transforming lives through philanthropy
our mission
The UCF Foundation encourages, stewards and celebrates charitable contributions from alumni and friends to support the University of Central Florida.
our vision
Powering partnerships and transforming lives through philanthropy.
our VALUES
INTEGRITY
We embody the highest ethical and professional standards.
DONOR CENTRICITY
We listen to our benefactors and aim to find the intersection between donor passions and university aspirations.
INCLUSIVITY
We promote an open, diverse and supportive environment by representing the rights and contributions of every individual.
EXCELLENCE
We pursue the highest standards of performance.
INNOVATION
We originate. We create. We adapt. We embrace change and opportunity.
PARTNERSHIP
We collaborate with community, alumni, donors and friends who share our commitment to UCF.
About the UCF Foundation, Inc.
Founded in 1969, the UCF Foundation, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Led by a volunteer board of directors and staffed by more than 100 professionals including development officers, information experts, accountants, communicators and more, today's foundation works with donors to the University of Central Florida to help them maximize the impact of gifts ranging from $5 to many millions. Gifts are used to fund student scholarships, invest in faculty excellence, construct new facilities, and expand important programs.
UCF has just completed (June 2019) a multi-year fundraising effort called IGNITE: The Campaign for UCF. Directed to three key points — student success, academic excellence, and growth and opportunity — the support of alumni, friends and corporate partners helped the university to raise more than $513 million over an eight-year period.
UCF: A Brief History and Overview
The University of Central Florida is an American metropolitan research university in East Orlando. It is one of the largest university in the United States by undergraduate enrollment. Founded in 1963, UCF opened in 1968 as Florida Technological University, with a mission of providing personnel to the growing U.S. space program. As the academic scope expanded beyond its original focus, Florida Tech was renamed the University of Central Florida in 1978.
UCF offers more than 200 degrees through 13 colleges at 11 regional campuses in Central Florida. Since its founding, the university has awarded more than 329,000 degrees to more than 260,000 alumni worldwide. As of fall 2020, UCF had more than 72,000 students. The university has 335 National Merit Scholars.
More information about UCF’s vision and goals can be found in its current strategic plan.