POL - 20.00.1 Fundraising Coordination Policy

1. Purpose

The success of fundraising across the University requires clear coordination, strategic timing, and alignment with institutional priorities. This policy provides:
(a) Guidance to the University community and the public on fundraising on behalf of the University;
(b) Procedures to ensure all gifts are accepted, managed, and reported in accordance with applicable regulations, fiduciary responsibilities, and national standards;
(c) Protocols to protect the University’s mission, reputation, and integrity.

2. Coordination of Fundraising Activities

2.1.1   The Division of University Advancement, the fundraising entity for NCCU is managed by the Vice Chancellor for University Advancement.  He or she is the chief fundraising officer and reports directly to the Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor is responsible for coordinating all fundraising activities, including the supervision of fundraising programs, administration of staff, and stewardship of donors on behalf of the University. All college/constituent fundraising programs are subject to the procedures contained in this policy.

2.1.2   Prior to conducting fundraising activity in the name of or for the benefit of NCCU, internal and external stakeholders and associated entities must have a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") on file with the University that outlines roles, responsibilities, and compliance expectations. Included among these is the
NCCU Foundation, Inc., which is administered by an Executive Director.    

2.2    All fundraising positions with primary responsibilities in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship must report to the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement or a designee. Exceptions must be requested in writing and approved prior to posting any such positions.  

2.3    All University-associated entities must sign a formal agreement and remain in good standing per UNC System Regulation 600.2.5[R]. [Regulation on Required Elements of University-Associated Entity Relationship]

2.4    Agreements will be reviewed periodically to maintain status and fundraising authority.

2.5    Each University School, College, Division, Program, and associated entity fundraising on behalf of the University must submit and receive approval for an annual fundraising plan from the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and the respective dean or unit head.

2.6    All corporate, foundation and industry engagement efforts must be coordinated through the Office of Corporate and Foundation Engagement within Institutional Advancement, which serves as the centralized point of contact. 

2.7    Capital fundraising campaigns must be submitted to the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement for review prior to presentation to the Advancement Committee of the Board of Trustees. All major capital campaigns require formal approval by the Advancement Committee before entering any public phase.

2.8    The Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement has signature authority over all private gift and grant agreements to NCCU. The Executive Director of the NCCU Foundation may execute agreements for gifts deposited through the Foundation.

3. Definitions

3.1   A gift is defined as personal property (e.g., cash, securities, books, equipment, life insurance.)  or real property given by a private (non-governmental) donor for which no goods or services are expected or implied in return. Industry payments made under contractual agreements do not qualify as gifts.

3.2   Gifts may be outright or deferred.

3.3   Gifts may be unrestricted, restricted or endowed, supporting the University or one of its constituent units or entities. 

3.4   University Associated Entities are private, non-profit organizations formally recognized to support of NCCU’s mission and activities. These entities must follow UNC-GA Regulation 600.2.5.2[R], “Required Elements of University-Associated Entity Relationship.”

3.5   University Stakeholders include faculty, staff, students, alumni, retirees, partners, corporations, associations, donors, friends, and other entities engaged with NCCU.

4. Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts

4.1   The solicitation, planning and administration of gifts involve philanthropic, financial, tax, and estate planning considerations. Donors, advisors, and University representatives will work collaboratively to ensure gifts align with donor intent and University priorities.

4.2.1   NCCU encourages and welcomes private support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and associations. 
This policy ensures:
(a) Fundraising activities reflect institutional priorities and comply with gift acceptance protocols;
(b) Proper recording, reporting, and stewardship using sound financial and business practices;
(c) Compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

4.2.2   The University and its associated entities will evaluate proposed gifts to determine their financial, reputational, and operational implications. NCCU reserves the right to decline gifts that are overly restrictive, financially burdensome, or compromise academic freedom or integrity. Gifts will not be accepted if they involve unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, national origin, color, disability, or any basis prohibited by law.

4.3     Donative intent must be present for any contribution to be classified as a gift.  Transactions involving services or benefits exchanged for funds are not gifts. Any donor recognition benefits provided must comply with IRS regulations.

4.3.1   At a donor’s written request, NCCU may accept a gift anonymously, to the extent allowed by law. Anonymous status may not be used to obscure reputational risk or circumvent the University’s standards.

4.3.2   The University may return a gift if it is determined to comprise academic values, institutional integrity, or public trust.

5.  Regulations, Rules and Standard Operating Procedures 

5.1   The Chancellor or designee is authorized to develop procedures to implement this policy, ensuring all private gifts are processed with appropriate internal controls and in full compliance with applicable laws and fiduciary responsibilities.