UC Education Foundation Major Gifts Program

Purpose: Formal Education Foundation structure to secure and manage substantial gifts from major donors, created in 2018 following best practices for Indiana public school corporations

Geographic Scope: Union City, Indiana

Gift Range: $10,000 to High Six Figures

Sources of Funding Accepted

• Wills or trusts
• Charitable remainder trusts
• Insurance policies
• Cash, stock, bonds
• Real property
• Remainder of IRA or retirement funds

Categories of Use

• Higher-dollar scholarships (multi-year, larger amounts)
• Higher-dollar teacher support (potentially group vs. individual grants)
• Major contributions to new or enhanced curricula
• Note: Donation dollars do not fund normal operating expenses

Focus Areas

• Scholarships: Multi-year Foundation scholarships, typically larger than Alumni scholarships
• Teacher Support: Supporting teacher effectiveness, morale, and professional development
• Curriculum Enhancement:
  • Introduction of new technology (e.g., 3-dimensional printing)
  • Response to state-mandated educational focus (e.g., STEM)
  • Replacement of obsolete equipment
  • Introduction of vocationally focused classes or courses
  • Striving for leadership in education

Donor Control

Minimum level of restrictions preferred to maximize future flexibility, but restrictions will be included as part of formal agreement and will be honored.

Recognition

• Gifts qualifying for Legacy Donor Circle
• Recognition on school wall plaque
• Listed on Alumni Association and Education Foundation web pages with "forever" recognition

Impact

• Programs that would not otherwise be possible due to budget constraints
• Often multi-year, touching any or all of grades K-12
• Purpose: Assuring Union City schools are state-of-the-art in student education, teacher support, and curriculum planning

How to Apply

1. Initial Contact: Reach out to discuss your philanthropic goals
2. Preliminary Discussion: Communicate your goals and begin discussion of funds usage
3. Professional Consultation: Your attorney or accountant are welcome at any point in the discussion
4. Finalize Details: Details are finalized and a written agreement is executed
5. Reporting: You will be kept informed of funds usage and progress of your program

Required Materials:

• Written agreement documenting donor restrictions and intentions
• Details regarding specific use of funds

Submission Format:

• Direct conversation with Education Foundation leadership
• Formal written agreement required