Fundraising Policy

Purpose

The Advancement division of the University of Dayton solicits, receives, and stewards gifts to the University to provide resources that further the educational, research, and public service mission of the University.  This policy sets forth the structure and process for University fundraising.

Scope

The University of Dayton Community.

Policy History

Effective Date:  January 3, 1996

Approval:  January 22, 2025

Policy History: 

• Approved in original form:  January 3, 1996
• Approved as amended:  September 5, 2000
• Approved as amended:  April 19, 2016
• Approved as amended:  January 22, 2025

Maintenance of Policy:  Vice President for University Advancement

Policy

All funds or gifts accruing to or received by the University, whether solicited or unsolicited, are for the use and benefit of the University of Dayton and are held in accordance with the trust or restriction imposed thereon by the donor. 

The Vice President of University Advancement, in conjunction with the University Advancement Leadership Team, shall set fundraising strategies and goals each year that align with University internal priorities.  The plan shall be created in accordance with the budget parameters outlined by the University Office of Finance and Administrative Services.  The detailed plan shall be approved by University leadership and presented to the Advancement Committee of the University Board of Trustees.  The plan is shared with campus leaders (Provost, Vice Presidents, Deans, etc.) as needed in the course of fundraising efforts.

University Advancement shall maintain a database of constituents, consisting primarily of alumni, but also parents, faculty, staff, students, friends, and various corporations, foundations, and other organizations.  The database shall be used to facilitate fundraising initiatives and build relationships between the constituents and the University.

Monthly fundraising reports shall be prepared by University Advancement and distributed to the Office of Finance and Administrative Services and associated Vice Presidents and Deans and their budget managers for distribution to appropriate parties.  Reports shall include cash gifts, with totals for pledges, revocable commitments, and capital campaigns (when applicable) reported separately.

All capital campaigns require approval from the University President and the University Board of Trustees and are reviewed by impacted schools, colleges, and units across campus.  All other major development campaigns require prior approval of the Vice President of University Advancement in consultation with the University President.  All fundraising campaigns, programs, and activities shall align with University priorities as determined by the University President and the Board of Trustees.

For any development campaign, program, or activity, a collaborative approach between University Advancement and the appropriate school, college, or unit is utilized.  The unit shall fully define the project needs, measurable outcomes, impact to the unit, students, and the university, and identify sources of interest in funding.  University Advancement shall work with the unit to understand the project purpose and to define and actively seek funding by engaging its development officers, research staff, and donor relations teams.

All individuals, including volunteers, students, faculty, and staff, engaged in development activities for the University shall comply with the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Statement of Ethics.

All gifts to the University of Dayton must be processed by University Advancement to assure adherence to IRS rules and regulations and accurate fundraising reporting.  All tax-deductible receipts to donors for gifts made to the University of Dayton must be administered solely by University Advancement Records.  Any individual or group, including volunteers, students, faculty, or staff facilitating fundraising efforts on behalf of an organization or entity, other than the University, is required to clearly identify for donors that their gift is for said organization or entity and not a gift to the University of Dayton.  Any necessary tax-deductible receipts for such fundraising efforts must be administered by the appropriate 501(c)(3) organization.  Any use of the University donation webpages without prior approval from University Advancement is strictly prohibited.

The Vice President of University Advancement determines policy compliance and consequences for noncompliance.