fundraising & Donor Relations
CLA Fundraising Table of Contents
Fundraising
Club vs. Departmental Fundraising
Fundraising protocols differ between student clubs and university departments at UAF. Student clubs, overseen by the Student Leadership and Involvement Office (SLI), have simpler approval processes and often run small, community-focused fundraisers like bake sales. Their financial reporting is straightforward.
In contrast, departmental fundraising is managed by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. It involves detailed planning, strict financial reporting, and compliance with donor agreements and university policies. Departments typically handle more complex fundraising efforts, such as major gift campaigns and grant writing, with support from professional staff.
UAF Photo by Marina Santos
Student Clubs
Overseen by the Student Leadership and Involvement Office (SLI).
Must follow specific guidelines, such as submitting event details and financial reports regularly.
They can raise funds through various activities like bake sales, car washes, or receiving funds from the Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (ASUAF).
Must get approval for their fundraising activities
Club officers need to complete orientation sessions and provide membership information as part of the recognition process by SLI (University of Alaska Fairbanks).
UAF photo by Leif Van Cise
University Departments
Fundraising efforts coordinated through the Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
Often focus on soliciting donations, grants, and sponsorships from alumni, businesses, and other external entities.
They adhere to more formal fundraising strategies, including major gift campaigns and endowments.
Have access to university resources and professional staff who assist with developing fundraising strategies and ensuring compliance with university policies and external regulations.
UA Mall
The UA Mall is an online storefront platform designed to showcase and sell merchandise, resources, and other products related to the University of Alaska. It provides an accessible and convenient way for departments to engage with students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community, enhancing their reach beyond physical campus boundaries.
How CLA Departments Can Utilize the UA Mall
Merchandise Sales
CLA- or department-branded merchandise like clothing and accessories
Publications and Educational Materials
Faculty-authored books, academic journals, and other scholarly publications.
Fundraising Initiatives:
Launch fundraising campaigns aimed at supporting specific projects, scholarships, or research initiatives (Learn more about fundraising below)
Event Tickets:
Ticket sales for sponsored events like lectures, theater productions, concerts, and workshops
Photo from Permafrost Magazine
Specific restrictions for departments looking to utilize the UA Mall storefront may include guidelines on branding consistency, product types allowed (such as official university merchandise), and approval processes for items sold to ensure alignment with university values and policies.
If you're looking to set up a page on the UA Mall, email us at cla-pio@alaska.edu to start the process!
Fundraising Rules & Regulations
If you're considering running a fundraiser for something within your department, it's essential to coordinate with the UAF Development Office first. This is part of UAF’s Fundraising Coordination Policy, which is designed to ensure that all fundraising efforts across the university are aligned, effective, and focused on building strong donor relationships.
Before you reach out to any potential donors, please get in touch with the Development Office. They will help you strategize your fundraising approach, avoid overlapping requests with other departments, and ensure that your efforts align with UAF’s broader goals. This coordination is crucial because it helps us present a unified message to donors and maximizes the impact of the funds we raise.
The Development Office supports you with research on prospective donors, timing and planning your fundraising asks, and making sure all contributions are used effectively to support the mission of CLA and UAF as a whole. This collaboration is key to achieving successful outcomes for your department’s fundraising initiatives.
UAF Photo by Eric Engman
Donor Relations
Department Giving Pages
Each department has its own Giving Page, accessible via a white-outlined box labeled "Give to ___" in the upper right corner of their navigation bar. This page serves as a portal for donors, offering them a clear view of various causes they can support, including the option to contribute directly to the department. Highlighted in colored boxes throughout the page are specific scholarship and program funds that donors can also choose to support.
Our goal is to enhance these pages with more detailed information about the impact of different contributions. At the bottom of each page, a pie chart shows how donations to the College of Liberal Arts were allocated in the previous academic year. For departments with significant donation activity, we will create customized pie charts to illustrate how their specific donations were distributed.
What do the pie chart categories mean?
Scholarships
Donations in this category directly fund scholarships for students. These funds help reduce tuition costs, making education more accessible and allowing students to focus on their studies.
UAF Photo by Marina Santos
Student Support
This category encompasses a broader range of support for students beyond scholarships. It can include funding for student services, academic resources, emergency aid, and other initiatives that enhance the student experience and well-being.
UAF Photo by Eric Engman
College Support
Contributions here are directed toward the overall needs of the College of Liberal Arts. These funds might be used for strategic priorities, faculty development, infrastructure improvements, or other initiatives that benefit the college as a whole.
UAF Photo by JR Ancheta
Department Support
Donations in this category are earmarked for a specific department within CLA. These funds can be used for departmental priorities such as research, equipment, curriculum development, or special projects that advance the department's mission.
UAF Photo by Todd Paris
Public Service & Community Support
This category focuses on initiatives that extend UAF's impact beyond the campus, supporting public service programs, community outreach, and partnerships that benefit the broader community. Donations here might fund programs that engage with local organizations, provide educational resources to the public, or support community-based research and service projects.
UAF Photo by Todd Paris
Giving Day
UAF Giving Day is a 49-hour fundraising event where the university community supports various initiatives through donations and special activities.
UAF Photo
Donor Stories
Thanking our donors is crucial to honoring those who support education at UAF's College of Liberal Arts. Many students rely on scholarships to ease tuition costs, allowing them to focus on their studies. Donor generosity also helps launch new programs and bring distinguished speakers to campus, enriching everyone's experience. We are deeply grateful for their support, which is the foundation of our success.
One small way we can thank our donors is by sharing their stories. These Donor Stories highlight the unique connections many have to UAF and why they choose to support education for others with their selfless gifts. By recognizing and celebrating our donors in this way, we not only honor their generosity but also inspire others to contribute. Whether it's a UAF alum who feels a deep connection to their alma mater or a community member who understands the value of a liberal arts education, these stories showcase the personal motivations behind their impactful gifts.
UAF Photo by Sarah Manriquez
Equally important are the stories of impact from the students who receive scholarships or the programs that benefit from donor support. These stories capture the transformative experiences made possible through generosity—students who can pursue their passions without financial strain or programs that evolve and thrive thanks to new funding. By sharing these narratives, we illustrate the tangible difference that donor contributions make in the lives of our students and the broader academic community, further encouraging a culture of giving.
UAF Photo by Jaunelle Celaire
Donor Program
The PIO Office is currently working on developing a Donor Program aimed at fostering stronger connections between our donors and CLA faculty, staff, and students. As we move forward with this initiative, we'll be sharing more details to keep everyone informed and involved.
Gifts
Gifting Protocol
At UAF, we have clear protocols in place regarding gifts to ensure compliance with tax regulations. Gifts can encompass a variety of noncash physical items including airline vouchers or miles, tickets to UA or community events, art work, clothing, parking passes, UAF logo items, mugs, and more. Gifts to students, alumni, faculty, and others may need to be reported if they exceed certain amounts, requiring documentation such as a W-2 or other tax forms. This process ensures transparency and adherence to tax laws within the university community.
For more information on UAF's gifting policies and procedures, visit the CLA Procurement page, the UAF Financial Services website, or contact our CLA Fiscal Officer, Heather Foltz, at hlfoltz@alaska.edu.