BBYMI Flagship Endowment Model – FGCL
Three years ago, a small group of alumni worked with BBYMI to design what did not yet exist within the FGC ecosystem, a trustee-backed, governance-led Endowment structure designed to preserve capital in perpetuity while funding scholarships, academic & non-academic staff development, student support, and, over time, strategic school infrastructure and institutional strengthening initiatives.
Today, that structure is operational.
The initial corpus was catalyzed by the FGCL ’98 Set through an US$18,000 seed commitment, alongside a structured pledge of up to US$100,000 over three years — ensuring the platform was capital-backed before broader expansion to the greater Alumni body worldwide.
An independent Endowment Trust has been constituted. A licensed Trustee has been appointed. Investment and Usage Policies are in force. Governance committees are functioning.
Governance Committees are Led by Industry Leaders
Management Committee
Neuro-Surgeon, Delaware
Music Producer, Nigeria
Auditor, Lagos
Engineer, London
Client Advisor, Toronto
Investment Committee
Investment Manager, Lagos
Investment Manager, Lagos
FAQs
How are withdrawals made from the Trust accounts?
Trust accounts are not like conventional accounts where cheques can be written to withdraw cash. Disbursement can only be made by the Trustee to the Fund beneficiaries according to parameters defined in the Trust Deed.
Do the Endowment Committee Members have access to the Trust account?
No! The Fund Committee Members play a crucial role in formulating policies that guide the Trustee in administering and managing the Fund. However, it is important to note that they do not have the authority to make withdrawals from the Trust account. Their primary responsibility lies in developing and revising the Investment Policy, Withdrawal Policy, and Usage Policy. They are tasked with determining how the funds are invested and disbursed in accordance with the Trust Deed.
What percentage (%) of my donation goes to the beneficiaries of the Endowment Fund and what percentage (%) goes towards the operating cost of BBYM Initiative?
The answer depends on how the donation is made:
Donations Made Directly to the Endowment Fund Trust Account in Nigeria
100% of your donation goes to the Endowment Fund for the benefit of its designated beneficiaries. No administrative fees are deducted from donations paid directly into the Trust account managed by the Trustees. These funds are invested and administered in accordance with the Trust Deed, Investment Policy, and Usage Policy established for the Endowment Fund.
Donations Made Through BBYMI in the United States
For donations raised by BBYMI in the United States on behalf of the Endowment Fund, up to 10% of the donation may be allocated to administrative and compliance costs, while at least 90% is transferred to the Endowment Fund for the benefit of its designated beneficiaries.
This administrative allocation helps cover BBYMI’s operating expenses, including software and technology costs, office and administrative expenses, staffing support, regulatory compliance requirements, IRS and state filing fees, audit and reporting obligations, and other costs necessary to maintain BBYMI’s nonprofit status and fundraising operations in the United States.
Our Commitment to Stewardship
BBYMI is a nonprofit organization, and all members of its Board of Directors and Board of Trustees serve on a volunteer basis and receive no compensation for their services. The administrative allocation is used solely to support the organization’s mission, governance, compliance, and operational sustainability.
Our goal is to maximize the impact of every donation while ensuring the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability for the Endowment Fund and the beneficiaries it serves.
I live in the United States, and I want to give to the FGCL-BBYMI Endowment Fund. Are my donations tax deductible and will I get a tax receipt?
BBYMI is a registered 501C3 status and as such, will be able to issue tax receipts to any of its donors, who are residents of the United States and who wish to give to the BBYMI – FGCL $1M Endowment Fund in Nigeria through BBYM Initiative. BBYM Initiative is dedicated to mobilizing and managing charitable contributions with the aim of establishing and sustaining Secondary and Tertiary Public School Endowment Funds in Nigeria.
Can an Endowment Fund be dissolved? What happens if the Fund is dissolved?
Endowment Funds are designed for perpetuity. If for any reason the Fund is ever dissolved the funds in the Trust account will go directly into FGCL’s account if it remains a public school or else it will go to an equivalent Endowment Fund set up for another public institution as recommend by the Management Committee.
How am I assured that donations made to BBYM Initiative are safe and will ultimately be given to an Endowment Fund in Nigeria?
- BBYM Initiative is a secure and reliable choice for charitable donations. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, it adheres to the IRS guidelines governing such entities. The organization’s corporate governance is robust, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and active involvement from all donors and governance of endowment funds it sponsors. This commitment to transparency is evident in its by laws, which outline the disclosure obligations of BBYMI to its donors.
- BBYM Initiative’s BOT comprises non-executive directors elected by the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Endowment funds they assist in establishing. Additionally, BBYMI boasts an audit committee, consisting of members independent of its executive directors, who are appointed by the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the supported endowment funds. These measures ensure that BBYMI operates with integrity and effective oversight, making it a
reliable choice for those looking to contribute to meaningful causes.
I am passionate about a particular program (i.e. helping orphans or passionate about sports), can I dictate which program the money I donate is used for?
Yes! Donors are allowed to specify which programs they would like to fund. Also, when your contribution to the fund is up to 25% of the Fund’s AUM, you will be given the privilege to name a specific program.
Can I volunteer to serve on the Programs Committee?
Yes! We are happy to receive volunteers. Please email, contactus@bbyminitiative.org
Do the Management Committee or other Committee members get paid?
No! Committee members and volunteers do not get paid. Our committee members are experienced professionals from different walks of life. The Federal Government colleges hold a special place in their hearts and they have decided to offer their time and experience free of charge.
I am interested in setting up an Endowment Fund for my school, who do I reach out to?
Sure! We are happy to help. Please contact johnu@bbyminitiative.org