Kansas State University Foundation: A Cornerstone of Advancement
The Kansas State University (K-State) Foundation stands as a crucial pillar supporting the university's mission and vision. Founded in 1944, the KSU Foundation serves as K-State’s strategic partner for philanthropy and as the official fundraising entity for K-State. Operating as a non-profit organization, the Foundation is dedicated to securing and managing private donations that address the university’s diverse needs and help make a difference in the world through K-State people and programs. This article delves into the multifaceted role of the KSU Foundation, exploring its impact on K-State's academic environment, infrastructure, and overall standing.
The Foundation's Role and Impact
The KSU Foundation plays a pivotal role in advancing Kansas State University through strategic fundraising and the management of private donations. The KSU Foundation team works with individuals, corporations and foundations to support identified priorities for the university. Its activities span a wide range of areas, all aimed at enhancing the university's capabilities and reach.
Financial Stewardship and Endowment Management
A primary function of the KSU Foundation is to manage and grow the university's endowment. The KSU Foundation endowment is a sustainable income source for K-State, supporting endeavors such as scholarships, faculty positions and long-term initiatives aimed at enhancing K-State’s academic excellence. As of fiscal year 2023, the Foundation's $952 million endowment yielded $126.1 million for K-State's immediate use, which was reflected in the university's annual budget. This substantial financial support enables K-State to invest in critical areas such as:
- Scholarships: Providing financial assistance to deserving students, ensuring access to education and fostering academic success. Gifts received through the foundation fund undergraduate and graduate student scholarships.
- Faculty Positions: Attracting and retaining leading educators and researchers through endowed chairs and professorships. Gifts received through the foundation establish faculty chairs and professorships.
- Long-Term Initiatives: Funding projects and programs that drive innovation and enhance the university's reputation.
Supporting Capital Projects and Infrastructure
The foundation is crucial in supporting capital projects and facility enhancements across K-State. Beyond its role in endowment management, the KSU Foundation is instrumental in supporting capital projects and facility enhancements across K-State. These projects often involve the construction of new buildings, renovation of existing facilities, and upgrades to campus infrastructure. For example, a $3 million gift was secured to help build a new food pantry facility for Cats’ Cupboard, and more than $75 million was raised for the Ag Innovation Initiative.
Economic Impact
The KSU Foundation’s activities extend beyond the university campus, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the state. In fiscal year 2023, KSU Foundation generated $59.1 million in economic impact to the state.
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Philanthropic Partnerships
The KSU Foundation fosters strong relationships with donors, alumni, and other stakeholders to drive philanthropic support for the university. The KSU Foundation team works with individuals, corporations and foundations to support identified priorities for the university.
How to Contribute
Private donations, gifts, or bequests are handled through the KSU Foundation. Individuals or entities interested in contributing to K-State through the Foundation can do so in various ways, including:
- Direct Donations: Monetary contributions made directly to the Foundation.
- Planned Giving: Incorporating K-State into estate plans through bequests, trusts, or other deferred giving arrangements.
- In-Kind Donations: Gifts of property, equipment, or other assets that benefit the university.
- Year-end giving: USPS postmarks now reflect processing date at regional facilities. Ask the USPS counter for a hand postmark/PVI.
Donor Recognition
The KSU Foundation recognizes and celebrates the generosity of its donors through various means, including naming opportunities, special events, and public acknowledgments. For example, the Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will be renamed the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, honoring the legacy of the Vanier and Hale families and their impact on global agriculture.
Financial Policies and Procedures
The KSU Foundation adheres to strict financial policies and procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in its operations. The University has policies and procedures relevant to all funds.
Handling of Funds
In general, all checks made payable to Kansas State University or any administrative unit thereof must be deposited into an appropriate fund with the state treasury through the University Cashiers. Whenever departments receive funds that represent reimbursement for services provided or payment for goods purchased, these funds must be deposited into the state treasury. Under Kansas Statute (K.S.A. 75-4215), the University is required to deposit daily into the state treasury all fees, tuition and charges of any nature. The latter category includes payment for sales of goods and services or reimbursement for specific expenditures made by the University. K.S.A. 76-724 gives authority for the University to receive private donations, gifts, or bequests and to spend them in accordance with terms or conditions imposed by the donor. The Kansas State University Foundation is authorized under K.S.A. All receipts into a departmental Foundation account are to be documented.
