FundSvcs Community

 View Only

  • 1.  Claim that an individual was acting as an agent of an organization

    Posted 07-10-2025 11:48 AM

    Hello all,

    A major donor organization is now claiming that the individual who originally signed the paperwork to establish an endowment with us-who has since passed away-was actually acting as their agent. Based on this, they argue that the organization should be considered the true donor and therefore should be consulted as we redirect the endowment, since the original program it supported has been discontinued.

    How can such a claim-that the individual was acting as an agent of the organization-be proven?

    Thanks in advance!



    ------------------------------
    Amber Gichard
    University of Alaska Foundation
    argichard@alaska.edu
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Claim that an individual was acting as an agent of an organization

    Posted 07-10-2025 12:09 PM
    The organization must provide you with a letter signed by their counsel or attorney, assigning legal agency status to that person.

    I have seen this done after the fact. What's clear is that you need to have a written document on the organization's letterhead attesting to the agency assignment at the time the donation was made and the agreement was executed.

    John

    John H. Taylor, Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier Street
    Durham, NC     27705

    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987




    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Claim that an individual was acting as an agent of an organization

    Posted 07-10-2025 02:14 PM
    Thanks John,

    One thing I'm struggling with is that the original donor who signed the endowment agreement did not reference the organization that is now claiming he was acting on their behalf, and he has since passed away.

    We do have records that the individual was a member of the organization at the time, but he signed and gave individually (from what we can tell). 

    Thanks,
    Amber
    _______________________________________________

    AMBER R. GICHARD

    Senior Director of Fund & Gift Services

    University of Alaska Foundation

    1815 Bragaw St., Suite 206, Anchorage, AK 99508

    Direct: 907.786-1016

    Make a gift online: engage.alaska.edu 

    See the impact of the For Alaska campaign: universityforalaska.com


    UA Employees: Please request donor/gift reports and lists through the Foundation's Information Request Google Form. (To access this form, you need to be logged into your UA Google account.)







    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Claim that an individual was acting as an agent of an organization

    Posted 07-10-2025 02:18 PM
    I appreciate your concern. However, if a lawyer for the firm confirms in writing that the individual was an agent for them, it is hard not to believe them.

    Was the deceased married? They should certainly be involved in these discussions.

    John

    John H. Taylor, Principal
    John H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
    2604 Sevier Street
    Durham, NC     27705

    919.816.5903 (cell/text)

    Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987





    Original Message


Related Content