3341-9-4 Fundraising

1. Policy Statement and Purpose

   This policy defines and governs fundraising and philanthropic activities at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). It ensures a centralized and coordinated approach for securing and managing charitable gifts, donations, and grants from private sources, including individuals, businesses, foundations, and organizations. The policy establishes guidelines to enhance accountability, transparency, and efficiency in fundraising efforts while aligning with university-wide priorities.

2. Policy Scope

   This policy applies to all BGSU units, employees, benefactors, and affiliated entities engaged in fundraising, charity, or philanthropic efforts. However, this policy does not apply to:

   1. Fundraising or charitable activities conducted by student organizations intended to defray their expenses or support non-BGSU, external philanthropies.
   2. Public grant-seeking activities conducted by the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research.

3. Policy Definitions

   For purposes of this Policy, “fundraising” means any activity conducted by BGSU units, staff, benefactors, or affiliated entities to obtain voluntary financial or other private contributions to fund university activities or functions.

   “Philanthropic gifts” are any private contribution, including cash, securities, in-kind gifts, and endowments, directed toward scholarships and student support, academic programs, facilities, or other university-related initiatives.

4. Policy

   All fundraising efforts and philanthropic activities must be coordinated through University Advancement (UA) on behalf of the Bowling Green State University Foundation, Inc. (Foundation). The Foundation is a public 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization authorized by the BGSU Board of Trustees to manage charitable contributions benefiting BGSU students, faculty, staff and programs.

   The Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA), or their designee, must approve all fundraising initiatives before they are launched. Fundraising initiatives should align with university-wide priorities and avoid multiple, uncoordinated solicitations of the same donor by different BGSU units. UA resources and expertise must be utilized to maximize fundraising success and donor engagement. No communication materials, marketing campaigns, or contact with prospective donors may occur without prior approval from the VPUA. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of the fundraising activity.

   All philanthropic gifts and donations must comply with the Foundation’s Gift Acceptance, Counting, and Reporting Policy and IRS regulations. UA must receive and process all funds, including gifts, grants, and donations from private sources. UA authorizes and oversees all accounts holding monies derived from fundraising activities. Unauthorized accounts are prohibited. University funds may not be transferred to a Foundation account, nor may university-budgeted funds be used for charitable donations.

   All individuals involved in fundraising and philanthropic activities at BGSU must adhere to this policy and related procedures. For further guidance, contact:

   BGSU Advancement
   Phone: 419-372-2424

Registered Date: December 2024
Amended Date: May 29, 2025