Protocol for Greek Chapters Seeking University Approval for Capital Campaigns

Privately owned Greek chapters planning to embark on a capital campaign may seek university approval for their project. Such approval will provide the chapter with the opportunity to provide campaign donors with university gift recognition: Reunion Campaign and Giving Society credit (not tax deductibility).

Chapters seeking university recognition for their campaigns provide in writing, the following information to the Vice President of Student and Academic Services and the Director of Development:

• a professionally completed feasibility study that contains a gift table with documentation showing highly likely giving ability among lead donors, a timeline for the campaign, and the volunteer leadership structure for the campaign
  
• an assessment of the current state of the chapter, outcome of its annual assessment through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, and identification of goals related to those outlined in Strategic Plan (specifically to include plans for live-in advisor), that will be met through capital improvements
  
• a written description of the scope of the capital project, including a description of how the project addresses the findings from the Einhorn Yafee & Prescott (EYP) assessment of the facility; a construction timeline, and information regarding any special accommodation issues that the live-in members might face must be included in the documentation

Upon approval, a letter of understanding from the university will be provided to the campaign chair and house corporation president (with a copy of the “Gift Recognition Policy for University Approved Fraternity & Sorority Capital Campaigns”). Staff to be notified of approved campaigns include: Vice President of Alumni Affairs and Development, Vice President of Student and Academic Services, Director of Development, Dean of Students, Associate Dean of Students for Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Director of Information Services, Director and Assistant Director of External Relations SAS, Principal, Major, Special and Leadership Gifts Directors, Regional Director, and Cornell Fund Director. This will be coordinated by SAS External Relations office.

Success of this initiative is dependent upon:

• a willingness to share prospective donor lists so that solicitation efforts can be coordinated, though clearance and approval from the university are not required for these campaigns
  
• on-going communication between chapter campaign chairs and university development staff on campaign progress
  
• a timely exchange of gift documentation from the chapter campaign team to university gift processing staff

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