Letter from the Foundation Chair

I'm writing to you all today having just concluded my term as chair of the University of Georgia Foundation. It has been my honor to witness the remarkable accomplishments that we have achieved together over the last year, including a record-breaking fundraising year surpassing more than $300.4 million.

We also reached a record three-year fundraising rolling average of $272.8 million and raised support from over 72,000 unique donors to benefit important initiatives across campus. Thanks to this generous donor support, we successfully funded the new Medical Education and Research Building, which will significantly expand teaching and research capabilities at UGA's School of Medicine. Our fundraising focus for the School of Medicine has now shifted to student scholarships to attract the best and brightest future physicians and healthcare workers in our state.

In November, we celebrated establishing more than 1,000 need-based scholarship endowments, and that number continues to rise. With the UGA Foundation managing over $2 billion in assets, our Board of Trustees is proud to assist the Foundation in stewarding those assets and returning them to the highest priority areas for the university. In FY25, $32.5 million was allocated to support more than 9,500 students through need-based aid, experiential learning opportunities, and upgrades to facilities.

UGA parents, alumni, and friends continue to invest in student success, with the Parents Leadership Council raising a record $1.5 million for student programs, including $100,000 to benefit School of Medicine scholarships. The Young Alumni Leadership Council also launched the Finish the Drill Scholarship Fund, a need-based scholarship for students facing financial challenges in their final year at UGA. On Dawg Day of Giving this spring, the Bulldog Nation rallied together to raise more than $5.5 million—setting a record for the number of donors! Donors, alumni, students, and friends of the University contributed more than 13,000 gifts, marking the fourth consecutive year that we have set a single-day giving record.

It is incredible to witness the collective impact we can make on our students, faculty, staff, and the entire UGA community. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served as chair of the UGA Foundation and to see the many ways this University continues to grow. Thank you to our donors, alumni, and friends for the important role you play in supporting this institution and elevating UGA to new heights.

Go Dawgs!

Allison C. Ausband, ABJ '83