Gift Management

Generally, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Philanthropies takes the lead in seeking donations to the University; however, in some instances, faculty members and employees might be approached or seek specific gifts of items to be used in their departments. Such gifts are not to be accepted until approved by the appropriate Vice President. The process for gaining such approval is initiated by completing a Gift in Kind request through Workday.

See the Gifts-in-Kind policy for more information.

BYU-Idaho is greatly blessed by contributors from many generous organizations and individuals. We must use these funds wisely and effectively. In the end, the goal of the donors and the University is to bless the lives of students.

The current system for managing gifted funds serves to better:

• Comply with donor intent
• Manage resources effectively
• Ensure the use of donor funds is in line with approved University priorities

Donor contributions are coordinated and received through LDS Philanthropies. The funds are processed and tracked by BYU-Idaho Financial Services and are generally categorized for:

• Student financial aid
• Other approved priorities

The BYU-Idaho Gift Management Committee is comprised of the President's Executive Group and other representatives of academic and financial administration. The Gift Management Committee reviews philanthropic results and projections. The Committee also gives final review and approval for all philanthropic policies and budgets.

Donations intended to be used for student financial aid are administered by the BYU-Idaho Financial Aid Office. University departments may coordinate with the Financial Aid Office regarding awards to specific recipients. However, the final authority and decision-making for scholarship and grant awards rests with the Financial Aid Office. Philanthropic student financial aid budgets are set annually by the Gift Management Committee and Budget Strategy Committee.

Management of non-student aid donations is integrated into the stewardship review process. If an approved priority is funded from philanthropic sources, the amount will be budgeted as part of the annual budgeting process.

Beginning in 2012, philanthropic budgets are combined with other approved budgets (appropriated or auxiliary) in department operating accounts. Financial accounting and budget reports may be viewed on-line through the Account Stewardship page on the Financial Services website.

Philanthropic budgets will be reviewed annually as part of the stewardship review process to ensure that resources are achieving institutional goals and priorities.

Generally, philanthropic budgets are established as continuing budgets and will be renewed annually with guideline increases for inflation. However, the amount of donor funds available is subject to external factors such as additional contributions by donors and investment market conditions. Because of this, philanthropic budgets may fluctuate from year to year.

If you have questions regarding the use of gifted funds, please contact Shane Webster in Financial Services at (208)496-1971 or websters@byui.edu.

Investment Objectives
The endowment investment goal of Brigham Young University - Idaho (the University) is to achieve a total rate of return on institutional endowment funds which will allow the University to (1) fund current needs through endowment income (2) allow sufficient retention of earnings in the endowment to significantly offset the impact of inflation. These goals are to be achieved through prudent selection of investments within the parameters of the Idaho Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, Chapter 50, Title 33, Idaho Code ("UPMIFA").

Investment Committee

The Investment Committee consists of the President, and University Resources Vice President and three other individuals appointed by the President. The Investment Committee sets asset allocation benchmarks, acceptable asset allocation ranges and current target allocations. The Committee performs its duties in accordance with the University Investment Management Policies and Procedures and reports to the CES Investment Oversight Working Committee.

Investment Administration

All University investment accounts and funds are administered by University Financial Services. The Managing Director of Financial Services shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration and investment of all institutional endowment funds consistent with directives of the Investment Committee and policies of the University.

Investment Policy

The Investment Committee shall determine the appropriate mix and allocation of institutional endowment funds and may use a variety of investments. Preference shall be given to available Church pools when they meet the mix and allocation objectives of the Investment Committee. Investments shall be well diversified among different investment options and styles to avoid major negative fluctuations of any particular investment sector.

Spending Policy

Annual appreciation, including realized and unrealized gains or losses on investments and interest, dividend, and other income, will be treated as current gains and losses for the purpose of determining net investment income available for expenditure in accordance with UPMIFA. The annual amount available to be spent is limited to 4.25 percent of the market value of the endowment at the beginning of the current year. Such income will be allocated at the end of the year and is available to be spent on the first day of the subsequent year. The balance of net investment income or deficit shall be retained in the endowment account. In no event shall funds be allocated for expenditure if the value in the account is below the historic dollar value as defined by UPMIFA or if such expenditure would result in the value of the endowment dropping below that level.