About The Foundation
Advancing the University of Vermont’s mission by connecting generosity with opportunity, impact, and lasting change.
A Mission that Matters
The University of Vermont is a premier land-grant research university that changes the world every day, and our mission at the UVM Foundation is to secure the support that makes that possible. At the UVM Foundation, you’ll find a team that is committed to making a positive difference in partnership with the University.
Our employees believe in the power of higher education to change lives and they understand the role they play in achieving that impact. If you believe that higher education has the responsibility and opportunity to make the world a better place, Vermont is the right place for you.
Since its founding in 2011, the UVM Foundation has more than tripled the University’s endowment, with over $1 billion in cumulative fundraising commitments in our first 15 years as a stand-alone Foundation. We’ve helped to fund hundreds of new student scholarships, professorships, and other endowed funds - touching every corner of campus.
Our work has helped propel the University to achieving R-1 status as a research university, while maintaining its small community feel and connection to the state of Vermont. The work we do matters – to our students and faculty; to our community and state; and to the world.
By The Numbers
$1 billion
Cumulative fundraising commitments since 2011
360+
New scholarships
80+
New endowed faculty positions
60k
First-time donors
Staff
Directory
Meet the dedicated professionals who advance UVM’s mission through philanthropy and alumni engagement.
Foundation Board of Directors
Volunteer leaders providing fiduciary oversight and strategic governance to ensure the Foundation’s strength and integrity.
Our People
Foundation Milestones
2011
The UVM Foundation is established with the purpose to secure and manage private support for the University of Vermont
2015
Public Launch of the Move Mountains Campaign with an ambitious goal of $500M
2017
An all-time record of $135.7M raised in a single year, due in large part to a generous committment from Dr. Robert Larner
2019
The Move Mountain campaign ends with $581M in philanthropic gifts and two new campaigns launch: SOAR, which is focused on student success and SOLVE, which is focused on supporting research efforts across the university
2025
The SOAR and SOLVE campaigns successfully conclude with giving totaling more than $350M.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Vermont Foundation is the University’s philanthropic organization. Its role is to secure, manage, and steward private support to advance UVM’s mission and priorities in support of students, faculty, research, and programs across campus.
The Foundation:
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Raises private gifts from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations
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Manages and invests donated funds responsibly
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Works closely with University leadership to align philanthropy with institutional priorities
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Stewards donor relationships and ensures gifts are used as intended
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The Foundation is a separate nonprofit organization that supports UVM. While it works in close partnership with the University, it focuses specifically on philanthropy, fundraising, and donor stewardship, allowing the University to focus on teaching, research, and public service.
The UVM Alumni Association is the organization dedicated to fostering lifelong relationships between alumni and the University. It builds community, encourages engagement, and helps alumni stay connected to UVM and to one another.
The Alumni Association:
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Hosts reunions, events, and programs for alumni and students
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Celebrates alumni achievements and milestones
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Supports volunteer leadership and alumni boards
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Builds community locally, nationally, and globally
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Encourages alumni involvement, advocacy, and pride in UVM
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The Alumni Association is housed within the UVM Foundation. Together, they strengthen UVM by engaging alumni and supporters and securing philanthropic resources to support the University’s mission.
Both are overseen by a volunteer Alumni Association and Foundation Board of Directors, which provides governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic guidance.
All UVM graduates are members of the Alumni Association, and many parents, friends, and supporters also engage through events, programs, and volunteer opportunities.
No. Alumni engagement and participation are open to all alumni, regardless of giving history. While philanthropy is encouraged, engagement and connection are the foundation of lifelong relationships with UVM.
Gifts support:
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Student financial aid and access
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Faculty excellence and research
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Academic programs and facilities
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Career readiness and student success
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Strategic initiatives aligned with UVM’s priorities
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Donors may give to specific areas or provide flexible support to meet the University’s greatest needs.
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The Foundation follows strict financial, legal, and ethical standards, invests funds prudently, and ensures donor intent is honored through careful stewardship and reporting.
Alumni and friends can:
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Attend events and reunions
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Volunteer or serve on boards
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Mentor students
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Advocate for UVM
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Make a gift in support of the University’s mission
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