Question 1

What is the University of Oregon Foundation’s relationship with the University of Oregon?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation is an independent charitable 501(c)(3) organization designated by the university to receive, manage, invest, and disburse private gifts to the university. Fundraising activities are managed by the university. Oregon law requires that a foundation be independent of a state university.

Question 2

Who governs the Foundation?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation Board of Trustees is comprised of up to 30 volunteer alumni and non-alumni members. The Board has overall responsibility for the management of the Foundation. Trustees with diverse backgrounds, experience, and organizational and financial skills volunteer considerable time and effort to help the Foundation and the university grow and prosper.

Question 3

How is the Foundation funded?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation’s operating budget is primarily funded by a .75% annual administrative fee on the market value of endowed assets, in addition to income from rentals and unrestricted gifts to the Foundation.

Question 4

How is my gift spent?

Accepted Answer

Exactly as you direct. When you make a gift to the university through the Foundation, you determine the purpose and specific area of the university that will benefit from your generosity. Upon receipt of your gift, the Foundation will send you an acknowledgement that confirms the gift designation and can be used for tax purposes. When the university staff member in charge of the fund submits a spending request, the Foundation first ensures that the request meets the donor purpose language of the fund, then issues a check.

Question 5

Are there fees associated with my gift?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation assesses a 5% gift fee. This fee is transferred directly to the University of Oregon to provide ongoing, essential funds for the university's advancement efforts and emerging priorities.

Question 6

How do endowments work?

Accepted Answer

Endowment assets are maintained in perpetuity and are pooled for investment purposes. Currently, the Foundation annually distributes 4% of the market value to be used in accordance with each fund’s purpose.

Question 7

How do I establish an endowment?

Accepted Answer

While any amount can be added to an existing endowment the minimum amount necessary to establish a new endowment is $100,000. The process is uncomplicated but is best addressed through face-to-face conversations. Please visit the University Advancement website for more information.

Question 8

What are the endowment returns?

Accepted Answer

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, the Villard Investment Pool (VIP) returned 10.9% (net of fees). Over 10 years, the VIP achieved its primary objective of maintaining long-term purchasing power with annualized returns of 7.5%.

According to the most recent NACUBO study (National Association of College and University Business Officers), the Foundation's performance ranks in the 80th percentile of 10-year annualized return rates.

Question 9

What is the value of the endowment?

Accepted Answer

As of June 30, 2025, the Villard Investment Pool was valued at $1.8 billion.

Question 10

How do I update my information?

Accepted Answer

Please contact our Records Management team at alumrec@uofoundation.org or call 541.302.0300.

FAQ