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.
Alumni Association Board of Directors
Leaders who connect UVM alumni worldwide, strengthening lifelong engagement with the University and each other.
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.
Explore the Historic UVM Alumni House
The historic UVM Alumni House at 61 Summit Street is one of Burlington's finest examples of late Victorian architecture. Originally built in 1892 as the home of businessman and philanthropist Edward Wells, the beautifully restored mansion now serves as a gathering place for alumni, donors, and friends of the University of Vermont. Explore its craftsmanship, stained glass, carved woodwork, and rich history through our interactive 360° tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
The University of Vermont Foundation is the University’s philanthropic organization. Its sole mission is to secure, manage, and steward private support to advance the mission and endeavors of the University of Vermont, the state’s premier land-grant institution among the top tier of universities categorized by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as R1 research designation.
The UVM Foundation secures private donations from alumni, parents, friends, and organizations. It manages and invests donated funds and stewards donor relationships, in partnership with university leadership to align philanthropy with institutional priorities.
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 fosters lifelong relationships between alumni and the University. It builds community, encourages engagement, and helps alumni stay connected to UVM and to one another.
The UVM Alumni Association's hallmark programming includes reunions and UVM Weekend, in deep collaboration with campus partners, as well as celebrating alumni achievements and milestones, supporting volunteer leadership and alumni boards, while encouraging alumni engagement, advocacy, and pride from UVM to across the globe.
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.
There is no fee to join the UVM Alumni Association. All alumni become members of the Alumni Association the moment they graduate. Philanthropy is a not a requisite to participation in Alumni Association events. Alumni engagement and connection are the foundation of lifelong relationships with UVM.
Alumni, parents, and friends can attend events and reunions, mentor students, advocate for UVM. They are also encouraged to attend events. For deeper and more meaningful engagement, they can volunteer their time and inquire about board membership.