As the portion of the University's operating budget supported by the state's general fund continues to decline (just over 23% for 2011-2012), private giving is increasingly important to ensure continued academic excellence. The University of South Dakota Foundation provides support for many University programs through Annual Giving.
Partnership Fund
The Partnership fund is the premier unrestricted fund at USD. Gifts to the Partnership Fund support many University projects and programs when other funding is not available. The Partnership Fund has supported:
- The Admissions Department
- The Alternative Week of Learning Program (AWOL)
- The Black Hills Playhouse
- The Governor's Leadership Luncheon
- The Club Baseball Program
- The Dakota Days Committee
- Various Student Clubs and Organizations
- The Stillwell Art Exhibition
- Broadcasting Coyote Athletics Sporting Events
- The USD Veterans Club
- The USD Alumni Association
USD Scholars
The USD Foundation provides the University more than $5,000,000 per year in scholarship support. The USD Scholars Fund helps talented and deserving students through scholarship programs such as the Coyote Commitment, which provides annual scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
School and College Support
Each of the university's schools and colleges has needs that exceed the support provided by the state. Alumni support various funds ranging from unrestricted school or college based funds to specific departmental projects. These funds focus on scholarships, academic programs, technology upgrades, and support for student organizations.
Student Philanthropy
Student Philanthropy campaigns officially began in 2006 with the hope of inspiring students to begin a lifelong process of giving back to the USD community. Since then, students have contributed to a scholarship fund, the Danforth chapel window restoration, the renovation of the chandeliers in Aalfs Auditorium and a coyote statue to be placed on campus in the fall of 2012.
Students who sign up to work in the Foundation's PhoneCenter have a significant impact on achieving fundraising goals. Our student-staffed PhoneCenter collects the majority of pledges made each year to the Annual Giving Program. The PhoneCenter contacts more than 40,000 alumni and friends each year so that USD's alumni and friends have the opportunity to impact the quality of education at USD.