About UMF

The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) is a key partner with the University in building and sustaining excellence.

Your talent + our bold ideas = a better tomorrow for everyone

The University of Minnesota is driven to meet the world’s biggest challenges head-on, and the talented development staff at the U of M Foundation are essential to this effort. Join us in a thriving intellectual community that attracts curious and committed colleagues—doers, makers, and dreamers at the heart of a statewide system improving life for millions every day.

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Mission, vision, and values

These statements, developed by representatives from across the U's development community at all organizational levels, guide and inspire UMF staff.

Our vision

A future transformed by philanthropy, one dream and one gift at a time

Our mission

To connect passion with possibility, inspire generosity, and support greatness at the University of Minnesota

Our values
  • We share a belief in our mission, value our colleagues, and express joy in our work.
  • We commit to equity, diversity and inclusivity in our work and in our actions. UMF Inclusion Statement
  • We build trust through open and respectful communication.
  • We lead with bold initiatives that deliver powerful results.
  • We act with integrity and place the University, our colleagues, and donors at the heart of what we do.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a central component of UMF's five-year strategic plan. UMF's commitment to anti-racism and social justice lives within the workplace, impacting how we do business and who we engage on behalf of the University. Learn more about UMF's DEI commitment.

Board of Regents charge

UMF is a separate nonprofit organization with the sole purpose of supporting the University. It has been designated by the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents as the central development office for the University. 

The Regents have charged the Foundation with responsibility for:

  • Coordinating and executing fundraising activities on behalf of all University campuses, colleges, and programs.
  • Receipting and recording all gifts and reporting gifts to the Board of Regents for approval.
  • Managing and investing endowed funds.
  • Distributing funds, both current gifts and income from endowments, to the University for the purposes designated by donors.

UMF Strategic Plan

Strategic plan

Through a collaborative process, UMF has created a five-year strategic roadmap for the systemwide development enterprise. The plan is built around four strategic imperatives: private investment, workplace, engagement, and operations.      

Benefits

University of Minnesota Foundation employees receive U of M benefits, including competitive pay, medical and dental plans, life insurance, disability coverage, retirement savings plans, flexible spending accounts, tuition benefits, and an award-winning wellness program—to name just a few. For more U of M benefits information, please visit the U's Human Resources Benefits section.

Our track record

Working at the U of M Foundation, you’re surrounded by committed colleagues who are passionate about their work—and our results show it. In 2023, our development staff raised $347 million in gifts and commitments.

Set up to succeed

Some of our development professionals work at the central U of M Foundation offices, while others are specialists within one of the University’s campuses, colleges, or units. Wherever your “home” is within the University, you’re supported by a full range of training, tools, and resources to make sure you’re set up for success.

Statement on Investment Responsibility

The University of Minnesota plays a critical role in solving the grand challenges of our time. The work of the University matters to our communities, our state, and our world. Donors give generously to advance these efforts and support the University’s mission, including its commitment to sustainability and being a catalyst for a just society. The University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF) ensures that gifts from donors are well managed and used in accordance with the donors’ gift agreements.

See the full statement here

Twin Cities philanthropy environment

The University of Minnesota enjoys a close partnership with a deeply engaged corporate sector and a historically generous community of philanthropists. In a 2019 ranking, Minnesota was named the most charitable state in the country. The Chronicle of Philanthropy rated the University as the 17th largest charity in the country (out of 400) and the top charity in Minnesota.

University of Minnesota Title IX Statement

As required by Title IX, the University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any of its education programs or activities, including in admissions and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX can be directed to the University’s Title IX Coordinators or to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights. Please see the University of Minnesota’s Title IX Statement and the University’s policy for information about: (1) how to contact the Title IX Coordinators on the University’s campuses; (2) how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, sexual assault, stalking or relationship violence; and (3) the University’s procedures for responding to reports and formal complaints.