University of Oregon Foundation

What is University of Oregon Foundation?

The University of Oregon Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization established in 1922 to support the University of Oregon by effectively managing private donations. Acting as stewards of these funds, they work to ensure that the university continues its mission with the supplemental financial support secured from donors.

The foundation receives, manages, and distributes funds optimally and responsibly, while maintaining transparency and accountability. With the foundation's oversight, gifts collected are managed prudently—through investments in various asset classes such as private equity, hedge funds, fixed income, equities, and cash—until the university requests those funds for purposes that align with the donors' intentions. As stated on their website, the foundation is primarily invested in industries like Energy, CleanTech, and Healthcare (& Wellness), reflecting a commitment to both sustainable development and the betterment of human health.

Its investment thesis likely centers around supporting initiatives that promise not only financial returns but also contribute to the strategic priorities of the University of Oregon, particularly in areas that overlap with its critical educational and research missions. With assets exceeding $3 billion, the University of Oregon Foundation is a significant financial contributor to the university's overall financial health, faculty excellence, student scholarships, and operational support.

The Foundation commemorates over a century of service and upholds values such as Trust, Integrity, Commitment, and Respect. It operates with a vision to exceed its responsibilities towards ensuring longevity and success for successive generations associated with the University of Oregon.