A Promise to Our Supporters
Baldwin Wallace University is in a new chapter — one defined by transparency, accountability, and a renewed commitment to honoring the generosity of our supporters. We acknowledge that past financial practices did not always meet the high standards you rightfully expect. Today, under new leadership and with modern systems in development, BW is strengthening its commitment to responsible stewardship and clear alignment with donor intent.
President Lee Fisher, working with the BW Board of Trustees, is leading significant changes in how donor-designated funds are managed, tracked, and communicated. Our finance and philanthropy teams have adopted industry-standard practices that promote clarity, accuracy, and long-term protection of donor intent.
At Baldwin Wallace, we are committed to providing you with the tools, transparency, and support you need to stay meaningfully connected to your philanthropy. Managing and understanding the impact of your fund should be clear, accessible, and reliable.
Implementing a New System of Reporting to our Donors
We have been doing important work behind the scenes to strengthen how we steward and report on the funds entrusted to us by our donors. While this work continues to require time and careful attention, we want you to know that every step has been taken with one goal in mind: ensuring you have confidence in how your funds are managed and the impact our donors intended is realized.
BW has strengthened its commitment to responsible stewardship and clear donor alignment. This represents an important step forward in providing clarity, confidence, and timely information to those who have invested so generously in Baldwin Wallace. Our finance and philanthropy teams have expanded with experienced professionals, and we have adopted industry‑standard practices that promote clarity, accuracy, and fidelity to donor intent.
As part of our commitment to accountability and transparency, we are pleased to share that later this year we will be implementing new endowment funds management software system — Fundriver's Balance and Impact Reporting platforms — that will create regular and accurate reports for donors. You will be able to see how your generosity is making a difference — clearly, timely, and accurately.
This is a significant and long‑overdue modernization effort. Planning for the implementation of this new tool is well underway and is being configured carefully and methodically with guidance from our auditors to ensure proper functionality and accurate tracking and reporting. We expect regular endowed fund statements to resume later this year once this new module is fully active and data integrity is fully confirmed.
What Never Changes: Your Impact
While we strengthen our systems, one thing has remained constant: your impact.
- Scholarships have been awarded without interruption
- Students continue to receive meaningful opportunities
- Programs and services supported by your fund continue to thrive
- Your generosity has been honored as intended
Your commitment to Baldwin Wallace changes lives every day — and we are building the infrastructure to reflect that impact with the transparency you deserve.
Our Commitment Moving Forward
As we modernize our systems and strengthen our practices, one promise guides every decision we make:
We will honor your generosity with integrity, and an unwavering commitment to donor intent.
Your continued support sustains and grows this impact — ensuring that future generations of Baldwin Wallace students benefit from your investment in their success. Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your belief in what our students can achieve.
Questions About Your Fund
We're here to help. Please reach out to:
Danelle Baker-Miller, MBA '23
Director of Stewardship and Strategic Grants
(440) 826-2753, dbakermi@bw.edu
We're committed to responding promptly and making sure you have the information you need.