About Us

Who We Are and Why We Need You
The USI Foundation was established on October 1, 1968 when its first gift was received by then Evansville mayor Frank F. McDonald Sr and his wife, Cloedeen. The USI Foundation was awarded official status as a bonafide 501(c)(3) non-for-profit in July 1969. Currently, the USI Foundation is registered in all 50 states.

The USI Foundation's mission is to attract, acquire, and manage donors' charitable gifts to support and sustain the goals of the University of Southern Indiana. Put simply, we ensure the University has the resources it needs to elevate excellence.

USI’s founders recognized how an investment in public higher education programs would produce a better-educated citizenry and a more vibrant region and state. Born of need, fueled by community investment, and sustained by alumni success, the University has been a model for student-centered postsecondary education, delivering, as its founders promised, high-quality teaching at the most affordable cost among baccalaureate-granting institutions in Indiana.

We invite you to join us. Your gift will help position this dynamic University for greater, bolder and broader service to the region and world.