About the Foundation

The George Mason University Foundation (GMUF) is dedicated to advancing the mission of George Mason University by receiving, managing, investing, and administering private gifts made in support of its students, programs, and community.

GMUF exterior with flowering pink tree

Our Mission

For more than half a century, the George Mason University Foundation has played a pivotal role in shaping visionary leaders and supporting the University’s mission on a global scale. Our mission is to secure a strong and lasting future by managing the generous gifts and contributions from our valued donors.

GMUF students walking together on campus in the fall

Our History

From securing funding for scholarships and research to supporting capital projects, our history is rich with achievements that have impacted the university community.

1966 - 1975
1975 - 1990
1991 - 2005
2006 - 2011
2012 - 2016
2018 - Today
black and white photo of a man signing a document
Image: Governor A. Linwood Holton signs H-210 separating George Mason College from the University of Virginia, April 7, 1972. Image courtesy of the George Mason University Broadside Photograph Collection.

Image: Governor A. Linwood Holton signs H-210 separating George Mason College from the University of Virginia, April 7, 1972. Image courtesy of the George Mason University Broadside Photograph Collection.

1966

The George Mason University Foundation, Inc. is formed to purchase, accept, and hold real estate and private resources to benefit George Mason University.

1971

With a $25,000 contribution from LeRoy Eakin, Sr., the foundation established George Mason’s first endowed faculty position.

1972

Official separation from UVA is achieved, and the Foundation secures the Fairfax High School site for expansion.

image of Antonin Scalia Law School Interior
Image: Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.

Image: Antonin Scalia Law School, George Mason University.

1978

George Mason University Foundation financed the acquisition of the future Antonin Scalia Law School.

1986

University Park Office and Residential Townhomes are acquired to serve the university’s administrative and housing needs.

1989

The George Mason University Foundation acquires Commerce Buildings in Fairfax City for university use.

image of overgrown garden space
Image: Potomac Heights organic garden on the Fairfax Campus.

Image: Potomac Heights organic garden on the Fairfax Campus.

1998

The Foundation’s endowment exceeds $25 million with 142 individual endowed accounts.

2004

The opening of Potomac Heights enhanced living spaces and added 504 beds to student housing, courtesy of the Foundation.

2005

George Mason University’s first groundbreaking campaign mobilizes $142 million for university initiatives.

campus building exterior
Image: Merten Hall rooftop perspective of the Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall on the Fairfax Campus at sunset.

Image: Merten Hall rooftop perspective of the Peterson Family Health Sciences Hall on the Fairfax Campus at sunset.

2006

Vernon Smith Hall and parking complex opens, providing 671 underground parking spots for Mason faculty and student use.

2007

The Foundation’s endowment exceeds $50 million with 278 individual endowed accounts.

2011

Merten Hall, a 143,000-square-foot building, opens centralizing administrative offices on the Fairfax campus.

campus building exterior
Image: Life Sciences and Engineering building on the Science and Technology Campus.

Image: Life Sciences and Engineering building on the Science and Technology Campus.

2012

Beacon Hall, a 152-bed student dormitory created by the foundation, opens on the university’s Sci-Tech campus in Prince William County.

2015

Prince William Life Sciences Lab, a 76,000-square-foot laboratory, is built by the foundation and enhances the research capabilities of the Sci-Tech campus.

2016

George Mason University Foundation’s endowment exceeds $75 million with 471 individual endowed accounts.

image of a man speaking at a podium next to Mason Now screen
Image: The George Mason University community celebrates the launch of the Mason Now Power the Possible $1 billion fundraising campaign on the Fairfax Campus.

Image: The George Mason University community celebrates the launch of the Mason Now Power the Possible $1 billion fundraising campaign on the Fairfax Campus.

2018

The Foundation received its largest gift, endowed the Allison and Dorothy Rouse Chairs at the Antonin Scalia Law School Completion of Faster Farther Campaign, which raised over $690 million for university priorities from 2008 to 2018.

2021

George Mason University Foundation’s endowment exceeds $185 million with over 570 individual endowed accounts.

2023

University launches $1B campaign, Mason Now: Power the Possible; largest School naming gift received, establishing the Donald G. Costello School of Business; endowment exceeds $179M with 649 individual endowed accounts.

2024

Endowment exceeds $222M with 675 individual endowed accounts.

Board of Trustees

Our Board of Trustees comprises distinguished industry leaders who provide strategic guidance and oversight. Their collective expertise guides the foundation in successfully achieving its mission.

GMUF board of trustees headshots
George Mason logo on outside of building

Committee Structure

The Board of Trustees has six supporting committees: Executive, Advancement and University Priorities, Audit, Finance and Real Estate, Investment, and Nominating and Governance. These committees work diligently to manage our resources effectively and advance our mission.

Staff Directory

Our dedicated staff is committed to supporting the foundation’s mission and operations. Explore our directory of team members, including their roles and contact information.

Mason Now fundraiser speech

Any Questions?

Find answers to common inquiries, including donations, scholarships, and events in our FAQ.

students walking down stairs at GMU campus