History and Overview

Founded in 1992, the William Paterson University Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the philanthropic needs of William Paterson University. The Foundation encourages individuals, corporations, and foundations to create a margin of excellence through charitable contributions that advance University initiatives for academic excellence and student success.

The Foundation is the repository of funds derived from its institutional advancement activities, and the conduit that ensures that donor-designated wishes, consistent with institutional priorities, are fulfilled. Gifts made to the William Paterson University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, are deductible for federal income, gift, and estate tax purposes.

The Foundation is governed by an autonomous, volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community, corporate, and University leaders. Directors are nominated and appointed by a nominating committee of the board, and serve for terms of one to three years. Members of the board of directors work with the advancement staff of the University to secure contributions and to provide financial stewardship to the restricted and unrestricted funds of the Foundation.

The vice president for institutional advancement serves as president of the Foundation. This responsibility involves leadership, support, education, and advice to the board in financial management, fund raising, and board development. The president of the Foundation is also responsible, with the board, for the integrity of financial reporting, transaction records and acknowledgments, and treasury functions including investment strategies.

Staff support for these functions is provided in the University advancement and financial administration offices.