The Ohio University Foundation was established in 1945 by supporters of Ohio University including and encouraged by then-President John C. Baker. The Foundation is an institutionally-related, nonprofit, tax exempt, 501(c)(3) organization, and is the repository for all private gifts to Ohio University through annual giving programs, capital and special campaigns, and planned or deferred gifts such as bequests and trusts. Contributions to The Ohio University Foundation are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Private philanthropy has had a rich and dramatic impact on Ohio University from as early as 1816 when Christopher and Daniel Herrold forgave the debt for the lumber used to build Cutler Hall, to several, more recent capital campaigns. Gifts from generous donors have provided for scholarships and financial aid packages, research and faculty development, capital expansion and renovations, technology upgrades and lab equipment, library acquisitions, and vital unrestricted support that has allowed Ohio University to meet unexpected challenges.
The numbers below reflect total gift commitments for fiscal years 2008-2025.
| Fiscal Year | Gifts & Commitments | Donors |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46.867 million | 16,326 |
| 2024 | $59.934 million | 16,771 |
| 2023 | $44.435 million | 15,669 |
| 2022 | $44.115 million | 15,683 |
| 2021 | $40.861 million | 14,128 |
| 2020 | $49.881 million | 13,726 |
| 2019 | $29.599 million | 14,414 |
| 2018 | $27.869 million | 18,169 |
| 2017 | $30.416 million | 17,773 |
| 2016 | $30.471 million | 19,996 |
| 2015 | $35.538 million | 19,826 |
| 2014 | $36.681 million | 19,859 |
| 2013 | $25.852 million | 21,511 |
| 2012 | $55.525 million | 22,783 |
| 2011 | $130.5 million | 22,468 |
| 2010 | $53.4 million | 24,183 |
| 2009 | $46.7 million | 24,273 |
| 2008 | $88.6 million | 25,735 |
The Ohio University Foundation, then known as The Ohio University Fund, was incorporated in October 1945 and was granted 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization by the Internal Revenue Service in 1955. Contributions to The Ohio University Foundation are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
The Ohio University Foundation’s EIN: 31-6402269
The Ohio University Foundation has earned the 2026 Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest designation possible. The seal indicates that we share clear and important information with the public about our goals, strategies, capabilities, achievements and progress indicators. This is the sixth consecutive year we have earned the platinum seal from Candid (formerly Guidestar).
The Ohio University Foundation is proud to share that our strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator. This rating designates The Foundation as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. Charity Navigator analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, nonprofits can earn scores for the Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability beacons.
