Can Newcomb College Be Saved?
In 1886, Josephine Louise Newcomb founded the H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College at Tulane University, in memory of her daughter who had died young. Over several years she donated money to create a permanent endowment for the college. Now, 120 years later, the current president of the university has decided to dissolve the college and use the endowment for other purposes. Heirs of the original donor have filed lawsuits to stop this action.
In addition to the loss of a renowned educational institution, there are other important issues here. There is great concern among philanthropists and nonprofit organizations that people will be less inclined to fund important causes if they cannot be assured that their money will be used as agreed.
The Future of Newcomb College, Inc. (TFoNC) is a nonprofit organization, which, among other activities, raises funds to support Howard v. Tulane.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals and many other organizations support the Donor Bill of Rights to ensure that charitable contributions are handled ethically.