Engagement at K-State

KSU Foundation

The KSU Foundation was founded in 1944 and serves as K-State’s strategic partner for philanthropy and as the official fundraising entity for K-State to help make a difference in the world through K-State people and programs.

The KSU Foundation operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to securing and managing private donations for the university’s diverse needs. The foundation advances K-State’s mission in teaching, research and service through philanthropy.

The KSU Foundation endowment is a sustainable income source for K-State, supporting endeavors such as scholarships, faculty positions and long-term initiatives aimed at enhancing K-State’s academic excellence. The foundation is crucial in supporting capital projects and facility enhancements across K-State. This includes funding for construction, renovation and maintenance projects, that contribute to the overall development and upkeep of the university’s infrastructure.

Philanthropic contributions of $226.4 million were generated and allocated to K-State, securing private gifts for:

  • 152 new student scholarships.
  • $3 million gift to help build a new food pantry facility for Cats’ Cupboard.
  • $10 million corporate gift for K-State Salina.
  • $75 million+ for the Ag Innovation Initiative.

Impacting the economy

In fiscal year 2023, KSU Foundation generated $59.1 million in economic impact to the state. This total represents the direct impact of spending in the state ($28.6 million) and the indirect spending ($30.5 million) that occurs because of the presence of the KSU Foundation.

The KSU Foundation's $952 million endowment in fiscal year 2023 yielded $126.1 million for K-State's immediate use, reflected in the university's annual budget.

Supporting and sustaining jobs

KSU Foundation directly supported 355 jobs, with the Foundation directly employing 150 positions (full-time and part-time) in the state.

Strengthening local and statewide tax bases

State and local government revenues attributable to K-State's presence totaled $3.1 million in fiscal year 2023.