Audit Committee

The Audit Committee reviews and recommends for approval, the fiduciary documents for both the Foundation and the Berkeley Endowment Management Company (BEMCO). The draft audit and the 990 tax forms are vetted on behalf of the larger Foundation body on an annual basis. The Committee also evaluates and recommends an independent auditor every year and negotiates fees on behalf of the Foundation. The committee works closely with the financial staff at the Foundation and confers with the independent auditor to satisfy that the financial affairs of the charitable organization are in order.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee has the authority to act on behalf of the Board of Trustees when necessary on matters that arise between meetings of the full Board.  The Committee reviews the general endowment pool (GEP) spending and payout policy and recommends a payout percentage for a specific payout year to the Board of Trustees for approval.  The Executive Committee also coordinates the functions of the other committees.

Finance and Administration Committee

The Finance and Administration Committee oversees the overall financial and budgetary functions of the Foundation.  The Committee reviews the Foundation’s operating budget and financial statements, determines insurance coverage, and recommends to the Board such other actions that may be required.  The Committee reviews the general endowment pool (GEP) spending and payout policy and recommends a payout percentage for a specific payout year to the Executive Committee for subsequent approval by the Board.  The Committee may undertake special projects related to Foundation or campus finances.

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee assists in organizing and managing the Board in accordance with the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation.  The Committee develops orientation programs for Trustees and committee members, reviews committee assignments, oversees the Foundation Awards process, and reviews the Foundation Bylaws, the Articles of Incorporation, and the Operating Manual.

Nominations Committee

The Nominations Committee oversees the nomination process for Trustees and executive officers.  The Committee convenes each year to review candidates for Trusteeship.  They recommend the Trustee election slate to the full board on an annual basis.

Programs Committee

The Programs Committee develops meaningful opportunities for the Trustees to become better informed about the University of California, Berkeley; its programs, operations, challenges and opportunities.  As the campus increasingly relies on philanthropic support, the Committee provides venues for campus leaders to acquaint philanthropic leaders with the campus and its programs while seeking their advice and perspective as they lead the campus forward.  The purpose of this exchange is to help the campus be more effective in its external relationships and to encourage a robust environment for engagement and philanthropic support. In addition, the Programs Committee supports enhancement of stewardship and contributes to activities that provide peer stewardship of donors.  It also supports strategic initiatives related to the Campaign and the campus’ relationship with the state and federal government.

Subcommittees, Joint Committees and Task Forces

Awards Task Force

The Awards Task Force is formed every year to evaluate the candidates who have been nominated for exceptional service to Cal.  The task force is co-chaired by one UCBF Trustee and one representative from the California Alumni Association, and includes several additional members from each group. Members of the task force are selected for their knowledge of several areas of campus and their close connection to many different constituencies.

Capital Strategies Committee

The Capital Strategies Committee is a newly formed joint Board of Visitors and Foundation committee that will advise the Chancellor, The Board of Visitors and The Foundation on matters relating to the management of the campus’ commercial income producing properties, land use, housing initiatives and other significant real estate investments.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Subcommittee

The Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Subcommittee addresses issues involving socially-responsible and sustainable investing that affect the endowment. It also serves as the point of contact for external constituents on questions about the Foundation’s ESG policies. The Subcommittee makes recommendations to the Executive Committee on the Foundation’s response to such issues, and recommends what direction should be given to the Berkeley Endowment Management Company in carrying out its investment responsibilities.

External Affairs Subcommittee

The External Affairs Subcommittee enhances and sustains relations with key individuals and constituencies engaged in UC policy and governance, focused specifically on UC Berkeley. It also develops and effectuates opportunities for the Board of Visitors, the Foundation, and other campus supporters to engage in advocacy efforts on the university’s behalf by utilizing existing networks and building new relationships to promote UC Berkeley’s initiatives and priorities.

Research Committee

The Research Committee is a joint Board of Visitors and Foundation committee that advises on major research initiatives, and considers entrepreneurship, intellectual property, innovation and application of research to address societal needs.

Special Gifts Task Force

The Special Gifts Task Force meets annually to monitor gift agreement compliance of extraordinary gifts or pilot projects that may require feedback during the early stages of implementation or during the lifetime of the gift.

Trust and Annuity Subcommittee

The Trust and Annuity Subcommittee monitors and makes recommendations to the Finance Committee on the management of Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities, Pooled Income Funds and other planned giving assets of the Foundation.