May include on-time gifts, multi-year pledges (typically 3–5 years), or deferred gifts. Unrestricted bequests received during a campaign with an endowment component may be counted toward campaign goals if directed to the endowment. Deferred gifts in campaigns receive appropriate recognition.

Endowment Gifts:

  • Gifts of any size are welcome for existing endowment funds.
  • Minimums for establishing new named endowment funds (payable within 5 years, typically):
  • Unrestricted or Field-of-Interest Endowment. $10,000.
  • Designated Purpose Endowment. $25,000. The purpose must be approved by KSU (via President, Provost, and Board of Regents) and the Foundation Board.
  • Endowment distributions are subject to KSU and Foundation spending policies, in compliance with UPMIFA as adopted in Kentucky, and donor restrictions.

Gift Acknowledgment and Donor Recognition

  • The Foundation will provide timely written acknowledgment (gift receipt) for all gifts, compliant with IRS substantiation requirements. "Thank you" letters will generally be sent within one (1) week.
  • Additional acknowledgments or contacts from volunteers, staff, or KSU leadership may occur.
  • For DAF gifts, the sponsoring organization (the legal donor) receives the official gift receipt. The donor advisor receives appropriate thanks and recognition from the Foundation and KSU.
  • All donors will be recognized appropriately in publications and online, unless anonymity is requested. Recognition is consistent with donor wishes and approved KSU/Foundation guidelines.
  • Significant gifts ($10,000 or more) may be offered special commemorative opportunities per donor recognition guidelines.

Accounting Standards and Reporting

Fundraising and Donor Recognition Purposes:

  • Gifts received by the Foundation for KSU will be reported and credited according to CASE Reporting Standards and Management Guidelines and guidance from the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners.

Audited Financial Statement Reporting:

  • The KSU Thorobreds Foundation, Inc., will report gifts as prescribed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) for non-profit organizations.