The University System of Georgia Foundation (USG Foundation) is a philanthropic foundation that raises and manages donations to support our mission and goals. As the cooperative partner of the USG and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are managed by a separate governing board of trustees.
MISSION:
We exist to support the USG mission through advancing strategic philanthropy, managing assets effectively, and empowering institutions to strengthen our students and Georgia’s future workforce.
VISION:
We are creating a sustainable culture of philanthropy across the USG so that every student has the opportunity to pursue a quality education and make a positive impact on Georgia’s future.
Strategic Plan 2025-2030
Priority 1: Student Success
USGF contributes to student success through need-based scholarships, management of endowment funds, and management of campus capital assets.
Initiative 1: Increase funding for need-based student scholarships
Initiative 2: Increase the number of need-based scholarships awarded
Initiative 3: Grow the USGF endowment and number of endowed funds
Initiative 4: Help USG institutions raise more money and ensure our institutions receive direct scholarship support from the USGF commensurate with their needs as determined by the USGF Board
Initiative 5: Continue to provide refinancing opportunities to finance construction, renovation, and facility expansions for USG institutions
Initiative 6: Communicate how USGF real estate investments reduce students ’fees, increase building efficiencies, and enhance risk management for institutions
Priority 2: Responsible Stewardship
USGF provides ethical and transparent management of its resources, real estate investments, and fiscal management services for strategic USG initiatives and programs.
Initiative 1: Ensure sustainable investment practices and transparent financial reporting to maximize long-term returns
Initiative 2: Ensue that resources are managed ethically and efficiently to support the mission and future growth of the USG
Initiative 3: Continuously seek new funding sources with a focus on increasing corporate and foundation support
Initiative 4: Increase organizational capacity and efficiency to ensure USGF can sustainability meet the needs of the USG
Priority 3: Workforce Competitiveness
The USGF works to create a long term and sustainable culture of philanthropy, ensuring every student who qualifies for admittance to a USG institution is afforded the opportunity to pursue a quality education in Georgia and graduate as a work-ready economic contributor.
Initiative 1: Cultivate relationships to attract Georgia industry support of the USGF and our institutions which yields an education-ready pipeline of future workers
Initiative 2: Advocate across the state for the USGF and our institutions, building support and confidence in in Georgia’s public higher education offering
Initiative 3: Increase awareness of the USGF and its mission throughout the state, the region and the nation to inspire current and potential donors and ignite their passion
Priority 4: Community Impact
The USGF provides capacity-building grants, professional development opportunities, and financial administrative support for USG institutions to improve their efficiency, impact, and potential for fundraising success.
Initiative 1: Increase collaboration among USG institutions through unique statewide fundraising opportunities which impact on a broad scale
Initiative 2: Increase connections between advancement professionals across campuses to share and leverage strengths which benefit our students and campus communities
Initiative 3: Investigate and pursue opportunities for new, innovative technologies in the field of philanthropy that will encourage collaboration and enhance effectiveness and efficiency for all (ex. USG-wide donor management and stewardship software)
Initiative 4: Lead and coordinate mentoring, workshops, and trainings to foster exceptional, system-wide development leadership so USG institutions elevate their fundraising results (ex. How to cultivate donors, how to secure higher financial commitments, leverage board members & deploy impactful stewardship strategies)
Initiative 5: Provide grant-writing and planned giving support to empower USG institutional foundations in their efforts to secure external funding for institutional growth
