History of the Foundation

The University of Minnesota Foundation celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding in December 2002. Here’s a look at its first four decades of helping to build greatness at the University of Minnesota.

1962
The Foundation is founded by alumni and friends who believe deeply in the University and its mission. Their goal is to engage the resources of the private sector to build a better University and lay the groundwork for a strong future.

1963
The Foundation records 27 donors and establishes the Governor John Sargent Pillsbury Fellowship, renamed the Presidents Club in 1977. Today, the Presidents Club includes 9,000 alumni and friends who have made lifetime gifts of $25,000 or more.

1966
The Foundation Board of Trustees establishes and invests in the prestigious Regents Professorships to help retain the University’s best faculty. Since then, 71 faculty have held the title.

1967
The first endowed chair, the Frederick R. Kappel Chair in Business and Government Relations, is established to honor this founding trustee. By 2002, donors had endowed more than 360 faculty positions for top faculty.

1976
U launches first collegiate development programs. Today, the Foundation provides University-wide leadership for 33 campuses, colleges and programs.

1986
U launches the Minnesota Campaign with a three-year goal of $300 million, at the time the largest campaign ever for a public institution. By 1988 it raises $365 million, creating 127 endowed faculty positions.

1996
U launches Campaign Minnesota, a $1.3 billion campaign to support students, faculty, research, outreach and other programs.

1998
Trustees create University of Minnesota Foundation Investment Advisors, a separate non-profit subsidiary, to invest the Foundation’s endowment.

2002
Campaign Minnesota’s initial goal to raise $1.3 billion for the University was surpassed in April 30, 2002.

2003
Campaign Minnesota, the U's historic seven-year fundraising effort, culminated June 30 with a total of $1,655,703,867 raised for endowment and ongoing support.

The Foundation manages $785 million in endowments, half of which support scholarships or fellowships for outstanding students and those with financial need.