The University of Tennessee Foundation is an independent not-for-profit created in 2001 to support the University of Tennessee’s educational, research and public activities. As the preferred channel for all private contributions that benefit students and faculty at the University of Tennessee, UT Foundation staff members work with alumni and other prospective donors to secure funds for scholarships, professorships, research, outreach programs, and other University initiatives.
With less than 30 percent of UT’s budget being provided by the state, private gifts allow us to continue to improve and enhance our programs for students. Private gifts help us recruit better students with scholarships, educate and challenge them with better faculty who are recruited or retained via privately funded professorships and chairs, and enhance the future of our state.
The foundation works closely with the University of Tennessee President and the Chancellor for each campus to identify strategic private support priorities, create fundraising strategies and tactics, and implement development programs.