made available as authorized in the written agreements which are required when such funds are established. Common to unrestricted, restricted and endowment funds is a Foundation policy adopted to lower administrative costs: checks for disbursements from the Foundation will be available only on the 15th and last day of each month or, if falling on a weekend, the Friday before.

The services delivered by the Foundation in the administration of charitable gifts are many and include:

Contacts, conferences, advice and management planning with donors, departments and others for the establishment and on-going administration of the funds and execution of all necessary documents to establish or amend funds.

Making all records, deposits and disbursements (checks) for each fund.

Administrating the application, awards and monitoring process for all scholarships and Foundation grants.

Sending a "thank you" and acknowledgement for each donation which provides a proper tax record for the donor. All Foundation financial operations are audited annually by an independent CPA. Reports are made available upon request to donors of individual funds. The Foundation conducts ongoing programs to recognize donors through publications, press releases and other events. Continuity, experience, stability, integrity and professional management are all part of what the Foundation offers in the administration of donors' gifts for the benefit of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. The Foundation is uniquely equipped to marshal the resources, expertise and personnel, both professional and volunteer, to successfully solicit and administer charitable gifts of all types which are made to advance the University's mission. Most payments to the Foundation are gifts and as such are tax deductible to the full extent of the law as applied to the circumstance of each donor. However, payments for such things as goods, raffle tickets, special events or dinners may be entirely or partially disqualified from use as charitable deductions. Foundation materials will clearly indicate when all or only a portion of a payment might qualify as a charitable deduction.

Foundation publications are provided for general information and statements contained therein do not constitute a legal or tax advice. Your attorney or other professional advisor must be consulted for such advice.