The University of Wisconsin-Madison has a responsibility to assure appropriate stewardship of gifts made to the WFAA in support of the University, to ensure compliance with state laws and the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents policy regarding the expenditure of state and gift funds, and to respect the nature of the WFAA as a distinct, separate legal entity from the University.
The services and support to be provided by the WFAA and the University, including any fundraising activities, are outlined in a separate, operational agreement between the University and the WFAA that is reviewed annually.
This policy applies to all University of Wisconsin-Madison personnel involved in the receipt and use of gifts made to the WFAA in support of the University. Campus and divisional leadership have a responsibility to ensure individuals accepting and/or using gift funds are fully informed, and understand gift acceptance and use procedures.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison (the University) defines a gift as a donation in the form of money. This policy defines the principles for interacting with the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Associations (WFAA), legally known as the University of Wisconsin Foundation, in the receipt and use of gifts made to the WFAA in support of the University.
The primary role of the WFAA is to solicit and accept gifts in support of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and then to invest and protect those gifts so they may be used for the intended purpose.
The WFAA accepts only those gifts that meet all of the following criteria:
WFAA will only accept gifts in support of the University of Wisconsin-Madison that are eligible for tax-deductible gift treatment under Internal Revenue Service rules and that meet the five criteria stated above. Any gifts not meeting the gift criteria stated above will not be accepted by the WFAA. All accepted gifts must be acknowledged in writing.
Funds derived from University revenue producing activities, such as fees for services or use of University facilities, revenues from ticket sales, merchandise sales, and similar activities, from grants, contracts or other arrangements under which goods or services are provided by University personnel, belong to the University and all such funds must be deposited directly with the University into appropriate accounts. Such funds must not be deposited with the WFAA or transferred to the WFAA as a means of avoiding state law requirements and restrictions on the use of state funds.
As a general principle, gifts provided to the WFAA shall be expended by way of fund 233 projects (or 533 for Intercollegiate Athletics). Upon request from the University, WFAA will make a gift of funds to the University to be deposited into a fund 233 or 533 project. All such deposits will be presented to the Board of Regents for incorporation into the University’s regular budgeting and accounting system.
Once gifts disbursed by the WFAA are deposited into a University fund/appropriation, those gifts are governed by all State of Wisconsin and Board of Regents requirements and restrictions regarding expenditures.
Only under circumstances in accordance with the University of Wisconsin-Madison and WFAA policy and procedures should the WFAA be requested to pay funds directly to a vendor for a University program or purpose. Direct payment requests that appear inconsistent with this policy or related procedures will be referred by WFAA to the Dean/Director’s Office and/or the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration or their designee for resolution.
Gift funds should be readily available to cover expenses charged on fund 233 gift projects. To responsibly manage and analyze fund 233 balances, gift revenue should be added to projects in a timely manner. It is inappropriate for the University to carry a negative cash balance in fund 233. In addition, fund 233 project cash balances should not be in deficit at June 30 each fiscal year end. In order to achieve this, gift funds are to be requested from WFAA at a minimal frequency of quarterly, unless funds are not necessary due to a lack of expense activity.
Non-compliance with this policy or related procedures may result in additional controls being placed on access to WFAA funds, and/or discipline through established employment policies.
Dean’s Office: Serves as a liaison between the campus department and Gift Management Accountant, and provides signature as authorized approval of a Gift.
Division of Business Services Accounting Services Director of Financial Information Management: Reviews and provides signature as an authorized official for Gifts agreements between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the donor, when necessary.
Gift Management Accountant: Responsible for the oversight, including monitoring and reporting donations received by the University of Wisconsin – Madison.
Office of Legal Affairs: At the request of the Gift Management Accountant or Dean’s office, reviews Gift agreements of a donation for potential legal issues.
Risk Management: Assures that equipment and other goods are appropriately insured in cases of Gift in Kind donations.
Tax Compliance Manager: Advises and reviews donor tax forms when necessary.
UW-Madison Campus Personnel: Works with the donor to obtain appropriate Gift documentation. This individual completes the Gift Deposit Routing Form and WFAA Check Request Form to provide to its Divisional Dean/Director’s office for signature.
Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association (WFAA): WFAA is an independent Wisconsin nonstock corporation organized and incorporated in 1945, for the purpose of stimulating voluntary private support from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, foundations and others for the benefit of UW-Madison.
07/30/2018
