Our
Mission
The South Carolina State University Foundation’s mission is to activate and engage the University’s community of supporters by securing, managing, and distributing philanthropic investments to serve and support South Carolina State University’s interests and priorities.
The foundation receives, manages, and distributes restricted and unrestricted endowment gifts, annual gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and other ongoing fund-raising programs, all aimed toward building and maintaining outstanding programs here at South Carolina State University. The foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of business and community leaders who support South Carolina State University’s vision to excel as a comprehensive university offering collaborative educational and research experiences. The Board of Directors works in partnership with the University to identify, engage, and cultivate potential donors, and to honor South Carolina State University’s many benefactors for their generous support.
Our foundation is classified as an independent 501(c)3 organization and is independently governed by our Board of Directors. While our primary function is, and always will be, supporting South Carolina State University, our operations are entirely independent of the college.
Our
History
Originally known as South Carolina State College Educational Foundation, The South Carolina State University Foundation changed its name after three decades of operation, eliminating the word “Education” to help clarify that our mission is to serve more than just the educational needs of the university.
Founded in March of 1971, The South Carolina State University Foundation was created by a group of prominent citizens within our community. This group, led by John D. Bates, M. Maceo Nance, Jr., and Nonie L. Smith, sought to help support the university in reaching its educational goals.
Our goal today remains the same. We seek to support South Carolina State University by encouraging voluntary private support from a variety of different sources.
Our Board of
Directors
Treasurer
Ms. Vernell J. Brown, '71
Ex-Officio
Members
