The UC Santa Cruz Foundation is a public nonprofit corporation organized in 1974 to raise and manage private support for UC Santa Cruz. Working in close partnership with UCSC’s chancellor, administration, faculty and staff, the Foundation Trustees share the university’s vision of academic excellence and its commitment to public service, and serve as advisors, advocates, fundraisers and stewards of UCSC’s endowed and custodial investments. 

Trustees provide oversight for asset management, including stewardship and accountability.   They serve as a sounding board for UCSC fund-raising priorities and goals and offer an informed view on the practicality of meeting these goals. As committed volunteers who give to UCSC and its programs, they are also important and effective solicitors. Trustees help identify new potential donors, introduce them to UCSC programs, and ask for their support.  They promote greater community understanding of UC Santa Cruz and serve as influential advocates with key external constituencies. Trustees help hone UCSC’s image and promote it to constituencies that may not be familiar with its accomplishments. They bring unique skills to the Board that they are willing to use on behalf of the Foundation and the campus.

TRUSTEE EXPECTATIONS

1.     Be informed about the funding priorities for UC Santa Cruz and committed to supporting and advancing these priorities in the area(s) of choice.

2.     Make a personally significant annual gift to the Foundation that demonstrates that UC Santa Cruz is a philanthropic priority.

3.     Make it a high priority to participate in the scheduled Foundation Board meetings.

4.     Provide guidance and counsel on the general management, operations, and program activities of the foundation

5.     Serve on a committee or participate in other volunteer activities as assigned by the Board president, and contribute personal skills, knowledge and expertise.

6.     Promote the purpose, goals, and objectives of the Foundation, especially where the potential exists for support of the University and its programs.

7.     Make special, capital, or planned gifts to the University as circumstances allow and at levels that will inspire others to emulate that support.

8.     Identify, cultivate and solicit prospective donors and volunteers, and provide stewardship and oversight for gifts received.

9.     Support and participate in special events and encourage others to attend.

10.   Be informed about local, state, and national issues affecting higher education and be an advocate for the University of California.

 

FUNDRAISING ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.     Serve as ambassadors and partners in the fundraising process. Help involve donors and ensure UCSC’s place in the hearts and minds of potential supporters.

2.     Set an example through personal philanthropy and engage others on the board in meaningful giving; assist with board peer-to-peer solicitations for annual gifts.

3.     Commit time and effort to work with UR Development on chosen priority goals.

4.     Use personal networks and contacts to identify individuals interested in projects at UCSC, and foster these philanthropic relationships. Help to match prospective donors’ interests with UCSC initiatives.

5.     When appropriate, and in collaboration with assigned Development officer/team member, assist with personal or written solicitations for gifts.

6.     Communicate regularly with the Development team on all fundraising activities and complete assignments as expeditiously as possible.

7.     Assist in stewardship of major donors.

8.     Provide feedback on development communications.

9.     Help identify and recruit new board members.

Desired Qualifications

• Commitment, engagement and dedication to UCSC’s mission.
• Willingness to devote time, attention and preparation to Board activities and to make trusteeship a high calling.
• Capacity and desire to make a difference through personal giving.
• Willing to use personal networks and connections to advance the university.
• Commitment to collegiality and shared governance.

Requested Commitment

• To serve out a full term of three years. 
• If circumstances preclude serving a full term, to request a leave of absence or provide as much notice as possible of the intention to resign.
• To give thoughtful consideration to renewing commitment to serve on the board for another term.

 UCSC Promise

• To develop and sustain a meaningful role for each trustee.
• To provide a meaningful return on investment for board service.

• To provide the intellectual enrichment and stimulating engagement that come from affiliation with a great university.