USM Foundation

About the Foundation

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 now manages $2.2 billion (as for 6/30/23) made up of $2.1B endowment and $165M in operating, partners with all USM institutions and six community colleges, and plays an essential role in building a culture of philanthropy across the USM.

Welcome from the President

The USM Foundation unveiled its new strategic plan in 2019. Pioneers and Optimists: Strategic Plan 2024 outlines the USM Foundation’s plans to strengthen partnerships to advance higher education in Maryland. The plan focuses on five main themes: Asset Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Culture of Philanthropy, Sustaining a Great Foundation, and Communication and Advocacy. The plan emerged from a collaborative process that embraced input from our USM stakeholders, the Board, and senior staff. 

We would like to thank our Foundation Board members, our staff, and the USM’s generous donors for their engagement, advocacy, and support. Thanks to you, we can build on our rich history and continue to support the USM and its institutions. After reflecting on the 40 years since the Foundation’s incorporation, we are ready to embrace the next chapter for the Foundation and our partners.

Leonard R. Raley
President

Strategic Plan 2024

Our strategic plan, “Pioneers and Optimists,” maps our path forward in a world of uncertainty – and opportunity.

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History

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.

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Leadership

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.

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Annual Report

Review our Foundation’s financial statements for the past fiscal year and learn about our FY21 investment performance.

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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.

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