INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-
RIVER FALLS FOUNDATION
Established
in 1948 as one of the first Wisconsin state college foundations, the UW-River
Falls Foundation is incorporated as an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit,
dedicated to securing private resources and support for the University of Wisconsin-River
Falls by building relationships through the UWRF Alumni Association (which
includes 39,900 “mailable” alumni, 83% of which live in Wisconsin
or Minnesota), conducting fund-raising programs, and increasing the value of
existing gifts through long-term investment. In 1948 gift totals at the end
of the year were $7,999. In fiscal year 2004-05, over $1.3 million was raised
from 9,198 gifts. The Foundation manages an endowment and net assets of $11.3
million while administering hundreds of gift accounts and services to UWRF
alumni, and donors.
As the central fund-raising agency for the University,
the UW-River Falls Foundation supports the University’s mission through
a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to ensuring gifts are well-managed,
productively invested, and used
as donors have directed. The Office of University Advancement handles
the daily work supporting philanthropic efforts. The Board of Directors serves
without compensation, meets four times a year, attends committee meetings,
and sets policies for successfully raising, managing, and prudently investing
gifts that help realize the mission of the University. The Chancellor, an ex-officio
member of the Board, establishes the formal channel of communication between
the University and Foundation. The Executive Director for University Advancement
serves as the President of the Foundation.
