The goal of the alumni office is to generate alumni participation and support in the continuing development of the university. Inc. The Cleveland State University Foundation Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation created in 1969 to serve as an independent, tax-exempt organization to solicit, receive, and distribute gifts to the university in accordance with the wishes of the donors. There is extensive coordination of efforts between the foundation and the Department of Development on fund-raising. The two are working cooperatively on CSU's comprehensive campaign to raise endowment funds. Gifts to the foundation are tax-deductible within IRS guidelines.
Donors have the option of making gifts that are restricted to a specific purpose, or unrestricted.
All restricted gifts are used in accordance with the donors' wishes, and unrestricted gifts are used where the need is greatest. Within each of the functional units there will be subunits dedicated to specific support activities for students, faculty, and staff. The initiative for this policy came from within the CSU community and enjoys wide support from students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Everyone is urged to abide by the provisions of this policy and to refrain from smoking inside campus buildings and bridges.