About Rutgers University Foundation
The Rutgers University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, exists to generate philanthropic resources and facilitate meaningful engagement to advance the mission of Rutgers.
Focus Areas
Higher educationStudent financial aid and scholarshipsResearch and innovationBehavioral health and health initiativesAlumni engagement
Who They Fund
college/university studentsstudent-athletesuniversity athletic departmentsathletic associations (college-level)
Funding Style
programmatic supportdirect financial assistance (student aid/scholarships)
About Rutgers University Foundation
The largest recent grants from Rutgers University Foundation went to Rutgers University itself: $181,244,400 in 2023 and $162,540,445 in 2024, both classified as education-related athletics support. That scale makes the foundation’s relationship to the university especially visible in its recent filing year. Beyond those major institutional awards, the foundation also funded student aid and campus support organizations, including a $50,000 grant to Rutgers Hillel Corporation for student aid. The foundation’s stated purpose is to generate philanthropic resources and facilitate meaningful engagement to advance Rutgers’ mission. Its giving aligns with higher education, student financial aid and scholarships, research and innovation, behavioral health and health initiatives, and alumni engagement. The recent grant list also shows support for university athletics and associations tied to the Rutgers community. In practice, Rutgers University Foundation functions as a campus-centered funder that channels resources back into the university, student support, and affiliated organizations across Rutgers campuses.
What Rutgers University Foundation Funds
Student support is a clear thread in the foundation’s grantmaking. Rutgers Hillel Corporation received $50,000 in 2023 for student aid, connecting philanthropy directly to student assistance. The foundation also operates the Scarlet Promise Initiative, which provides financial and academic support to help students afford a Rutgers education, manage academic responsibilities, complete degrees, and transition to careers. Its campus-affiliated support extends to associations and university groups as well. Douglass Associate Alumnae received $9,415 in 2023 and $6,614 in 2024 for support of associations programs. In athletics, Rutgers Touchdown Club Inc received $8,220 in 2024 for support of university athletics. These grants show a mix of student assistance, organizational support, and athletics-related funding within the Rutgers ecosystem.
How Rutgers University Foundation Gives
Grant size varies sharply. The reported distribution shows a p25 of $8,519, a median of $29,708, and a p75 of $121,917,834, reflecting a structure that includes many smaller awards alongside very large institutional grants. The recent record also shows repeat support: Rutgers University appears in both 2023 and 2024 at the top of the list, and Douglass Associate Alumnae received grants in both years as well. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity tied to Rutgers University, and it does not accept unsolicited applications for its active Scarlet Promise programs.
Financial Snapshot
Annual Giving
$111.6M
Total Assets
$96.5M
Total Revenue
$137.2M
Total Expenses
$150.1M
Typical Grant Size
Most grants fall between $9K and $121.9M, with a median of $30K.
25th Percentile
$9K
Median
$30K
75th Percentile
$121.9M
Geographic Reach
Local1 state funded
Funding intensity
LowHigh
Headquarters
Leadership
CHRISTOPHER P ZRALY
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