The USM Foundation celebrated our 40th year in 2019. Our first gift in 1979 was a donation of 400 Black Angus cattle from Arthur A. Houghton, Jr., and we still own the herd today. From this modest start, the Foundation manages $2.52 billion (as of 6/30/2025) made up of $2.4B endowment and $89M in operating funds, partners with all USM institutions and six community colleges, and plays an essential role in building a culture of philanthropy across the USM.
The USM Foundation was incorporated in 1979 when it was created to support the five campuses of what was then the University of Maryland. Originally named the University of Maryland Foundation, Inc., our founding donation was a gift of cattle from Arthur Houghton, known as the “Wye” herd.
Read More >The USM Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that is made up of more than 50 voting members who represent our USM clients.
Read More >Review our Foundation’s financial statements for the past fiscal year and learn about our latest fiscal year's investment performance.
Read More >The University System of Maryland Foundation promotes, galvanizes, and supports the advancement of public higher education in Maryland through leadership and engagement in philanthropy, asset management, and stewardship.
