• Henry Madden Library
  • Birds of Paradise
  • Science II building
  • Garden Pathway
  • Fresno State Band
  • Water Fountain
  • Alumni House Entrance
  • Pondering the Future

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Foundation do?

The answer depends on which "foundation." Fresno State has seven auxiliary corporations that operate as non profit 501(c)(3) corporations; three of these auxiliaries use the term "foundation."

The Agricultural Foundation of California State University Fresno (or Ag Foundation) provides support for the financial management of the enterprise units and student projects operated within the context of the Farm Laboratory.

Associate Students Incorporated provides a means for effective student participation in the governance of the University, fosters awareness of student opinions on campus issues, assists in the protection of student rights, and provides programs and services to meet the needs of the students and campus community.

The Athletic Corporation promotes and assists the University through funding and operation of the intercollegiate athletic program.

The Bulldog Foundation is the fundraising arm of Fresno State Athletics and supports student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition and in life "Beyond the Game."

California State University, Association, Inc. provides management, accounting, information services, legal services, and professional services to other campus auxiliary organizations and operations including the Foundation, the Ag Foundation, Associated Students, Inc. and Fresno State Programs for Children. It is comprised of the operating units of the Kennel Bookstore, Student Recreation Center, University Dining Services, University Courtyard (Housing), and University Student Union.

California State University, Fresno Foundation (The Fresno State Foundation) manages all aspects of the financial activities for grants, contracts, trust accounts, investments, endowments, scholarships, loans, gifts and donations. All gifts should be directed to University Development.

Fresno State Programs for Children supports children-related programs on campus.

How do I obtain a 990 from the Foundation?

To obtain a 990 from the Foundation, please contact Foundation Financial Services at 559.278.0850.Back to Top

Who governs the Foundation?

In addition to the University President, the Fresno State Foundation is governed by a Board of Governors constituted of up to 28 alumni and non-alumni members. Governors are individuals who have demonstrated dedication to Fresno State and a willingness to give their time, resources and expertise.

What type of gift can I make?

The Foundation has a number of gift opportunities at all levels. For a complete listing, please visit The Campaign for Fresno State.

How does the Foundation oversee and manage gifts to the university?

The Board of Governors has the responsibility for the investment and oversight of Foundation assets. In accordance with the Foundation’s Investment Policy Statement and on the advice of the Endowment Advisory Council, the Investment Committee makes investment recommendations to the Executive Committee for approval. In addition, staff closely monitors all investments and reports observations and trends to the Budget Committee, Audit Committee and/or Investment Committee on a quarterly basis. These Committees diligently communicate their observations and recommendations to the Executive Committee and full Board.

How do endowments work?

An endowment is the gift that keeps on giving. As a contract between the donor and University, it allows the donor to designate how they wish the interest earned on their gift to be used. Endowment funds are pooled for investment purposes and annual investment returns are distributed in accordance with donor intent. For more information on endowments, contact Randy Larson at 559.278.6629.

How do I establish an endowment?

While any amount can be added to an existing endowment, the minimum amount necessary to establish a new endowment is $25,000. The process is best addressed through face-to-face conversations.

For more information visit The Campaign for Fresno State and/or contact Randy Larson at 559.278.6629.

What are the endowment returns for the past 1, 5, and 10 years?

For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, Pool A returned -25.47%. For the last 5 and 10 years, Pool A returned ____ and ____%, respectively. These results compare _____ to other universities and according to NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) rank the returns in the ____ percentile over the past ten years.

What assessments are charged by the Foundation?

Administration assessments are levied against all assets under management by the Foundation. These assessments are established by the Fresno State Foundation’s Board of Governors and are reviewed annually. For more information about assessments, contact _______.

How do I apply for a grant?

There are two departments that administer grants and contracts at Fresno State. Items to do with pre-award (application, submission, etc.) are handled by Research and Sponsored Programs. Items to do with post-award (budget, etc.) are handled by Foundation Financial Services.Back to Top