Established in 1975, the University of Mary Washington Foundation is a non-stock, nonprofit corporation chartered by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its purpose is to accept, manage, and administer private resources supporting the mission and priorities of the University, and to provide opportunities for students and a margin of institutional excellence unavailable with state funds.

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       Through the past years, private gifts to the Foundation have supported scholarships, academic programs, student activities, campus buildings, campus enhancements, and special events for Mary Washington alumni. Historic cuts and forecasts for further reductions in funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia make private support for University students, programs, and capital improvements more important now than ever.