Governance

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Governance

The University of Arizona Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees responsible for the Foundation’s policies, procedures and direction. Their professional expertise and community involvement allow them to offer valuable insights into the Foundation’s development efforts.

Fundraising

The UA Foundation manages fund development at the University of Arizona through a Development Services Agreement. University administrators and faculty work with the Foundation to determine fund-raising priorities and goals. The Foundation works to ensure that gifts are spent according to donor wishes and in ways that are consistent with the mission of the University.

Asset Management

The Foundation’s approach to Asset Management is outlined in a formal investment policy. The Foundation’s Investment Committee oversees three pools of capital: Annuity and Life Income Fund, Restricted Fund and Endowment Fund. The Foundation uses TIAA Kaspick to provide investment and administration services for the Annuity and Life Income Fund. The Foundation works with its independent investment consultant, the Fund Evaluation Group, to create model portfolios for the Restricted Fund and the Endowment Fund. The Endowment Fund is the larger of the two pools and the Foundation maintains a highly diversified portfolio with a goal of generating a return in excess of the Payout Rate (4%) and Endowment Fee (1.35%) such that the endowment can grow and accomplish the activities our donors envisioned when they made their gifts.

Meetings

The University of Arizona Foundation Board meets three times each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Generally, the fall meeting is held in October and the Spring Annual meeting in May or June. Members will conduct necessary business at all regular meetings, and will elect officers and members at the Annual meeting. Committees meet as needed throughout the fiscal year.

Leadership

Board members provide advice and counsel to the President/CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation. Members are expected to serve as champions of the University and the Foundation and in doing so will be asked to serve on committees and lead other volunteers.

Fiscal

Our expectation is for all members to make the University of Arizona one of their top philanthropic priorities. Major and planned gifts are encouraged, as the primary objective of the UA Foundation is to promote and secure private support for the University. Board members also are expected to encourage other individuals and businesses to contribute; however, they are not required to solicit gifts directly. Board members will be invited to sponsor tables or buy tickets to University and Foundation events.

Advocacy/Community Outreach

In many cases members serve as advocates for the University and the Foundation in their respective communities. We encourage Board members to support the Foundation and the University in other ways that are feasible and interesting for themselves and their firms. Volunteer opportunities include:
 
  • Recommending and recruiting other Board and National Leadership Council members
  • Recommending other professionals from your company or organization to serve on focused departmental or University advisory groups
  • Recruiting prospective University of Arizona students
  • Offering summer internship opportunities for students
  • Hosting visits from student groups or classes to observe how your organization operates
  • Providing a guest speaker for a class, student club, or University-wide event
  • Collaborating with individual faculty on specific research projects that connect your organization with the University