Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? Consult our list of FAQs or contact the UNI foundation at uni.foundation@uni.edu.

About the UNI Foundation
About fundraising
Gift types
Gift-giving methods
About our programmatic funds
About our endowed scholarships
Stewardship

About the UNI Foundation

What is the UNI Foundation?

The University of Northern Iowa Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established in 1959. The mission of the UNI Foundation is to grow and sustain private resources and build relationships to support the University of Northern Iowa, its students, faculty, staff and programs.

Why is the UNI Foundation separate from the University of Northern Iowa?

The University of Northern Iowa Foundation is the designated fundraising arm of the University of Northern Iowa. The Foundation's 501(c)(3) status allows it to request, receive, hold and manage private gifts on behalf of the university.

Confidentiality

By law, the foundation is able to keep confidential gift records, wills, trust agreements, correspondence and other personal documents related to gifts.

Security

Funds given to the UNI Foundation for designated purposes can only be used for those purposes. The small amount of funds given as undesignated gifts can be used only for purposes designated by the UNI Foundation's Board of Trustees. No other agency, including the State, can designate how these funds will be used.

Return on investment

State statutes limit how state institutions can invest their funds. The foundation, subject to different, but equally stringent, rules and regulations, can realize a significantly higher return on the endowment.

Flexibility

Gift funds can also be used for purposes specified by the donor that State monies cannot, for example, to create new faculty positions at times when State funds for positions are frozen.

Who governs the UNI foundation?

The Board of Trustees has fiduciary responsibility for the UNI Foundation. The University of Northern Iowa's president is a voting member.

About fundraising

Why does a state university need private support?

Although UNI is a public institution with a mandate to serve the people of Iowa, the State of Iowa does not fund all the costs of a UNI education. In fact, over the past thirty years, the percentage of these costs funded by the State has decreased — and at a greater rate than educational costs have risen. Today, State funding covers only about 41.3% of the cost of a UNI undergraduate education for Iowa residents. The remainder is covered by tuition, state and federal grants and gifts from private donors.

To give UNI students the highest quality learning environment and to ensure that a UNI education continues to be affordable, private support has taken on an enhanced significance. The UNI Foundation is committed to providing the necessary resources to assist the University of Northern Iowa with its priorities:

Be the leading undergraduate institution in Iowa
Be the leader in preK-12 education issues in Iowa and the nation
Enhance the economic, social and cultural development of Iowa
Be a university committed to diversity and sustainability.

How do UNI students benefit from the funds raised by the UNI Foundation?

Because UNI puts its students first, the foundation addresses the challenges that face students in gaining access to the best education and services the university has to offer. Private support provides funds for scholarships, capital projects and for academic and student service programs.

Who sets the fundraising priorites?

The UNI Foundation's fundraising goals reflect the goals of the university's strategic plan. The goals for fundraising campaigns are developed in consultation with UNI's president, provost, deans and directors with the concurrence of the foundation's management group and Board of Trustees.

These goals encompass all aspects of the university. Foundation staff will be pleased to work with donors interested in making a gift to support any program or project that fits within the university's mission and plan.

Why do I get requests for contributions more than once a year?

UNI alumni and friends are contacted annually to support operational efforts at the University of Northern Iowa. Areas of focus seeking operational support include the Annual Fund, Deans’ Fund for Excellence, PSC, Friends of GBPAC, academic departments, etc.

Gift types

What is the difference between a restricted and unrestricted gift?

A restricted gift will be used only for the purpose designated by the donor. You can restrict the use of your gift to support an activity or program of interest to you and your family. If you are interested in providing a gift that is restricted to a particular program, we request that you contact the University of Northern Iowa Foundation. Our staff will assist you in formulating language that will insure the maximum usefulness for your gift.

Unrestricted gifts go to the Annual Fund which supports the operations of the UNI Foundation.

How do I direct my gift to a college, department, or program of my choice?

Gifts can be designated to a specific college or program. Each gift will be used for the purpose designated by the donor, provided that purpose is feasible and appropriate to the university's mission. Some purposes, such as scholarship endowments and professorships, do require certain minimum funding levels. If you wish to restrict a gift, make note on your check, online giving form or call the UNI Foundation.

