About the UH Foundation

Faculty FAQs

Why doesn't the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation provide more funding for my department?

Who decides how donations will be spent?

How can I get help raising funds for my department or project?

I've heard there are foundations that faculty may not approach. Which foundations are on this list and why?

The grant application guidelines ask that I attach an annual budget, or list of board members, mission statement, and other general informational pieces. Should these materials pertain to my project, my department, my college, or the university?

How long should my foundation proposal be and how much technical information should I include about my project? Am I allowed to include attachments and supplemental materials?

Is it okay to submit proposals to multiple foundations for the same project?

What happens to my grant funds once they are deposited in the Foundation?


Why doesn't the University of Hawaiʻi Foundation provide more funding for my department?
The Foundation's fundraising staff works to raise money for the University of Hawaiʻi System. They work hard to find major donors interested in supporting the schools' projects, and they develop appropriate solicitations for modest, annual gifts from alumni and friends.

The priority in fundraising is given to projects identified by deans and chancellors. To find out where your funding needs fall on the priority list, visit with your dean or department chair.

The Foundation staff can consult with you to help you assess and meet both your long term and short-term funding needs.

Who decides how donations will be spent?
The donors. When they make their gifts, donors usually designate which school, department, project or purpose (such as scholarships or professorships) will benefit from their financial support. The Foundation is required by law to follow the wishes of donors. Of the gifts made each year to the Foundation, about 99 percent are designated by donors for specific purposes. Only about 1 percent of gifts are unrestricted.

How can I get help raising funds for my department or project?
First, discuss your needs with the appropriate department chair or dean. This person will work with you to clear the request through the university's normal administrative channels. The Foundation's development officer responsible for fundraising in your area also will be glad to advise you. The final decision about what projects to pursue is made by the Foundation, according to university priorities.

All solicitations, discussions or requests for private support from any private foundation, corporation or individual must be approved by the Foundation.

I've heard there are foundations that faculty may not approach. Which foundations are on this list and why?
There is not an official “list” of foundations that are off limits. There is, however, a process run by UHF whereby foundations and individuals are ‘cleared' to specific colleges or units for a period of time so that fundraisers, or their designees, may work exclusively with the prospective donor. This process helps ensure UHF's approaches to foundation and individuals are coordinated and managed in a way that is responsive to both the donor's interests and the institution's priorities. This process is not meant to prohibit faculty activity but rather to provide a means for facilitating campus communication about fundraising activities.

If you're interested in approaching a foundation for support, please contact Foundation Relations or the fundraiser representing your college to determine the current status.

There are some instances where a foundation either implicitly or explicitly limits the number of proposals UHF may submit during a given time. In these cases, UHF may issue an internal call for preproposals. A committee will screen the preproposals to determine which one(s) will go forward on behalf of the institution.

The grant application guidelines ask that I attach an annual budget, or list of board members, mission statement, and other general informational pieces. Should these materials pertain to my project, my department, my college, or the university?
Since the gift is being made to the UHF on behalf on the university, the required documentation typically pertains to UHF. In some cases we are required to send information about the university (and not UHF) and in others we submit both. Please contact the UHF's Office of Foundation and Corporate Relations for assistance in this matter.

How long should my foundation proposal be and how much technical information should I include about my project? Am I allowed to include attachments and supplemental materials?
Often a maximum page length is specified in the application guidelines. If no page length is mentioned, follow the rule that shorter is better. With rare exception, proposals to private foundations should generally be under 10 pages.

Many private foundations are run by volunteers, who may not have technical expertise in a specific discipline. Unless the foundation's publications indicate otherwise, it's best to assume that educated lay people will be reviewing your proposal, not specialists in your field. Take care to avoid acronyms and jargon.

Private foundations will often supply guidelines regarding required attachments and supplemental materials. As a general rule, only include items directly relevant to the project and do not relegate key pieces of information to the attachments. Proposal reviewers will not see all of the attachments during the first round of review, generally just the executive summary is used to initially screen proposals.

Is it okay to submit proposals to multiple foundations for the same project?
Foundation grantmakers generally do not object to multiple submissions. In fact, most expect it, even encourage it. It's not uncommon to have similar proposals under review simultaneously by several different foundations.

It's unlikely that a single foundation will be the sole funder of a project so having a funding plan that considers more than one funder is beneficial to a fundraising strategy. A plan that includes multiple supporters will add credibility and stability to your project.

There is a difference between multiple submissions and mass mailings. Avoid using the ‘mail merge' feature of your word processor to send the same generic proposal to a number of foundations. Tailor your proposal carefully to the foundation's particular interests.

What happens to my grant funds once they are deposited in the Foundation?
When the funds are received, a designated account will be opened from which you may make expenditures as outlined in your proposed budget. Most project expenses may be paid directly from Foundation accounts. For payment of some expenses, such as salary, the funds may need to be transferred to an ORS account. Foundation staff will work with your department's financial officer to make the necessary arrangements.