According to Article II of the Eastern Michigan University Foundation, Articles of Incorporation: "The corporation is organized and operated exclusively to receive, hold, invest and administer funds and to make expenditures to or on behalf of Eastern Michigan University."

Simply put, the Foundation's "sole" focus is increasing sources and amounts of private funds for the benefit of EMU. All fundraising activities undertaken by individual units of EMU are coordinated through the Foundation.

Our long-range goal is to increase the total value of the University's endowments at a level equal to or better than our peers. As of June 30, 2008, our endowed market value was $46.6 million. Generally, the goals of the Foundation are:

1. Manage the assets
   This includes investing endowment funds, managing planned gifts such as annuities, unitrusts, bequests, life insurance, real estate, as well as securities and other gifts.

2. Increase private support
   This includes maintenance and development of our gift process, development of yearly and long-term giving and marketing plans and board development to enhance our fundraising opportunities.

3. Manage entrepreneurial activities
   This encompasses analysis, identification and development of opportunities to increase endowment revenue.

4. Enhance Awareness
   Our objective is to increase awareness, build trust and continue to educate all constituencies on the role and impact of the Foundation.

The Eastern Michigan University Foundation is duly organized as a private non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Michigan. It is a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. As such, it is required to file a Federal Form 990 annually. The Foundation holds a Charitable Solicitation License from the State Attorney General's office.

The Foundation complies with all laws that relate to the operation of a private, nonprofit corporation and it is audited annually by Plante & Moran, PLLC. Financial information is disclosed in the Annual Report that is distributed to the Board of Regents and major donors. Click here to view the 2008 Annual Report, call the Foundation at 734.484.1322 or write us at 1349 S. Huron Street, Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197.

Since the Foundation assumed the investment management, the endowment has grown from $8.4 million to $46.6 million, as of June 30, 2008. During that time, our returns of 9.3 percent continue to exceed our average annual benchmark of 8.5 percent.

No, the Foundation only manages the gift process. Gifts are received and processed according to donors' designations. The Foundation manages over 600 endowments, endowed scholarships, unitrusts and annuities. Each has been established for a specific purpose or area and with specific direction for distribution. Gifts received, spending (money returned to the University for the purpose intended), investment earnings, book value and market value are tracked for each fund.

Current funding for Foundation operating expenses is comprised of the following components: funding from the University; 2.0 percent of the endowment based upon a twelve quarter average market value; funding from an endowment specifically established to support the Foundation’s operations; short term interest income; and tenant rental income. This funding model allows 100 percent of all gifts to be used for their donor-designated purpose, and helps to offset administrative, as well as gift management and development expenses. The funding is comparable to other institutional foundations with endowments similar in size to the Eastern Michigan University Foundation.

Generally, donors direct them toward programs, departments, colleges and student scholarships.

Gifts to the University were designated according to the following percentages in 2007/08:

Colleges and Departments	65.7%
Endowed Scholarships and Endowments	24.2%
Undesignated Funds	1.1%
Expendable Scholarships	5.6%
Planned Gifts	0.5%
Miscellaneous Accounts	2.9%

The Trustees, Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Corporate Treasurer serve as volunteers and are not compensated. The Executive Director and staff receive an annual salary.

Potential external trustees are suggested by the Foundation staff, the colleges, the president of the University, and current and emeritus trustees. Those suggestions are presented to the Foundation's Trusteeship committee. Trustees are reviewed and elected according to their ability and willingness to provide leadership in fundraising and provide expertise in asset management. They are expected to support the University financially, as well as assist in fundraising. Generally, we look for individuals who can assist us in growing the list of donors who support Eastern Michigan University.

Yes. The bylaws of the Foundation specify that five permanent seats be reserved for University officials. These seats are filled by the University President, along with two members of the EMU Board of Regents and two University officials that are appointed by the President. In addition, seats are held by the Faculty Council President, Student Government President, a representative from the Alumni Association and from the emeritus faculty.

The EMU Foundation offices are located in the EMU Foundation Building at 1349 S. Huron Street, adjacent to the Eagle Crest Conference Resort, where space is shared with EMU's Office for Alumni Relations and Pear Sperling Eggan & Daniels, PC.

Please call 734.484.1322 for Administration, Development or Advancement Services.