Where does my contribution go if I don't direct it towards a specific fund?

Unrestricted gifts in excess of $10,000 will be directed to the Vision Fund and will be designated by the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees for the area of greatest need. All other unrestricted contributions to the Foundation are deposited to our UNI Annual Fund, which provides resources to help the UNI Foundation meet the priorities of the university.

What is an endowment?

An endowment is a permanent fund, established within the University of Northern Iowa Foundation that provides support for a designated scholarship, academic program or faculty position. Only a portion of the income earned by the endowment fund can be spent; the principal will remain intact for perpetuity. Endowments designated for certain purposes (e.g. scholarship, professorship, chair) require different minimum funding levels to guarantee sufficient income to support that purpose.

Endowments offer donors the opportunity to create lasting legacies that will benefit future UNI students. Foundation staff will be pleased to work with you and representatives of the UNI program of your choice to help you establish an endowed fund in the UNI Foundation. Contact us at uni.foundation@uni.edu.

Can I make a gift in honor or in memory of someone?

We are happy to acknowledge gifts made in honor or in memory of individuals and will send a notice of your gift to a family member or friend of the person being honored. (Please send us the name and address.) We will not include the amount donated unless you specify to do so. You will also receive a receipt for your gift.

How do I participate in my company's matching gift program?

Many employers will match the charitable gifts of employees, thereby doubling or tripling the value of their gifts. Some employers even match the gifts of retirees and/or spouses. Visit the matching gifts web page to see if your company is eligible.

To make a matching gift, ask your company's matching gift officer (usually in the human resources or community relations department) for a matching gift form. Then, send it along with your gift to the UNI Foundation.

Gift-giving methods

How can I make a gift of cash to the UNI foundation?

A gift to the UNI Foundation can be made with a single payment or a pledge payable over several years. If you wish to make a multi-payment pledge, the UNI Foundation can set up a schedule of payment reminders for you.

Checks for gifts of cash should be made out to the UNI Foundation and mailed to 121 Commons, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0239.

Gifts may also be paid by credit card or, for UNI employees, through payroll deduction or online. Contact the foundation for additional information by calling 319-273-7118 or emailing unif.financial.services@uni.edu.

Can I give online?

The UNI Foundation provides a safe and secure on-line giving option. Fill the form out completely, and, if you wish to restrict your gift, indicate the UNI program or activity that you would like to support. Then, click 'Submit Your Pledge.' You will receive receipt of your gift by e-mail and in written form from the UNI Foundation Financial Services office. Give today!

What are other ways of making a gift to the UNI Foundation?

A gift may be paid through:

Negotiable securities
Closely held stock with an established value
Real estate
Personal property
Charitable trusts and annuities
Provision in a will
Life insurance
Beneficiary designation gifts (Life insurance, IRA, annuity)

To learn more about these various methods, see "Ways to Give". UNI Foundation staff would be pleased to discuss the various advantages that each method offers.

Can someone at the UNI Foundation help arrange a gift that requires some financial planning?

Yes. For information about planned gifts such as trusts, annuities, bequests, etc., please contact the UNI Foundation. We will be pleased to work with you and your financial advisor to arrange this type of gift. For more information, contact the UNI Foundation at 319-273-6078 or email at uni.foundation@uni.edu.

Is my gift to the UNI Foundation tax-deductible?

Yes, gifts to the UNI Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. You must claim a gift as an itemized deduction on your tax return. You will receive a printed receipt for your gift.

How do I include UNI in my will or trust?

Visit the UNI Gift and Legacy Planning website for gift and estate planning tips or contact our planned giving office at 319-273-6078 with any questions you have about supporting UNI through your estate plans.

I have more questions about giving - whom do I contact?

Please contact the UNI Foundation at:

204 Commons
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0282
319-273-6078
uni.foundation@uni.edu

About our programmatic funds

What are the endowed program funds?

Support for programs is used within a college, department or program area for needs not met by state support. These gifts create opportunities for faculty and staff that enhance and promote the overall academic experience for our students. The minimum level to set up an endowed program fund is $40,000.

