"Our vision, our theme, our brand encompass means and goals, but much more, they express our character and our ways of being and becoming. To pursue excellence requires much change, transformative change. And such change is already underway. This pursuit is not for the timid or faint of heart."

- Dr. Horace A. Judson, GSU President

GBGfoundation.org, your IMPACT begins here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Foundation Q & A

Q. What is the GBG Foundation?
A: Established in 2005, the Grambling Black & Gold Foundation is a privately governed nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support Grambling State University.

Q. Why is the Foundation separate from the University?
A: Having an independent, nonprofit foundation results in greater fund-raising efficiencies and benefits for the University by assuring proper stewardship of private gifts; providing flexibility and responsiveness; managing assets strategically; engaging volunteers as informed advocates; and ensuring confidentiality of donor records.

Q. If Grambling State University is a public university, why does it need private gifts?
A: The State of Louisiana provides less than 40% of the University’s operating budget. Private gifts allow the University to provide scholarships, attract and retain the best faculty, build first-class facilities and continue quality education programs.

Q. How is my gift spent?
A: The goal of the GBG Foundation is to maximize the value delivered to the University. By reducing administrative expenses whenever possible and optimizing organizational efficiencies, the Foundation is able to transfer to the University thousands of dollars each year. Each gift received by the Foundation – regardless of the purpose or amount – is carefully processed to ensure that the donor’s wishes are honored and that the University receives the maximum benefit.

Q. Is my gift tax deductible?
A: The GBG Foundation is a registered 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. All gifts to the Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. You should consult with your tax attorney/advisor concerning the deductibility of your gift.

Q. Who decides the fund-raising priorities?
A: After consulting with the Executive Council, Foundation’s Board of Directors, ULS Board (where applicable), the Grambling State University’s president and campus leadership determine which proposed initiatives and projects become fund-raising priorities. The Foundation then develops a plan to achieve them.

Q. Can I designate my gift for a particular purpose?
A: Yes. Although discretionary (i.e., unrestricted) gifts provide the University’s leadership with the most flexibility in responding to the needs of the institution by investing in strategic initiatives, a donor may designate a gift to a particular college/school, department, or even to a particular fund. Regardless of the purpose, every gift makes a difference to Grambling State University’s future.

Q. How is the Foundation Funded?
A: The Foundation is funded through a combination of mechanism including, but not limited to, an investments management fee, as well as through development service (i.e., fund-raising activities).

Q. Who governs the Foundation?
A: An unpaid, volunteer Board of Directors governs the Foundation. The Foundation’s Board of Directors elects directors and officers when terms expire. The Foundation’s president and chief executive officer has the responsibility of working with the University President, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Professional support staff. The Grambling State University President is a voting member of the Board of Directors while the Provost and VP of Finance are ex-officio, non-voting members of the Board of Directors.

Q. Does the Foundation make grants?
A. The Foundation’s mission is to support Grambling State University. Therefore, the Foundation does not make grants to other organizations or to individuals.

Q. What kind of information is available to the public and media?
A. The GBG Foundation goes above and beyond state and federal requirements by providing to the public audited financials, summaries of investment activities, annual reports and IRS Form 990. The Foundation does not disclose private information regarding donors or potential donors, unless they give written permission. Further details are outlined in the Foundation’s Public Information Disclosure Policy.
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Q. How can I obtain additional information?
A: If you have reviewed this web site in its entirety and cannot find the information you need, please contact us by calling (318) 274-2207. We will do our best to answer your question(s) in a thorough and timely manner.

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