Hi Tammy,
I agree with John, it's often treated as standard that additional contributions can be accepted unless the agreement says otherwise. But I think you're right to flag the difference between a general-purpose departmental fund and a named endowment tied to an individual or family.
One thing to consider is reputational stewardship. Even if the agreement doesn't explicitly require approval, accepting a contribution from an unrelated party (especially one who might want recognition or visibility) could create confusion or tension with the original donor or their family. A quick outreach or heads-up can go a long way in maintaining goodwill.
At previous institutions, I've seen a version of the following in gift agreement templates:
"The University may accept additional contributions to this Fund from the Donor or other parties, provided such contributions align with the purpose of the Fund."
Including this kind of clause helps set clear expectations and avoids awkward questions down the line, both about whether additional gifts are allowed and about whether naming rights could change.
Hope that helps!
Best,
Shannon
|
|
|
Shannon Knapp
Director, Donor Fund Compliance
Division of Development and Alumni Relations
The George Washington University
202-994-0452
shannon.knapp@gwu.edu
|
------------------------------
Shannon Knapp
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 07-01-2025 10:49 AM
From: Tammy Cline
Subject: Named Endowments
Thank you, John!!
Tammy M. Cline
Assistant Director, Gift Policy, Processing & Reporting
West Point Association of Graduates
698 Mills Road West Point, NY 10996
Phone: 845.446.1540
Fax: 845.377.3039
WestPointAOG.org
Serving West Point and the Long Gray Line
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this email message and any attachments is confidential and the property of West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG). This message is intended for viewing and use by the original recipients only. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication and/or its attachments is prohibited without the sender’s written permission. WPAOG does not accept liability for changes to this message after it was sent or privacy violations caused by forwarding to additional parties. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete this email from your computer. For additional information please refer to the privacy statement available at WestPointAOG.org.
Original Message:
Sent: 7/1/2025 10:14:00 AM
From: John Taylor
Subject: RE: Named Endowments
It's generally understood that, unless specifically prohibited in the endowment agreement, anyone can add to a permanent endowment. However, if that's a named endowment (as opposed to the History Department Operating Endowment), a best practice is to have a conversation with the fund creator or their heirs.
Often, the addition is intentional. I recall several instances at both Duke and NC State where endowment holders encouraged, and frequently solicited, additions from friends and family. But when there's no apparent relationship between the new donor and the original donor, I'd ask first.
John
John H. Taylor, PrincipalJohn H. Taylor Consulting, LLC
2604 Sevier Street
Durham, NC 27705
919.816.5903 (cell/text)
Serving the Advancement Community Since 1987
Original Message:
Sent: 7/1/2025 10:00:00 AM
From: Tammy Cline
Subject: Named Endowments
Hi there,
We are trying to find out best practices or policy/guidelines for accepting gifts to established named endowments from donors other than the endowment founder. Should existing endowments be open to accepting any gifts unless this is specifically restricted in the endowment agreement? Or, does it need to be specified in the agreement with the founding donor that the endowment can accept any gifts?
Thank you!
Tammy
Tammy M. Cline
Assistant Director, Gift Policy, Processing & Reporting
West Point Association of Graduates
698 Mills Road West Point, NY 10996
Phone: 845.446.1540
Fax: 845.377.3039
WestPointAOG.org
Serving West Point and the Long Gray Line
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this email message and any attachments is confidential and the property of West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG). This message is intended for viewing and use by the original recipients only. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication and/or its attachments is prohibited without the sender’s written permission. WPAOG does not accept liability for changes to this message after it was sent or privacy violations caused by forwarding to additional parties. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender and delete this email from your computer. For additional information please refer to the privacy statement available at WestPointAOG.org.