Institutionally Related Foundations

Institutionally related foundations play a vital role in raising and managing private resources in support of public institutions of higher education.  Unlike private grant-making foundations, college and university foundations are typically incorporated as public charities under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.   As non-state entities, foundations can often facilitate gift transactions, enable the acquisition and development of real property, and pursue investment opportunities that might prove inefficient or impractical for a state institution. Foundations also serve as stewards of privately contributed resources, ensuring that they are used in compliance with donor intent and maintained separately from public funds.   Public institution presidents and trustees historically played a smaller role in fundraising compared to their counterparts at private institutions.  While public institution boards are typically politically appointed, foundations can recruit individuals to their boards with the specific capacities essential to effective fundraising leadership.  The ability to engage committed, affluent, influential, and independent volunteer leaders is perhaps the most important rationale for institutionally related foundations. 

Foundation Services and Resources

AGB members have access to the following services and resources supporting the work of foundation boards, executive staff, and board professional staff. Information on AGB memberships.

Webinar: Strategically Planning Your Way to a New Normal: An Innovative Approach to Planning for Institutionally Related Foundations

SAVE THE DATE! Please join us on April 1 from 3-4:30pm Eastern as Tom Mitchell, Vice Chancellor of University Advancement, University of California, Irvine, outlines ways in which your foundation can strategically prepare for a "new normal."  To register, please contact Philip Bakerman at philipb@agb.org.

AGB Survey on Policies, Practices, and Composition of Foundation Boards

AGB is currently conducting the first major Survey of Foundation Board Composition and Governance Practices since the groundbreaking research that was conducted in 1996 and published in College & University Foundations: Serving America's Public Higher Education.  If you would like to participate, or if you have any questions, contact Philip Bakerman at philipb@agb.org.  The survey will provide a comprehensive overview of the age, ethnicity, and vocational backgrounds of foundation board members, committee structures, use of ex-officio and emeriti members, terms of service for board members and chairs, practices supporting foundation-institution relationships, and foundation board members' role in fundraising.  The survey will remain open until March 22, 2010.

AGB Foundation Leadership Forum - January 24-27, 2010

315 foundation board members and chief executives representing 100 foundations from 40 states attended the January 2010 AGB Foundation Leadership Forum.  Hodding W. Carter opened the conference with a discussion of institutional accountability in the context of shifting public perceptions about the public purposes of higher education.  Building on Carter’s remarks, a distinguished group of foundation board members and other higher education leaders addressed the changing compact between states and public higher education and the roles foundation boards might play in helping institutions adapt to the evolving  environment.  AGB will be publishing a summary of their discussion later this year.  Michael Crow, president of Arizona State University, shared his provocative vision of the new American university and suggested ways foundation boards can help institutions respond to demands to increase capacity, a new fiscal environment, and challenges and opportunities posed by the rise of global “mega institutions.”  Other sessions addressed the relationship between government practices and endowment management, the board’s role in fundraising and campaigns, and best practices in financial management and oversight.  

SAVE THE DATE for 2011:  The 15th Annual AGB Foundation Leadership Forum will take place January 23-26, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Publications and Research

AGB research and publications support the work of foundation boards on the following topics:

• Foundation-Institution Relationship
• Foundation Board Development
• Compliance and Accountability
• Endowment and Finance
• Fundraising

Foundation Board Education and Consulting Services

Public college and university foundations are being called upon to raise increasing levels of private support for their affiliated institutions to provide complex financial and entrepreneurial services such as trust management, bond issuance, and real estate development. As their size and significance grows, foundations also are being challenged to strengthen their governance, stewardship, investment management, and accountability. AGB's consultants, nationally known for their expertise and professionalism, provide experienced, independent counsel to help foundations respond to these new challenges and opportunities and to improve foundation governance, management, and performance.

More information on Foundation Board and Consulting Services can be found here.

Trusteeship Magazine

AGB membership's bi-monthly magazine reports trends, issues, and practices in higher education to help board members and chief executives better understand their distinctive and complementary roles and to strengthen board performance.  Trusteeship is mailed in hard copy and available online to members only.

AGB Social Networking

AGB offers three different list-serves and other resources and programs for foundation chief executives, foundation legal counsel, and foundation board professionals.  To subscribe, please contact foundations@agb.org.

Zwingle Resource Center

J.L. Zwingle Resource Center staff can provide research, publications, sample documents, and other information tailored to your specific needs.

Recent Items of Interest

Information on the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA), related research, and guidance on best practice.

For more information please contact David Bass, Director of Foundation Programs and Research, at 202.776.0850 or davidb@agb.org.