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Checks and Deposits
All checks that are received payable to Kansas State University must be deposited through the Cashier's Office (Room 212 Anderson Hall). If it is clear that these funds are an endowment or bequest and should more appropriately be managed by the KSU Foundation the checks should be accompanied by written evidence of this intent. No deposit slip is required for these checks. Upon receipt of the check and documentation, the Cashier's Office will deposit the check made payable to Kansas State University and issue a replacement check payable to the KSU Foundation. This replacement check will be sent back to the department.
Employee Compensation
Whenever an employee of the University receives any salary or compensation from funds held by the Foundation, the amount necessary to cover salary and fringe benefits is to be transferred from the Foundation to an appropriate University restricted fees account for payment.
Purchases and Loans
Purchases made with departmental Foundation funds are for the direct use of the University department. All loans involving Foundation funds should be issued through normal Foundation or University procedures instead of through the use of departmental Foundation accounts. Loans are legal obligations and must comply with State and Federal regulations.
Gift Acceptance
All gifts of property must be approved by the appropriate department head and their dean or director, before the property is accepted. If the gift will impose a significant fiscal obligation of $50,000 or more, the gift must be reviewed by the Board of Regents prior to the acceptance of the gift pursuant to K.S.A.76-724.
Strategic Partnership and Vision
The KSU Foundation is K-State's strategic partner for philanthropy. We inspire and guide philanthropy toward university priorities to boldly advance K-State. Foundation staff members work in close partnership with university administrators, deans and faculty to secure charitable contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations to support identified priorities for the university and K-State 2025. Gifts received through the foundation fund undergraduate and graduate student scholarships, establish faculty chairs and professorships, provide college and departmental support, and enhance the campus infrastructure. After the money is raised, it must be prudently managed.
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Independence and Accountability
Note: The Kansas State University Foundation was established in 1944 and is a separate, independent entity chartered by the state of Kansas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education corporation. Gifts made to support K-State through the KSU Foundation are used according to the donor’s wishes and may not be reallocated by the state.
Current Initiatives and Opportunities
The KSU Foundation is actively involved in various initiatives and projects aimed at advancing K-State's mission.
Western Star Global Grain and Food Center
Kansas State University’s Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation will be renamed the Western Star Global Grain and Food Center, honoring the legacy of the Vanier and Hale families and their impact on global agriculture.
Career Opportunities
The Foundation offers various career opportunities for individuals passionate about supporting higher education. For example, they’re hiring a Graphic Designer! If you love turning ideas into eye‑catching visuals, we want you on our team. Ready to bring your creativity somewhere it’ll truly be seen? Apply now! Also, they’re hiring a Development Officer supporting the College of Agriculture. These DO roles require individuals who have experience in a metrics position and presenting proposals in face-to-face settings. Apply here today! "I’m looking for a motivated, hard-working team member who thrives in a fast-paced, high-performance environment. This role is an opportunity to help create impactful changes in the College of Health and Human Sciences and K-State. You will build lasting connections, create opportunities for change, and raise hope through your work.
Engagement and Culture
Our KSUF book club gathered at Rockin’ K’s to discuss The Go-Giver and its 5 Laws of Stratospheric Success! Advancing our culture together through learning and shared insight! Huge thanks to everyone who joined us today, and to Tamara Bauer for leading such an insightful conversation at the 6th Annual Listening Lounge! Finals week is approaching for our student employees! We always provide our students with care packages during finals week to fuel them for success. Best of luck!
Transparency and Compliance
The Kansas State University Foundation (“Foundation”) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization soliciting tax deductible private contributions for the benefit of KansasStateUniversity. The Foundation is registered to solicit charitable contributions with the appropriate governing authorities in all states requiring registration. A copy of the Foundation’s current financial statement is available by writing to the Foundation at 1800 Kimball Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan, KS 66502, Attn: Sr.
State-Specific Information
- New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp/charities.htm.
- West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, West Virginia 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.Registration with a state agency does not constitute or imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by that state.
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