The Old Dominion University Research Foundation (ODURF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Established in 1965 and tax-exempt since March 1967, the foundation serves as the administrative and fiscal agent for sponsored research, training grants, and other sponsored programs for Old Dominion University, a Commonwealth of Virginia institution of higher education. The organization employs 77 staff members and maintains a presence in the United States, Bangladesh, and Italy.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$38.2M
-4.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$6.7M
-8.5% YoY
Grant Count
71
+2.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$95K
-11.0% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation's mission is to serve as the administrative and fiscal agent for sponsored research, training grants, and other sponsored programs for Old Dominion University. Primary funding focus areas include:
- Education
- Science and STEM education
- Philanthropy, voluntarism, and grantmaking
- Human services
Grantmaking
The foundation has provided support to institutions including Analytical Mechanics Associates, Arizona State University, Auburn University, Averett University, Aviation Adventures LLC, Board of Regents University of Nevada Reno, Carnegie Mellon University, Clemson University, and Cleveland State University. Grants support subcontracts for sponsored research and graduate student and participant support from sponsored programs.
Grant Range
$5,450 to $2.1 million
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation primarily funds programs in Virginia, Arizona, and California, with a focus on supporting Old Dominion University's research initiatives and partnerships.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
Financial Overview (2023-2024):
- Total assets: $38.2 million (2024); $40 million (2023)
- Total revenue: $62.4 million (2023)
- Total expenses: $63.2 million (2023)
- Total liabilities: $20.5 million (2023)
- Program expense ratio: 89.99%
The foundation maintains strong financial health with nearly 90% of funds directed toward programs rather than administrative costs.
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $38,182,820 | $39,975,576 | $38,694,271 |
| Revenue | $63,306,336 | $62,362,675 | $58,179,251 |
| Expenses | $64,261,601 | $63,173,789 | $58,664,272 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $455,527 | $237,903 | $118,593 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
- David Edwards - President
- Keren Plowden - Director, TTAC-ODU
- Tameika S - Program Director
- Shannon Robinson - Principal Officer
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR DAVID K EDWARDS | PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| MR LARRY KITTELBERGER | VICE PRESIDENT | 1 | — |
| MS BETSY REILLY | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| MS KAREN DZUPINKA | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| DR AUGUSTINE AGHO | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| BRIAN HEMPHILL | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| KENNETH FRIDLEY | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| CHAD REED | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MR JAMES BLACK JR | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MS KATHY DONOVAN | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MR JIM FUNARI | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MS BARBARA GERAGHTY | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| ROBERT KING | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MS MARGARET ROOMSBURG | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MR SCOTT E SINGOR | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| MONICA STURGIS | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| SHANNON WALKER | TRUSTEE | 1 | — |
| SHANNON ROBINSON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | — |
| MARY SANDY | DIRECTOR OF FIELD PROGRAM | 40 | $244,969 |
| ROBERT A BAKER | RESEARCH ASSOCIATE | 40 | $197,308 |
| HOPE FOWLER | DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCE | 40 | $200,051 |
| CASEY GOLLIHER | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE | 40 | $199,870 |
| SHEILA FLANAGAN | FIELD OPERATIONS | 40 | $178,695 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
Recent research initiatives supported by the foundation include:
**AI-Powered Glioblastoma Detection**: An ODU professor received a $2.3 million NIH grant to use artificial intelligence and machine learning for improved detection of brain tumor recurrence.
ODU Professor Awarded $2.3M NIH Grant for AI-Powered Glioblastoma Detection**Undergraduate Modeling and Simulation Education**: ODU received $1.15 million from the U.S. Department of Education to enhance undergraduate modeling and simulation education.
ODU Receives $1.15M from U.S. Department of Education to Enhance Undergraduate**Cybersecurity Research**: Old Dominion University researchers partnered with U.S. Cyber Command to address national cybersecurity challenges.
Old Dominion University Researchers Partner with U.S. Cyber Command to SolveSubject Areas
Focus areas based on grantmaking activity
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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