ACTION ITEM:

Resolution Endorsing KSU Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. Bylaws and Policies

FACTS:

The Kentucky State University Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. (KSUTF) was established to serve as a philanthropic partner of Kentucky State University, with a mission to secure, steward, and distribute private support for the benefit of students, programs, and strategic priorities of the University.

In pursuit of operational excellence and fiduciary integrity, the KSUTF Board of Trustees has adopted a set of foundational governance documents and policies to guide its operations and ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with best practices in nonprofit and higher education advancement.

The policies and documents adopted were recommended by the Benefactor Group as part of their Governance Review and are now presented for endorsement by the Board of Regents include:

• KSUTF Bylaws – Establishing the Foundation’s structure, board responsibilities, and operational framework.
• Conflict of Interest Policy – Requiring disclosure and management of potential conflicts to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of the Foundation and the University.
• Code of Conduct – Outlining expected standards of ethical behavior and professionalism for board members and affiliated personnel.
• Gift Acceptance Policy – Providing clear criteria and procedures for evaluating and accepting charitable gifts.
• Endowment Spending and Investment Policy – Defining investment objectives, spending guidelines, and stewardship standards for endowed funds.
• Whistleblower Policy – Protecting individuals who report concerns about unethical or unlawful conduct within the Foundation.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS:

Any additional resources allocated for the Office of Institutional Advancement and External Relations for the relationship with the KSUTF will be shared with the Board of Regents and will be included in the annual budget.

Institutional Advancement and External Relations