Philosophies

Philosophies of the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation

The UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation builds meaningful life-long relationships to secure private support for UWL.

• Foundation staff, board members, and University leadership partner to build relationships with alumni, donors, prospects and friends, bringing them closer to UWL.
• Constituents are strategically engaged in the life of the University.
• Meaningful relationship building with donors helps to ensure UWL is a top priority for donors.

The UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation is focused on increasing major gift commitments by practicing donor-centered fundraising.

• Fundraising is the primary role of the Foundation.
• The focus of the development program is to secure major gifts of $25,000+.
• Foundation staff work to align donor interests with the philanthropic priorities of the University.
• The Foundation practices donor-centered fundraising, which includes fulfilling donor intent, providing impactful stewardship, and helping donors create a meaningful legacy.
• Policies and procedures are in place and updated to ensure proper privacy, compliance, accounting practices and investment management.
• Advancement services, finance, operations, strategic engagement, and donor relations provide support to ensure the front-line development officers are efficient and productive.

The staff of the UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation are vital to the success of the Foundation. 

• Foundation staff are citizens of UWL and follow a centralized model to work with University leaders in support of priority programs.
• Collaboration between Foundation staff and campus partners enhances fundraising success. The Foundation team works closely with the Chancellor’s Office, Deans, Student Affairs, University Centers, University Communications, Athletics, Admissions and others to support the University.
• The Foundation is committed to retaining talented staff by offering opportunities for professional growth, continuous learning, flexibility and other initiatives designed to ensure long-term retention.

The UWL Alumni & Friends Foundation is a 501c3 organization, committed to best practices in philanthropy.

• The Foundation Board of Directors provides strategic direction to the Foundation staff.
• The Board of Directors has operational oversight of the Foundation and holds fiduciary responsibility for donated funds.
• The Foundation and the Board invest in the infrastructure of the organization.
• Private, philanthropic support enhances the La Crosse experience by providing scholarships, faculty support, study abroad opportunities, updated facilities, and other critical needs of the University.