Institutionally related foundations play a vital role in raising and managing private resources in support of public institutions of higher education. Such is certainly the case with the UNT Foundation. Chartered in 1972 as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, the UNT Foundation is able to facilitate gift transactions, enable the acquisition and development of real property, and pursue investment opportunities that might prove difficult or impractical for the state institution it serves. The UNT Foundation also functions as steward of privately contributed resources, ensuring that they are used in compliance with donor intent and maintained separately from public funds.
Another great advantage for the UNT Foundation is the ability to involve talented and dedicated volunteer leaders. While public institution boards are typically politically appointed, the UNT Foundation can recruit individuals with the specific capacities essential to effective fundraising and investment leadership. The ability to engage committed, affluent, influential, and independent volunteer leadership is perhaps the most important rationale for institutionally related foundations.