Governance

“The difference between responsible and exceptional lies in thoughtfulness and intentionality, action and engagement, knowledge and communication.” - BoardSource

Operating policies and procedures are developed by UNT Foundation staff and approved by the UNT Foundation Board of Directors. The policies and procedures are regularly reviewed in coordination with the University of North Texas Division of Advancement staff to ensure their adequacy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

The UNT Foundation is committed to responsibility, ethics and accountability through its committees’ structure, which is designed to fulfill the responsibilities of the Board. UNT Foundation’s Board of Directors and executive staff stay current on a wide array of issues that impact higher educational institutions through active involvement with leading national associations and professional education groups.

 

Articles of Incorporation

Articles of incorporation is a set of formal documents filed with the government body to legally document the creation of a corporation. The UNT Foundation filed their Articles of Incorporation on June 27, 1972.


IRS Letter

A determination letter is the only official document and proof that an organization is recognized as a tax-exempt organization. The IRS issues this letter after an organization has successfully applied for the recognition of tax-exempt status. In this document the IRS indicates under which sections of the Internal Revenue Code the organization is qualified. The Employer ID number assigned to the UNT Foundation by the IRS is unique and may not be used by other entities.


Confidentiality of Information

The UNT Foundation has proprietary rights to financial and other information which the UNT Foundation deems confidential unless and until such information is officially made public. Such information includes, but is not limited to, donor and membership lists, unpublished information, unpublished financial information, specialized processes, and techniques used in connection with the UNT Foundation’s activities, and protection and security systems of the UNT Foundation.


Conflict of Interest

High standards, ethical behavior, personal integrity, and impartiality are inherent to the reputation and ultimate success of the UNT Foundation. In keeping with these norms, UNT Foundation officers, directors, advisory directors, and staff refrain from engaging in any behavior that might be construed as self-dealing or in conflict with the mission, goals, and fundamental purpose of the UNT Foundation.,


Standing Committees

The board of directors accomplishes much of its work through its standing committees, which are specifically focused on key areas of responsibility. The Board committee structure enhances Board productivity and brings unique expertise to bear to monitor operations, make decisions within the parameters of committee charters, and frame policy recommendations to the Board for discussion and action.

Audit Committee
The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee is to manage the UNT Foundation’s annual external audit, as well as provide oversight over its financial practices, internal controls, financial management, and standards of conduct.

Budget Committee
The Budget Committee’s responsibilities are to ensure development of viable annual and long-range financial plans for the UNT Foundation, oversight of current financial operations and results, and adequacy and accounting for the Foundation’s reserves.

Governance Committee
The responsibility of the Governance Committee is to develop, recommend, and oversee the UNT Foundation’s by-laws, Board governance practices, and policies. The Committee additionally functions as the nominating committee of the Board.

Investment Committee
The Investment Committee fulfills the UNT Foundation’s responsibilities for prudent management of investments for endowments and other institutional pools of capital. The Committee works closely with staff and professional advisors to establish the portfolio’s investment allocation, select investments, review performance and reporting, and set the endowment spend rate. The UNT Foundation’s Board exercises fiduciary responsibility for the investments, providing governance and oversight over the Foundation’s investment and spending policies.

Personnel Committee
The Personnel Committee develops, recommends and oversees personnel policies, employee benefit programs, compensation practices, and the performance evaluation process for the Foundation’s staff and CEO.

Trust Management & Real Estate Committee
The primary responsibility of the Trust Management & Real Estate Committee is to oversee prudent investment and administration of charitable trusts, gift annuities, life insurance policies, bequests, and gifts of real estate or other properties to the UNT Foundation.