A. Introduction

A fund may be established at UCI in honor or in memory of a family member, friend or colleague. Faculty, administrators and staff are often the first line of contact when a member of the community seeks information about memorial or honorary giving opportunities at UCI. Gift Administration, University Advancement, should be contacted when an honorary or memorial fund is being requested.

In most cases, the dollar amount of a fund will not be known in advance of establishing the fund, so alternative options should be discussed with the donor.

B. Policy and Criteria for Establishing Funds

1. Endowed Funds

   The donor should be informed of the campus options and minimums for endowments. Funds may be established for fellowships, scholarships, chairs, lectureships, student prizes, research, etc. Funds are established as non-endowed funds until the minimum dollar amount is reached. If the fund does not reach the required minimum, the principal will be devoted to a purpose deemed the most consistent with the wishes of the donor. For example, if the donor wishes to endow a scholarship in the School of Social Sciences, but the funds raised do not reach the established minimum, the monies will be used to award an annual scholarship in Social Sciences.

2. Non-endowed Restricted Fund

   The donor may establish a named fund for a restricted purpose. Following are examples of opportunities for named memorials:

   1. Named Scholarship

      An annual scholarship restricted to a particular discipline may be established in memory of an individual. The scholarship may be a full or partial scholarship, depending on the amount of funds raised.

   2. Memorial Bench Program

      Funds may be raised to purchase a bench for the campus. A plaque will be affixed to the bench in honor or in memory of an individual. The donor may select a location on campus to place the bench, subject to approval by the Director, Campus and Environmental Planning. Every effort will be made to accommodate the donor's request. The Director, Campus and Environmental Planning determines the style and design of the benches and plaques to be purchased. The text on the plaque will be limited to either "In memory of" or "In honor of" and the person's name. The size of the plaque is not to exceed 12" x 6" and will be placed on the upper back of the bench. The benches will receive the same level of maintenance and care as other University assets and may be relocated at a future date due to changing campus needs.

      Donor Relations is responsible for determining the minimum contribution required to purchase a bench and for initiating the facilities management requisition to purchase the bench and plaque after sufficient funds have been raised.

   3. Other Tangible Memorials

      A department, school or unit may request another form of tangible memorial (other than a bench) by submitting a written request to the Office of Donor Relations. The request will be reviewed by the Vice Chancellor, University Advancement and approved by the Chancellor on a case-by-case basis. The planting of memorial trees with adjacent plaques is not allowed.

   4. Other Restricted Funds

      The donor may establish a non-endowed fund to support a specific academic program, area of research, teaching activities, UCI Library, or other restricted purpose.