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Iowa Supreme Court Ruling on University-affiliated Foundation Records

Questions and Answers Regarding the Recent Iowa Supreme Court Ruling on University-affiliated Foundation Records

Q. What was the ruling?
A. On February 4, 2005, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled that the Iowa State University Foundation's fundraising function for Iowa State University is subject to Iowa's open records law. Since the University of Northern Iowa Foundation performs the same function for the University of Northern Iowa, its records are also subject to this law.

Q. How will this ruling affect donor records and privacy?
A. Iowa's open records law includes exceptions for confidential information. The Supreme Court ruling did not determine which of the foundation's records are confidential and which are open for review. We are now examining the law to determine which records we are obliged to disclose and which are protected from disclosure.

The UNI Foundation has always valued the trust and confidence of our donors. We subscribe to the Donor Bill of Rights adopted by the Association of Fundaising Professionals (AFP). It states that donors have the right "to be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law." We will work to continue to protect the personal and financial information of all our donors.

Q. What records does the UNI Foundation already make public?
A. The UNI Foundation has always made a great deal of information available to the public. Through the following documents, we make public information regarding the Foundation's management and stewardship of funds. Items that are hot-linked are available online. Others may be requested from the Foundation.

Public Records

Names of the Board of Trustees and Officers

Annual audited financial statements

IRS Tax Exempt Determination documents

Annual federal information return (IRS Form 990) - available at www.guidestar.org