UC Davis endowment exceeds $2 billion

July 27, 2021 — It’s official: the UC Davis endowment has crossed the $2 billion threshold. As of May 31, the university’s endowed fund reached a total of $2.2 billion, more than doubling the $1 billion milestone reached just six years ago.

Endowed gifts provide a stable, permanent source of support to UC Davis that generates funds year upon year, allowing the university to plan for the future and amplify its impact around the world.

“I am incredibly grateful for the support from our donors and alumni in helping us reach this historic accomplishment and for their lasting commitment to UC Davis,” said Shaun Keister, vice chancellor of Development and Alumni Relations and president of the UC Davis Foundation.

“This achievement, especially in light of the challenges faced this past year, show that our community is stronger than ever.”

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As a top-10 public university, UC Davis is already one of the best-known universities in the nation, leading the way in research and education programs. Its name, however, is still on the way to becoming universally recognized, and the endowment fund plays a vital role in getting it there.

The sustained support provided by a strong endowment enables UC Davis to compete at the highest level for the world’s top faculty and students and provide them with a university experience like no other.

Additionally, endowed funds grow their value into the future, ensuring that they keep on giving — thanks to newly created funds and strong investment returns, the market value of UC Davis’ endowment has tripled over the past decade.

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Now with its highest endowment value yet, UC Davis will have even greater resources and reach to advance its mission to change the world for the better.

Keister noted that contributions to the “Expect Greater: From UC Davis, For the World” comprehensive campaign — the largest philanthropic endeavor in university history — have played a significant role in the endowment’s growth.

“This is an exciting chapter in our university’s history,” Keister said. “The future is bright for UC Davis as we continue to show the world that they truly can expect even greater from us.”