Advancing Education. Empowering Futures.

The mission of the Southern University System Foundation is to secure financial support for each of the five campuses of the Southern University System; to provide broader educational advantages for our students, encourage research among our faculty, and advance the University’s role in helping to build an increasingly functional Louisiana.

Our Mission

Funding Our Future Leaders

As the philanthropic arm of the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) system in the United States, the Foundation connects donors, alumni, and community partners with the programs and students that need their support most.

Over the past five years (2019–2023), the Foundation has invested more than $52.9 million in support of the Southern University System, including over $31.7 million in direct program services. From scholarships and faculty development to university events, capital projects, and community engagement, every dollar advances Southern’s mission of preparing the next generation of leaders.

$52.9M — Total invested in the Southern University System (2019–2023)
$31.7M — In direct program services over five years
5 — Campuses served across Louisiana
$327M+ — Raised toward our $750M Imagine Southern campaign

Our Impact

Where Your Dollars Go

The Foundation’s independently audited financial statements tell the story of how donor support reaches the Southern University System year after year.

Scholarships and Educational Assistance

Over the past five years, the Foundation has provided $5,823,809 in direct scholarship and educational assistance to students across the Southern University System.

2019: $696,775
2020: $707,207
2021: $932,421
2022: $1,663,185
2023: $1,824,221

These funds help high-achieving students at all five campuses afford the education that prepares them for careers and community leadership. The steady growth in scholarship support reflects the Foundation’s deepening commitment to student access and success.

University Events and Programs

$9,967,833 has been invested in university events and programs over five years, enriching the student experience, strengthening alumni engagement, and building visibility for the Southern University System across Louisiana and the nation.

2019: $4,506,803
2020: $344,425
2021: $1,221,178
2022: $1,990,210
2023: $1,905,417

Public and Community Support

$2,836,363 has gone toward public and community support, connecting the University’s resources with the communities it serves. This includes the work of the Valdry Center for Philanthropy, an academically based research center focused on philanthropic studies and nonprofit management that educates the socially conscious student, volunteer, and practitioner.

2019: $278,273
2020: $26,344
2021: $280,217
2022: $646,642
2023: $884,704

(Note: The decrease in 2020 reflects pandemic-related disruptions across higher education.)

Faculty and Staff Development

$541,858 has supported faculty and staff development over five years, helping Southern University recruit, retain, and develop the educators who shape the next generation.

2019: $132,874
2020: $137,826
2021: $44,004
2022: $101,838
2023: $125,316

Capital Enhancement

$1,970,732 has funded capital enhancement projects that improve the physical infrastructure and learning environments across the system.

2019: $590,038
2020: $68,627
2021: $191,997
2022: $1,231,139 (Note: Major capital project year)
2023: $80,528

Five-Year Program Services Summary

Total direct program services delivered to the Southern University System:

2019: $9,361,249
2020: $4,213,569
2021: $4,154,037
2022: $6,845,808
2023: $7,157,427
Five-Year Total: $31,732,090

Total expenditures (including management, general, and fundraising):

2019: $11,598,056
2020: $5,818,287
2021: $8,267,422
2022: $12,060,312
2023: $15,229,668
Five-Year Total: $52,973,745

Total contributions and support received:

2019: $9,106,747
2020: $6,882,532
2021: $10,272,605
2022: $12,415,770
2023: $10,786,530
Five-Year Total: $49,464,184

Source: Southern University System Foundation Consolidated Statements of Functional Expenses and Statements of Activities, Years Ended December 31, 2019 through 2023. Full audits available at foundation.sus.edu.

Imagine Southern Campaign

Imagine Southern: A Transformative Campaign

Imagine Southern is the Southern University System Foundation’s comprehensive capital campaign to advance transformative programming for Southern University and the nearby community. With a goal of $750 million running from 2024 to 2030, this is the most ambitious fundraising effort in the System’s history.

The campaign focuses on three pillars: Student Outcomes, Student Experience, and Community Engagement. With $327.2 million raised to date in year three of seven, momentum is building.

Ways to Give

Support Southern University’s Future

1880 Society Annual Fund

Honoring Southern’s founding year, the 1880 Society cultivates philanthropy to support students, faculty, and strategic initiatives. Over $6.5 million in impact since 2012.

Endowment Giving

Invest in Southern’s future with an endowment gift supporting scholarships, faculty development, or donor-advised programs that grow over time.

Legacy Giving

Leave a lasting legacy with planned giving. Support Southern through bequests, trusts, or estate gifts that benefit future generations of Jaguars.

Campus Funds

Support academics and student life directly by giving to campus-specific funds across the Southern University System’s five campuses.

Are You In? Annual Giving Campaign

Show Your Southern Pride. Be in That Number.

Are You In? is the Southern University System’s bold call to action, uniting alumni and supporters to drive impact through giving, advocacy, and pride. This volunteer-led campaign rallies Southernites everywhere to support the campuses and programs that matter most.

Since 2013, the Foundation has hosted an annual crowdfunding campaign bringing together thousands of donors across the Southern University family. The 2026 campaign kicks off on May 28, 2026, and culminates with SU Give Day on August 31, 2026.

Your continued support strengthens our students, faculty, and communities year-round. Together, We Are Southern.

Our Campuses

Serving Students Across Louisiana

The Southern University System Foundation provides support to all campuses within the system, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Southern University and A&M College
Southern University at New Orleans
Southern University at Shreveport
Southern University Law Center
SU Ag Center & College of Agriculture
Southern University Laboratory School