Founded in 1942 as a non-profit IRC. 501(c)3 organization, the SIU Foundation is an independent corporation governed by a volunteer board of directors that elects its officers and appoints its staff.  While separate from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the SIU Foundation is acknowledged by the University as the preferred avenue for all private contributions to Southern Illinois University Carbondale including its School of Medicine in Springfield.

The purposes of the Foundation are to solicit and accept gifts, to manage and invest funds and property prudently, to distribute funds and property for educational and charitable purposes, and to perform services that serve the educational, service, and research missions of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The Foundation works in conjunction with Southern Illinois University Carbondale administrators, deans, and unit leaders to determine the University’s fundraising priorities.  The Foundation and its volunteers work in partnership with Southern Illinois University Carbondale to generate private support for the University through annual giving programs, planned gifts, and special-focused campaigns.  The Foundation works with all colleges, schools, and units of the University to secure private gifts from alumni, friends, and supporters.

The mission of the SIU Foundation is to maximize private support for Southern Illinois University Carbondale to assist the University in achieving its long range goal of becoming a top 75 public research institution.

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