The University System of Georgia Foundation (USG Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit philanthropic organization established in 1995. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, it serves as the cooperative partner of the University System of Georgia and operates under a separate governing board of trustees. The Foundation raises and manages donations to support the University System of Georgia's mission across its 25 public institutions, which collectively serve more than 364,000 students.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$542.1M
-3.5% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.1M
+2.2% YoY
Grant Count
30
+3.4% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$136K
-1.2% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission: The Foundation exists to support the USG mission through advancing strategic philanthropy, managing assets effectively, and empowering institutions to strengthen students and Georgia's future workforce.
Vision: Creating a sustainable culture of philanthropy across the USG so that every student has the opportunity to pursue a quality education and make a positive impact on Georgia's future.
The Foundation's primary focus areas include:
- Need-Based Scholarships: Raising funds for need-based scholarships to reduce the net cost of attendance for students and limit loan financing needs
- Institutional Advancement Services: Providing capacity-building grants and professional development training for all USG institution foundations, working on best practices and innovative fundraising approaches
- Real Estate Support: Facilitating financing of capital improvement projects and new facilities at USG institutions through below-market lease terms and tax-exempt bond financing for construction, renovation, expansion, and refinancing of existing debt
- Partnerships with USG Initiatives: Supporting the Georgia Film Academy, Georgia FinTech Academy, Georgia Public Library System, and the Georgia Archives
Grantmaking
The Foundation manages multiple grant programs and scholarship initiatives:
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation's funding focuses exclusively on Georgia, supporting all 25 public institutions within the University System of Georgia across the state.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year 2024:
- Total Assets: $542,098,595
- Total Revenue: $29,321,726
- Total Expenses: $20,484,259
- Number of Employees: 4
Program-Specific Expenses (from recent filings):
- Real Estate Support Program: $24,438,095 in revenue and $17,809,178 in expenses
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $542,098,595 | $561,632,614 | $553,443,159 |
| Revenue | $29,321,726 | $33,374,446 | $27,810,587 |
| Expenses | $20,484,259 | $20,233,596 | $17,684,273 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $3,174,700 | $1,592,751 | $578,381 |
| 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
139 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from University System of Georgia
Affordable Learning Georgia: Affordable Materials Grants Round 29: Continuous Improvement Grants
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Amount
Up to US $10,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Affordable Learning Georgia: Affordable Materials Grants Round 29: Transformation Grant
UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF GEORGIA
Amount
Up to US $30,000
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Scott Bryant is identified as a principal officer of the Foundation.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CADE JOINER | CHAIR | 2 | — |
| ELIZABETH A TERRELL | VICE CHAIR | 1 | — |
| T DALLAS SMITH | SECRETARY | 1 | — |
| TY SMITH | TREASURER | 1 | — |
| NEIL L PRUITT JR | PRESIDENT USGREF MANAGER, LLC | 2 | — |
| TEDDY RUSSELL | IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR | 0.5 | — |
| M BRIAN BLAKE | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| CHRISTINE BOUCHER | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| GEORGE BROOKS | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| RICH JOHNSON | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| SARAH-ELIZABETH LANGFORD | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| DONALD LEEBERN | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| KELLY LOEFFLER | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| ANDY MACKE | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| JOHN J NEELY III | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| COURTNEY SMITH | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| JULIE SMITH | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| MALCOLM SMITH | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| JAMES K SYFAN III | TRUSTEE | 0.5 | — |
| CHRISTINA PALOSKI | ASST VICE CHAN FOR DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $133,773 |
| SCOTT BRYANT | CEO/VICE CHANCELLOR FOR DEVELOPMENT | 40 | — |
| KIRBY A THOMPSON | CEO/VICE CHANCELLOR FOR DEVELOPMENT | 40 | $154,547 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
The University System of Georgia launched the need-based DREAMS scholarship program with a $4.5 million startup fund
Georgia Senate budget reduces funding for University System ...Affordable Learning Georgia awarded $493,000 in fall grants to support open and affordable education initiatives
Fall Grantees: ALG Awards $493K to Open and Affordable EducationThe Foundation continues to administer multiple rounds of Affordable Learning Georgia grants, with Round 29 currently active
Affordable Learning Georgia Awards $471K in Latest Grant RoundThe University System of Georgia announced Higher Education Access Grants to expand educational opportunity across its institutions
Georgia Senate budget reduces funding for University System ...Subject 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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