Make a Difference

Throughout its history, the University of Southern California has relied on the generosity of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations that endorse the university’s mission of excellence. This support has played a vital role in propelling USC into the front ranks of the world’s premier private research institutions. Now, more than ever, philanthropic funding is essential to sustain this important legacy.

The reasons for making a gift to USC are personal and varied. Perhaps you are grateful for your USC experience and want to give something back. Maybe you would like to leave a legacy to benefit future Trojans for generations to come. Perhaps you feel passionate about supporting an important cause, such as cutting-edge research or the development of new technology. Or you may wish to take advantage of the tax benefits of making a gift.

Whatever your motivation, you’ll find as many ways to make a difference as there are priorities, support groups, schools, and special departments and programs at USC.

Priorities

 

Capital Projects

As USC continues to invent the future, it must continually reinvest in facilities that support pacesetting teaching and research. Gifts to upgrade existing buildings, build new structures, and enhance campus landscaping enrich the USC experience for the entire university community.

Endowed Faculty Positions

One of the most powerful tools for attracting and retaining preeminent scholars and first-rate teachers — who, in turn, attract other outstanding faculty and students — is an endowed chair or professorship. For the faculty member, an endowed position represents an important recognition of scholarly excellence and a compelling stimulus for further contributions. For students, an endowed position means the opportunity to study under the mentorship of a prominent expert in the field. For the donor, endowing a chair or professorship provides a concrete, permanent link to a highly esteemed member of the faculty and to continued academic excellence at USC.

Research

High-quality research is an essential foundation of progress and the precursor to advancement in every academic field. As a private institution, USC is especially dependent on philanthropic funding to help ensure that faculty members and students have the resources they need to stay at the forefront of discovery.

 

Student Scholarships and Fellowships

Whether they are awarded based on merit or need, scholarships and fellowships established by donors help students realize their academic dreams at USC. More than half of USC’s undergraduates currently receive scholarship support, and the university recently launched a major fundraising initiative to create a $100 million endowment to support graduate education. The ability to offer financial support enables USC to compete with the country’s finest institutions in attracting the very best students in every academic field. What is more, some university programs offer a match for donations to scholarship and fellowship funds, such as those sponsored by USC's Asian Pacific Alumni Association, Black Alumni Association, and Mexican American Alumni Association.

Click here to learn more about USC’s strategic priorities.

University Advancement Support Groups

University Advancement sponsors several support groups through which alumni and friends can make an impact on all aspects of life at USC. When you give through any of these programs, you can take pride in knowing that you are promoting the mission and values of USC, and playing a vital role in enriching the academic environment.

 

• USC Annual Fund
• USC Associates
• USC Parents Fund
• Trojan Founders Circle

 

Schools, Special Departments and Programs, and Alumni and Other Support Groups

Each school, special department or program, and alumni or other support group at USC has its own specific goals and priorities. We invite you to visit the individual units’ Web sites for more information.

Schools

• USC School of Architecture
• USC Marshall School of Business
  • USC Leventhal School of Accounting
• USC School of Cinema-Television
• USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
• USC Annenberg School for Communication
• USC School of Dentistry
• USC Rossier School of Education
• USC Viterbi School of Engineering
• USC School of Fine Arts
• USC Davis School of Gerontology
• USC Graduate School
• USC Independent Health Professions
• USC Gould School of Law
• Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
• USC Thornton School of Music
• USC School of Pharmacy
• USC School of Policy, Planning, and Development
• USC School of Social Work
• USC School of Theatre

Special Departments and Programs

• USC Trojan Marching Band
• USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Hospital
• USC Catholic Center
• USC Civic and Community Relations
• USC Emeriti Center
• USC Information Technology Services (Libraries and Computing)
• USC Radio/KUSC
• USC Lusk Center for Real Estate

Alumni and Other Support Groups

• USC Alumni Association
• USC Asian Pacific Alumni Association
• USC Black Alumni Association
• Half-Century Trojans
• USC Lambda Alumni Association
• USC Mexican American Alumni Association
• Town and Gown of the University of Southern California and other groups sponsored by the USC Alumnae Coordinating Council