Should I Use Foundation or University Dollars?

The party requesting reimbursement must be convinced that the expenditure was necessary in support of ongoing programs such that he/she would be comfortable talking to the donor or the press about the payment.

From the Chancellor’s Memo

The Foundation’s check request form sets up a system of approvals to ensure funds are spent as a donor intended. Check requests require two signatures from campus, usually from the department chair and the dean/director’s office. The Foundation also ensures expenditures meet donor criteria and will refer inappropriate requests back to the dean, department chair or program director

  • Any expense that can be paid for by the University should be paid through the University.
  • If the University will cover part of an expense, the bill should go to the University first.  The Foundation, if appropriate, will pay the remainder. For example, if the state allows $24 for dinner while traveling, the University should pay for the first $24 of a dinner bill. The Foundation would pay the remaining $26 of a $50 bill.
  • Each department may also set its own rules for allowable expenses that are more restrictive than state, University or Foundation standards.

Usually, funds from the Foundation must be transferred to a “233” fund at the University before they can be spent.

The Foundation issues checks within 7-10 days of receiving a properly completed and authorized check request.

If the items being requested for payment can be processed by the University under state procurement and travel rules, they must be processed through the University.

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