What are the endowed faculty program support levels?

The endowed faculty program support levels are listed below.

Dean's chair — $3 million
Chair (requires a discussion between the donor, respective dean and foundation development officer on an individual basis) — $1 million or higher
Distinguished professor — $750,000
Distinguished scholar — $500,000
Professorship — $250,000
Fellowship — $100,000

What are the annually funded faculty program support levels?

The annually funded faculty program support levels are listed below.

Chair (requires a discussion between the donor, respective dean and foundation development officer on an individual basis) — $80,000 to $200,000
Professorship — $25,000
Fellowship — $10,000

Support for chairs, professorships and fellowships is used within a college, department or program area for needs not met by state support. These gifts create opportunities for faculty that enhance and promote the overall academic experience for our students.

What are the undergraduate research assistantship and graduate assistantship levels?

Support for undergraduate research assistantships and graduate assistantships provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to work part time or full time with faculty to conduct research. Graduate assistantships in certain disciplines, along with the university's doctoral programs are higher amounts and will require a discussion between the donor, respective dean and foundation development officer on an individual basis.

What are the UNI Athletics coaches endowment levels?

The UNI Athletics program endowment levels for coaching positions are listed below.

Football and men's basketball — $1.5 million
Athletic director — $1 million
Volleyball, wrestling, women's basketball — $750,000
Other coaches — $500,000

About our endowed scholarships

Stewardship

What does the foundation do with gifts it receives?

The UNI Foundation directs your gifts exactly for the purpose you specify. Foundation staff work closely with donors and with university administrators to assure the highest standards of integrity in investing and spending these funds. Approximately 95% of the funds that the UNI Foundation receives are "restricted" gifts, that is, gifts designated by donors for specific purposes. The foundation places these restricted gifts into their appropriate account. Once the designation is confirmed, a receipt is sent to the donor. The small amount of unrestricted gifts that the UNI Foundation receives are allocated to the university's areas of greatest need.

How does the UNI Foundation make sure that the funds it receives are spent for the purposes intended by donors?

A "Statement of Gift Intent" is created with the donor to specify uses of the funds. The foundation's office of financial services carefully monitors expenditures made directly from UNI Foundation accounts. An independent audit by a certified public accounting firm is done each year in accordance with U.S. generally accepted auditing standards.

How are student scholarship recipients chosen?

Scholarship recipients are chosen by faculty, department heads, deans, financial aid officers, or a combination of these. Scholarship recipients are selected according to the scholarship guidelines written, in consultation with each donor, at the time the scholarship is established. The UNI Foundation administers the funds for scholarships supported by private gifts. The University of Northern Iowa also receives financial aid funds from federal, state and university sources. These funds are managed by the university's financial aid office.

What information does the UNI Foundation provide about its operations?

The foundation is committed to retaining the public trust. The foundation openly discloses financial information about its policies and activities, its financial statements and other information to further understanding of its mission and operations.

The following items are available to the public:

Financial audit
Annual report
Investment policies and quarterly performance reports
Copy of IRS Letter of Determination
Tax Form 990
List of Foundation Trustees and Officers

Copies of these items are available during regular business hours at the UNI Foundation Office, 204 Commons, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0282.

How is the foundation funded?

The UNI Foundation's fundraising and fund managing expenses are offset in several ways. The foundation's operational costs are covered by income sources that include the Annual Fund, the university reimbursements for salaries and related support services for foundation development officers who focus their efforts on individual UNI colleges and other units; a percentage of earnings on invested gifts; a one-time modest fee on gifts; and unrestricted gifts designated by the UNI Foundation Board of Trustees to support the foundation's operations.

You can be assured that, if you designate your gift for a specific UNI program or purpose, it will be used for the purpose you specify.

Who audits the foundation's books?

A certified public accounting firm annually audits the UNI Foundation. Copies of its audited financial statement (990) can be found at foundation.uni.edu/financial-documents and guidestar.org.

What is the foundation's tax identification number?

The tax identification number for the UNI Foundation is: 42-6058591