Annual Report
2023-2024
Letter from the Chancellor
UC Santa Cruz continues on its remarkable trajectory. Over our nearly 60-year history, we have established a track record of groundbreaking multidisciplinary research, high-level teaching, distinguished scholarship, and creativity. We have also built a well-deserved reputation as an institution that works to advance innovation and social justice in all that we do.
Leading the Change
UC Santa Cruz began implementing its new strategic plan, Leading the Change, during this past academic year. Finalized during the 2022–23 academic year, Leading the Change is a shared vision that aligns with the university’s overarching goals, including enhancing student success; expanding research impact; fostering inclusivity; and improving operational efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
Advancing student and alumni success
Discover how UCSC is shaping the future through initiatives like the Student Success Initiative, Kresge College’s award-winning sustainable renewal, and innovative education-to-employment pathways. From a surge in summer Slugs to globally recognized student experiences and the expansion of online majors, we’re driving educational equity and opening doors to success.
Research Impact
Discover how UC Santa Cruz research is shaping the future! From groundbreaking innovations to addressing global challenges, explore the far-reaching impact of our work on communities, industries, and the world.
“I am deeply proud of all that UC Santa Cruz achieved over the past year and energized by what we will do next in support of our goals to advance student success; increase our research impact;
foster an inclusive campus climate; and increase our efficiency, effectiveness, resilience, and sustainability. Go Slugs!”
— CHANCELLOR CYNTHIA LARIVE
UC Santa Cruz Foundation
Message from the Chair, Board of Trustees
Celebrating 50 years of impact! The UC Santa Cruz Foundation has spent five decades advancing philanthropy that fuels student success, innovative teaching, and research that benefits communities worldwide. With the support of donors, we’ve launched transformative programs and continue our unwavering commitment to shaping the future of UC Santa Cruz for generations to come.
Foundation update
The UC Santa Cruz Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary by awarding Foundation Medals to two visionary leaders: alumna Julie Packard, a pioneering ocean conservationist, and the late Narinder Kapany, the “father of fiber optics.” Chancellor Cynthia Larive honored their exceptional contributions, while Packard also received the prestigious UC Presidential Medal from UC President Michael V. Drake. Both honorees have left a profound impact on the world and served as UC Santa Cruz Foundation board members.
Foundation Board Opportunity Fund furthers innovation
The UC Santa Cruz Foundation’s Board Opportunity Fund (BOF) fuels innovation through seed funding for campus projects and research. In 2024, the BOF awarded $20,000 to support the “Archiving Dolores Huerta’s Legacy” project, a partnership with the Dolores Huerta Foundation. This initiative offers students hands-on archival training and engagement with civil rights and feminist history. The BOF’s support also helped secure a $1 million national grant, amplifying the impact of Latinx studies at UC Santa Cruz, a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
By the numbers
$71.7M
Philanthropy, FY24
Endowment (UCSC Foundation and Regents)
$304,927,626
FY24
$282,128,507
FY23
$269,442,620
FY22
Student Success Initiative
raised since 2021
Giving Day
Fundraising totals by division, FY24
$1,001,547 | Arts
$9,635,266 | Baskin Engineering
$10,201,245 | Humanities
$23,979,000 | Physical and Biological Sciences
$5,109,387 | Social Sciences
$958,248 | Library
$20,811,289 | Other Programs*
* Other university programs: Graduate Division, Student Success, Undergraduate Education, and more.
Fundraising totals by year, FY19 – 24 ($)
Philanthropy plays a vital role in strengthening and advancing the mission of UC Santa Cruz, and I am deeply thankful for our generous donors who provided $71.7 million in support this past year.
This total is a 20 percent increase over last year and is our second highest year to date for fundraising. Our supporters, through scholarships, fellowships, and other gifts, are helping students focus on their education and take part in hands-on learning opportunities that will help them compete for internships and jumpstart their professional careers. Philanthropic support also enables our researchers to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges that will provide worldwide benefits.
UC Santa Cruz is an amazing institution, advanced by supporters like you who are inspired by our past accomplishments, excited about our aspirations, and eager to increase our collective impact.
Sincerely,
Mark Delos Reyes Davis
President, UC Santa Cruz Foundation, and
Vice Chancellor for University Advancement