Our Purpose
When we invest in students, we invest in the future.
A VCU degree is a proven catalyst for generational change and professional impact. That's why we're accelerating our philanthropic efforts and doubling down on our commitment to student success.
Student success philanthropy is our guiding compass. This mindset shapes how we identify, evaluate, and recommend meaningful giving opportunities that elevate the student experience and break down barriers to achievement. By expanding scholarships, student-centered resources, and career readiness tools, we are empowering tomorrow's leaders.
Our Giving Philosophy
Each fiscal year, we align our giving with one or more of these three philosophies, ensuring that our distribution of funds is strategic, meaningful, and has the opportunity to generate the greatest impact possible.
Education
Advance academic excellence and lifelong learning.
Education is the foundation of personal growth and societal progress. We invest in the core education tools, guidance, and resources students need to stay engaged, thrive, and graduate on time.
Key Support Opportunities
- Proactive Advising: Early-alert systems and personalized advising to support students at risk of dropping out
- Curriculum Innovation: Seed funding for high-demand degree paths and cross-departmental programs
- Tech & Lab Upgrades: Modernized classroom hardware, specialized software, and advanced lab equipment
- Learning & Writing Centers: Direct support for campus tutoring hubs and writing centers
- Faculty Mentorship: Hands-on research opportunities paired with faculty to build student connection and success
Experience
Enrich the complete student journey.
We support students beyond the classroom by funding leadership, community building, and career preparation so they can succeed across their own unique spectrum of pursuits.
Key Support Opportunities
- Career Preparation: Workshops, networking events, and interview coaching through campus career centers
- Leadership & Campus Life: Operational support for student organizations, leadership retreats, and cultural programming
- Academic & Competition Travel: Funding for student group travel to academic competitions, conferences, and service trips
- Internship Expenses: Financial assistance for internship travel, housing, professional attire, supplies, and childcare
Essentials
Remove barriers, meet basic needs.
From health to housing, we invest in essential safety-net services so that personal hardship never gets in the way of graduation.
Key Support Opportunities
- Food Security: Campus food pantries, community gardens, and meal-sharing programs
- Health & Wellness: Mental health counseling, campus clinics, and wellness workshops
- Emergency Relief: Financial aid for unexpected course materials or urgent academic expenses
- Housing Stability: Support programs for housing insecurity and break-period transition support
SUPPORT
VCU Student Compass Fund
Established in 2025 by the VCU Foundation Board of Trustees, the VCU Student Compass Fund provides flexible support to help students in good academic standing stay enrolled and reach graduation.
The board approved $1 million in designated funding to cover emergency financial gaps, from tuition shortfalls to unexpected life expenses, that might otherwise force a student to withdraw. For many VCU students, the difference between finishing their degree and stopping short comes down to a moment of unforeseen hardship. The Student Compass Fund exists to meet students in that moment, offering timely, flexible assistance so a temporary setback doesn't become a permanent one.
When you give to the Student Compass Fund, you're not just covering a bill, you're keeping a student on track toward the degree they've worked so hard to earn. The trustees took the first step. Now it's up to all of us to keep the fund growing — for this year's students, and every class that follows.