About UDC Foundation

For over 40 years, the UDC Foundation has been the University’s charitable partner—securing private funding and philanthropic support for student scholarships, faculty research, and program initiatives.  You can make a difference by considering a tax deductible contribution today.

The University seeks to build a stronger and more effective UDC Foundation through board leadership committed to: bringing resources to the University; establishing strategic partnerships with corporate and philanthropic communities locally and nationally; and applying best practices in foundation governance.

“Our Firebirds are soaring, and we need your investment of time and resources to make a transformative impact, and to re-imagine UDC as a public higher education model of urban student success.”

Rodney Trapp, Executive Director.

Funding Priorities

Learn more about the foundation's priorities.

Developing America’s Workforce Nucleus (DAWN)

The DAWN rethinks public education to produce more business-ready talent than it loses by: (a) exploring different ways to identify talent besides high-stakes standardized assessments, (b) closing the “achievement” gap, and (c) reimagining the learning process so that it better refines the talents of economically disadvantaged and minority students.

Emerging Research Centers

Academic, discipline-based research is key to the university’s mission and the region’s resiliency. Interdisciplinary research centers expand on that mission by addressing social issues and new learning from multiple perspectives. 

 

Emergency Student Assistance Fund

An emergency assistance fund for UDC undergraduate students who experience unexpected, short-term hardships due to COVID-19 or other dire circumstances that may derail or delay their academic progress.

Named Endowment Fund

An endowment fund of $50,000 or more that exists in perpetuity to support student scholarships or University programs of the donor’s choosing.  

Make-A-Way Scholarship

A donor-customized current use scholarship fund of $25,000 or more.

UDC Fund

The hardest working annual fund at UDC. Puts your donation to work where the University needs it most.

International Student Scholarship Fund

Support international students and help ensure that UDC remains a diverse global learning environment.

Facilities and Student Support Fund

 A capital improvement fund that allows UDC to build, renovate and update facilities. These spaces will enhance the student experience for years to come and also help us recruit the best and brightest students and faculty.

UDC Foundation Highlights

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Foundation Newsletter - Summer 2021

UDC Foundation Newsletter – Summer 2021 Issue

The Summer issue of the UDC Foundation Newsletter is now available. View the interactive feature below to read the newsletter

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Upcoming Events

EB Hederson Featured Image

Dr. E B Henderson Memorial Fund Campaign

A special fund has been established at the UDC Foundation in honor of legendary UDC alumnus Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson – “The Grandfather of Black Basketball”. The purpose of the fund is to receive donations to support the establishment of an EB Henderson scholarship endowment, renaming the University sports complex after Dr. Edwin Bancroft Henderson, and establishing a permanent memorial in his honor on campus.
President Ronald Mason Jr. Through the years

Celebrating the Leadership of President Ronald Mason Jr. - Servant Leadership Campaign

During President Mason’s eight years of service to UDC, the University has experienced student success, growth, inspiration and visionary leadership. The UDC Foundation is pleased to announce the Servant Leadership Campaign to celebrate and continue President Mason’s legacy. Starting in January 2023, we invite you to join us and make a substantial investment in the future of UDC’s student and family support services in honor of President Mason. Your donation to the UDC Foundation Servant Leadership Campaign will provide substantive support to students for years to come through the following programs:
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