Naming Policy and Procedures


PURPOSE

This policy establishes guidelines and procedures for naming Hudson County Community College assets, including buildings, public spaces, programs, offices, and endowed positions. It ensures a consistent, transparent, and mission-aligned approach to recognizing individuals, corporations, or entities that have made significant contributions to the College - philanthropic, service-oriented, or otherwise.

POLICY

This policy applies to the naming of the following College assets:

  • Buildings and Facilities - Entire buildings, laboratories, classrooms, conference rooms, or common spaces;
  • Public Spaces - Parks, plazas, gardens, auditoriums, and similar shared environments;
  • Programs and Offices - Academic programs, centers, institutes, or administrative offices; and,
  • Endowed Positions - Professorships, department chairs, faculty fellowships.

This policy does not apply to endowed scholarships or financial aid funds, which are governed by the HCCC Foundation’s separate endowment policy. 

Approved: June 2026
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Category: Advancement
Subcategory: Foundation
Scheduled for Review: June 2031
Responsible Department: Advancement

Procedures

Decision-Making Authority

Hudson County Community College retains sole authority in determining naming rights for any asset. Naming proposals must align with the College’s mission, values, and strategic goals.

Role of the Foundation and Approval Process

As the College’s primary fundraising entity, the HCCC Foundation plays a critical role in reviewing and recommending philanthropic naming opportunities.

  1. The Executive Director of the HCCC Foundation reviews all naming proposals to ensure compliance with this policy and applicable gift thresholds.
  2. The Foundation Board reviews significant naming proposals related to donor recognition and provides a formal recommendation to the College’s President and Board of Trustees, provided that such review may be conducted on a limited or confidential basis, as determined by the College.
  3. The Board of Trustees holds final approval authority over all naming decisions.

For honorific naming (non-monetary recognition), the Executive Director of the Foundation consults with relevant College leadership before advancing a recommendation to the President and Board of Trustees. All philanthropic contributions associated with naming opportunities shall be administered through the Hudson County Community College Foundation in accordance with its established policies and applicable laws. The specific purpose, use, and any restrictions on such funds shall be defined in the applicable gift agreement. The College reserves the right to structure and allocate naming gifts in a manner that aligns with its strategic priorities and ensures both immediate impact and long-term sustainability. To protect donor confidentiality and the integrity of the gift development process, the College may limit the disclosure of donor identity, gift terms, or related details on a need-to-know basis prior to a formal commitment. In such cases, review by the Foundation Board may be conducted through a designated subset of members or deferred until an appropriate stage in the process, as determined by the College. All individuals involved in the review and approval process are expected to maintain strict confidentiality. 

Naming Criteria

Monetary and Non-Monetary Contributions

Naming rights may be granted in recognition of:

  • Philanthropic Contributions - Donors making substantial financial gifts that meet established funding levels for specific naming opportunities.
  • Service and Leadership - Individuals who have provided exceptional contributions to the College through leadership, academic impact, or public service.

Minimum Funding Thresholds

HCCC will establish and periodically update minimum funding levels required for naming various assets. These minimum funding levels will be based on a percentage of the construction cost or value of the building, room, or facility. Where an individual, business entity, foundation, or other organization meets this threshold, a name suggested by such contributor for that project will be given serious consideration. This threshold will be reviewed periodically and recommended by the Foundation Board in consultation with the Executive Director of the Foundation.

Honorific Naming (Non-Philanthropic)

HCCC may consider naming an asset after an individual who has made extraordinary non-financial contributions to the institution. Such proposals must be accompanied by a formal nomination and justification, demonstrating the long-term impact of the individual's contributions. 

Approval Process

  1. Proposal Submission - All naming requests must be submitted to the Vice President for Advancement and Communications and the President.
  2. Initial Review - The Vice President for Advancement and Communications ensures alignment with HCCC’s values, funding thresholds, and policies.
  3. Foundation Board Review - For donor-funded naming, the Foundation Board assesses the request and makes a recommendation to the Vice President for Advancement and Communications and the President, which may be conducted on a limited or confidential basis in accordance with Section 4.
  4. Final Approval - At the recommendation of the President, the College’s Board of Trustees reviews and grants final approval.

Confidentiality: All naming discussions remain confidential until a public announcement is made, and participation in the review process is subject to the confidentiality provisions outlined in Section 4. 

Duration and Renaming

  • Naming rights typically extend for the life of the asset unless otherwise specified in a donor agreement.
  • The College reserves the right to rename assets if:
    • A facility undergoes major renovations or repurposing;
    • The named individual/entity’s actions conflict with the College’s values; and/or
    • A donor agreement includes a time-limited naming term

Recognition and Signage

All plaques, signage, and announcements must adhere to HCCC’s branding and design standards.

Policy Review and Exceptions

This policy will be reviewed every five years.

Use of Funds Raised Through Naming Opportunities

Overview

Naming opportunities provide donors with a meaningful way to invest in Hudson County Community College while creating a lasting legacy. These gifts are typically associated with spaces, programs, or initiatives and are intended to support the long-term strength and impact of the College. 

How Funds Are Managed

All funds raised through naming opportunities are received and administered through the Hudson County Community College Foundation. This ensures appropriate financial oversight, alignment with donor intent, and consistency with the Foundation’s policies and stewardship practices. Each naming gift is formalized through a written agreement developed in partnership with the donor. These agreements clearly define the purpose and use of funds and establish the terms the College and Foundation are expected to follow. Careful attention to clarity, accuracy, and adherence to these terms is essential at the time of acceptance and throughout the life of the gift. 

How Funds May Be Used

Naming gifts are intended to support priorities that have a lasting impact on the College. The allocation of funds is guided first and foremost by the donor’s expressed wishes, as defined in the gift agreement. In alignment with these wishes, priority is given to uses that build long-term institutional strength, including:

  • Endowment: Establishing or growing funds that provide ongoing, sustainable support in perpetuity;
  • Facilities: Supporting the construction, renovation, or enhancement of physical spaces; and,
  • Technology and Infrastructure: Advancing instructional, operational, and student-facing technology needs.

Funds may support one or more of these areas, depending on donor intent. In all cases, the emphasis is on investments that extend beyond day-to-day operating needs and contribute to the College’s long-term capacity and impact. 

Important Guidelines

To preserve the integrity and long-term value of naming gifts:

  • Donor intent leads: The donor’s expressed wishes determine how funds are allocated and prioritized;
  • Priority on long-term investment: Funding is directed toward endowment, facilities, and technology, either individually or in combination, as defined in the agreement;
  • Not for routine operations: Naming gifts are not used to support day-to-day operating expenses or as a substitute for annual fundraising;
  • Stewardship and compliance are essential: The College and Foundation are responsible for adhering to the agreed-upon terms and maintaining donor confidence through consistent, transparent stewardship.

Why This Approach Matters

Donor confidence is essential to the success of naming opportunities and to the College’s broader advancement efforts. Donors must be assured that their contributions will be used exactly as intended and managed with care and accountability.

Because these agreements define the use of funds, any misalignment between donor intent and actual use can undermine trust and jeopardize future philanthropic support. A disciplined and transparent approach protects both the donor and the institution, ensuring that each gift achieves its intended impact and strengthens the College over time. 

Summary

Naming opportunity funds are stewarded through the Foundation, guided by donor intent, and invested in areas that build long-term institutional strength. This approach ensures clarity, accountability, and sustained donor confidence, while positioning Hudson County Community College for continued growth and success. 

Approved: June 2026
Approved by: Board of Trustees
Category: Advancement
Subcategory: Foundation
Scheduled for Review: June 2031
Responsible Department: Advancement

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