Mission Statement

The mission of the William Paterson University of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. is to secure philanthropic funding in support of, and raise awareness of, the University’s programs of academic excellence and student success.  The Foundation will act as the financial steward of gifts in a responsible manner.

Vision Statement

The William Paterson University of New Jersey Foundation, Inc. will create value for William Paterson University by helping to secure philanthropic funding in support of University programs.  The Foundation will do this through the identification and pursuit of private gifts, grants and endowments.  The Foundation will act as the financial steward of these gifts.  In so doing, it will help position William Paterson University as a preeminent public institution in New Jersey.  Success, in part, will be recognized as the University’s position among the academic and business community advances.

History and Overview

Founded in 1992, the William Paterson University Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the philanthropic needs of William Paterson University. The Foundation encourages individuals, corporations and foundations to create a margin of excellence through charitable contributions that advance University initiatives for academic excellence and student success.

The Foundation is the repository of funds derived from its institutional advancement activities, and the conduit that ensures that donor-designated wishes, consistent with institutional priorities, are fulfilled. Gifts made to the William Paterson University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, are deductible for federal income, gift and estate tax purposes.

The Foundation is governed by an autonomous, volunteer Board of Directors comprised of community, corporate, and University leaders. Directors are nominated and appointed by a nominating committee of the board, and serve for terms of one to three years. Members of the board of directors work with the advancement staff of the University to secure contributions and to provide financial stewardship to the restricted and unrestricted funds of the Foundation.

The vice president for institutional advancement serves as president of the Foundation. This responsibility involves leadership, support, education, and advice to the board in financial management, fund raising, and board development. The president of the Foundation is also responsible, with the board, for the integrity of financial reporting, transaction records and acknowledgments, and treasury functions including investment strategies.
Staff support for these functions is provided in the University advancement
and financial administration offices.