The UW-Madison fundraising arm is drawing criticism for unsuccessfully fighting for two years to obtain an additional $100,000 from the estate of a donor who meant to leave the money for his once- estranged daughter.
Just as the state Supreme Court was ready to hear the case, the UW Foundation last month agreed to allow the estate of Harold Mennes to pay $100,000 to his daughter plus $34,000 in fees to her attorneys.
The case highlights a dilemma for nonprofit groups: how hard to pursue money they believe is theirs. Fight too hard and they risk antagonizing potential donors, but too soft might mean they lose money for their cause.