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Students attending UDC's 2025 Winter Commencement

Giving Opportunities

Igniting Pathways to a Thriving Future

Why Give to UDC?

No other institution of higher education in the region serves the needs of the District region and its residents with the same intention and purpose of UDC. It enrolls more DC high school graduates than any other university in the region (U.S. News, Affordable Schools (2022) — and is a continuing education step up for non-traditional students. The University is committed to ensuring the success of each student by providing strong student services so that all students have the supports necessary and a safety net to continue their education, thereby improving their lives and the quality of life of District area residents.

With graduates in disciplines and sectors impacting industries across the District, UDC contributes significantly to the health and functionality of the region. A recent survey of 19,000 UDC alumni shows that most graduates land careers in education, government, healthcare/pharmaceuticals and nonprofit organizations, while others work in every area of the DC workforce including finance, construction, technology, food and beverage, hospitality and business support.

Make Your Contribution

Invest in Opportunity. Advance Equity. Build UDC’s Legacy.

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Annual and Planned Giving

The UDC Fund

The UDC Fund is UDC’s lifeline for opportunity. From scholarships to emergency housing, your annual gift helps students soar.

  • Supports scholarships, student emergency assistance, academic programs and innovation initiatives
  • Donors can give monthly, annually or as one-time gifts
  • Most flexible form of support—fills critical budget gaps
  • Appears in campaigns like Giving Tuesday, Week of Giving and Year-End Appeals
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The 1851 Society

Join the 1851 Society and leave a legacy of education and equity. A planned gift ensures UDC’s impact will live on through future generations.

  • Includes bequests, retirement accounts, life insurance, donor-advised funds and charitable trusts
  • Members receive lifetime recognition and invitations to special events
  • Helps build long-term sustainability through deferred gifts
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Scholarships and Endowments

Named Scholarship Funds

Named scholarships change lives. Start a fund in honor of someone you love — or in support of a future leader.

  • Can be established with a minimum gift (e.g., $50,000 for endowment; $25,000+ for current-use)
  • Support can be designated by school, major, demographic or academic achievement
  • Donors receive reports on student recipients
  • Examples include the Dr. Inder J. Bhambri Civil Engineering Scholarship ($200,000) and the Emergency Assistance Fund (used during Summer Appeal)
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Endowment Gifts

Endowment gifts are forever. Build a legacy that fuels student success for generations to come.

  • $10.2M in total endowments (as of FY2024), with 5% annual payout
  • Can be designated to scholarships, programs, chairs or research
  • Gifts held in perpetuity and invested for growth
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Student Testimonial

“I’m grateful for the UDC Foundation’s Emergency Scholarship Award. It came at a time when I was struggling to cover my tuition, and it helped me clear that semester without falling behind. That support meant a lot — it gave me one less thing to stress about and allowed me to stay focused on finishing strong.”

— Donte Brooks, Summer/Class of 2025, Criminal Justice degree

Donte Brooks at winter commencement

Corporate Giving & Sponsorships

Sponsorships

Connecting mission-aligned companies and grantmakers with UDC’s strategic goals.

  • Opportunities to support signature events (e.g., 175th Legacy Gala, Calvin Jones Big Band Jazz Festival, Research Week, Big Read Lecture Series)
  • Naming opportunities available for labs, programs or scholarships
  • Custom ROI packages and recognition plans
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Corporate Champions

Powering UDC’s legacy through innovation, equity, and impact.

The UDC Foundation proudly recognizes our leading corporate partners whose transformational investments are shaping the future of the University of the District of Columbia. These champions are more than funders — they are co-builders of a more just, inclusive, and opportunity-rich Washington, D.C.

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Why I Give

Dr. Shiela Harmon Martin, UDC Professor Emerita

“The University of the District of Columbia and Federal City College, one of its predecessor institutions, are special to me because they were the foundation upon which I discovered my professional gifts and a purpose-driven life journey. I am forever grateful for UDC, where I was allowed to discover, develop, and utilize my gifts as a teacher and leader.

Read More

More Ways to Give

Online Giving

Make a secure, tax-deductible gift online with your credit or debit card. One-time or monthly options available.

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Monthly Giving — The UDC Fund

Join a passionate community of monthly donors who believe in consistent, reliable support for UDC’s greatest needs. Just $25 a month can help close the financial gap for a student on the rise.

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In-Kind Gifts & Matching Gifts

We welcome gifts of equipment, software, professional services and more. Ask your employer if they match charitable donations to double your impact.

Contact Us

Gifts by Mail or Phone

Prefer to give the traditional way? Mail a check to:

UDC Foundation
4200 Connecticut Ave. NW, Building 39, Suite 300B
Washington, DC 20008
202-274-5312

Need Help?

Contact Us

We’re here to guide you. Contact our advancement team to discuss the best way to align your values with UDC’s vision.

Get in Touch

Or call us at 202-274-5312.

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