Committees

The Communications Advisory Committee is a select network of industry leaders convened to advise and support the goals of the University of Washington’s brand marketing and communications efforts. The committee engages in a deep understanding of the UW brand strategy in its fullest context and providing recommendations for how to advance the University’s positioning regionally and beyond. It provides counsel on ways to raise awareness and shape perceptions of what the UW seeks to stand for among high-priority audiences. It also supports the UW’s fundraising efforts on key University initiatives and capital campaigns through recommendations for the shaping of related marketing and communications strategies.

The Development Committee serves as a resource to and complement the work of University Advancement in all aspects of fundraising, with a focus on the cultivation and solicitation of individual and organizational donors. Its work focuses on serving as a sounding board for development leadership, providing feedback and counsel to the development team as it works to grow private support. The committee makes connections and help deepens engagement with prospective donors and champions and support the UW’s donor solicitations.

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee (DEI) serves as an idea generating body that continues to identify opportunities to institutionalize DEI in all committees and practices of the UW Foundation. Aligning DEI practices with the purpose of the UW Foundation and the mission/vision of University Advancement (UA) will work toward maximizing its effectiveness. The efforts of this committee will result in increasing evidence of diversity of stakeholders, advocates, and donors; through UA, deployment of the pipeline and cultivation strategy for UW volunteers; inclusive programs, events, and outreach; and a measured/measurable equitable opportunity to participate in philanthropy.

The Estate and Gift Planning Council serves as a forum for discussion on charitable estate planning, deferred giving and other planned gift matters and as a technical advisory council to the Office of Gift Planning. Members shall also serve as informed ambassadors on behalf of the institution, its students, faculty, and programs and may, in their capacities as professional advisors, assist donors in completing planned gifts to the University.

The Executive Committee is responsible for planning and oversight of the Foundation Board, maintaining knowledge of campaign priorities, and providing thoughtful guidance on strategic issues.

The Membership (formerly known as Nominating) Committee is responsible for pipeline development and strategy which includes identifying, engaging, and recruiting At Large volunteers for the Foundation Board. The committee also assists in the orientation, onboarding, offboarding, evaluation, and mentoring of new Directors, who will work to fulfill the mission of the UW Foundation Board.

The Recognition Committee will be expanded to encompass all the Foundation’s donor and volunteer recognition efforts. Overseeing all forms of recognition supports the strategic integration of existing recognition efforts (e.g. the annual Recognition Gala, Gates Volunteer Service Award (GVSA, the President’s Circle Summer Celebration, etc.) at the same time it provides committee members with a platform to consider new and different forms of recognition of donors, volunteers, and UW champions above and beyond long-standing traditions. Working in tandem with University Advancement staff, the Recognition Committee will act as a sounding board on a wide range of recognition-related topics, help innovate and explore new ideas, serve as a conduit to broader UWFB membership for opportunities to engage in recognition-related activities, select the Gates Volunteer Service Award (GVSA) recipient, and give feedback on Gala messaging.