University Policy 11010
Download a Printable Version of Policy 11010
Effective Date
July 1978
Last Revision Date
March 25, 2026
Responsible Party
Office of the President, (208) 426-1491
Scope and Audience
This policy applies to all Gift Solicitations.
1. Policy Purpose
To implement professional best practices for Gift Solicitation and management that ensure a positive donor experience while meeting the university’s philanthropic objectives.
2. Policy Statement
Boise State University recognizes that essential to the optimal and appropriate Solicitation of Gifts is the recognition that giving is a mutually beneficial, voluntary exchange in which the university’s priorities are matched with a donor’s specific interests. The university is committed to ensuring that effective Solicitation efforts are well-researched, carefully coordinated, and driven by the collective benefits of a rapport.
3. Definitions
3.1 Solicitation
A request on behalf of Boise State University or affiliated entities for a gift of cash, securities, personal property, real estate, or anything of material value.
3.2 Gift
A voluntary transfer of money, services, or property from a donor without expectation of a direct economic benefit or provision of goods, services, technical or scientific report(s), or intellectual property from the recipient. There is no implicit or explicit statement of exchange, purchase of services or provision of exclusive information. Gifts are those transactions that involve a true philanthropic intent. Gifts are solicited by, or with the support of, University Advancement and received and administered by the Boise State University Foundation.
3.3 Gifts-in-Kind
A gift of goods or services.
3.4 Deliverable
A tangible product or service resulting directly from the use of funds transferred to the university for which the donor will receive a material, tangible benefit to which they would not otherwise be entitled (i.e., if the transfer of these funds would result in the donor deriving something of equal value that is unique or preferential). A benefit is “unique” if the donor were allowed to receive the benefit prior to the benefit being publicly available. Examples include the first or initial rights to specific research findings, inventions, etc.
3.5 Sponsored Project
A grant, contract, cooperative agreement, sub grant, subcontract, consortium agreement, purchase order, or memorandum of understanding (hereafter collectively referred to as a “sponsored project”) that formalizes the transfer of money or property from a sponsor in exchange for specified activities (e.g., research and development, instruction, public services etc.), and may require specific deliverables such as detailed financial and/or technical reporting by the recipient. Performance is usually to be accomplished within a specified time frame, with payment subject to revocation. It may include provisions related to intellectual property and publication rights. The University’s Office of Sponsored Programs in the Division of Research and Economic Development is responsible for accepting and administering sponsored projects.
4. Gift Solicitation
a. The Boise State University Foundation (“Foundation”) manages and coordinates Gift Solicitations.
b. Administrators such as the President, vice presidents, Athletic Director, development officers, and deans may solicit or otherwise negotiate Gifts for their particular project, unit, or college/school.
c. Before soliciting any Gift or undertaking any fundraising activities on behalf of Boise State University, or subunit thereof, all Boise State employees or their agents must consult with the Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation or designee and follow the established prospect coordination and approval protocols.
5. Gift Management
a. Gifts to the university are received and managed by the Foundation.
- All Gifts of cash, securities, and real estate must be received by the Foundation.
- All Gifts-in-Kind to be retained by the University must be received by the university and recorded and receipted by the Foundation.
- All Gifts in Kind to be monetized must be received, recorded, sold and receipted by the Foundation.
- All financial reporting of Gifts will be managed by the Foundation.
6. Boise State University Foundation Services
a. Leadership and implementation of fundraising efforts in support of the University’s mission and priorities, including annual giving, major Gift, principal Gift, planned Gift, and campaign efforts.
b. Prospect coordination, research, and analytics.
c. Donor and alumni communications.
d. Planning and implementation of strategic donor and alumni-focused events.
e. Strategic cultivation of alumni and donor relationships for the purposes of engagement with and support of the university.
f. Donor stewardship and recognition.
7. Exceptions
7.1 Priority of University Policy
Nothing in this policy should be construed to supersede existing University policy regarding Sponsored Projects and contract activities of the university.
7.2 Unsolicited Gifts
Unsolicited and spontaneous Gift offers may be responded to at once with immediate notification provided to the Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation or designee.
Revision History
July 1995; January 2008; April 2011; March 2013; March 25, 2026