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MacKenzie Scott Endowment Match Challenge

Multiply Your Impact. Strengthen AVÀÇ for Generations.

A Historic Gift Paves the Way

In 2025, AVÀÇ received a transformational, unrestricted $50 million investment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest single gift in the University’s history.

What Is the Opportunity?

Through the Endowment Match Challenge, $7 million from this historic gift will match commitments to endowed funds across the University. Qualifying gifts will receive a 50% match, allowing donors to significantly expand the long-term impact of their philanthropy.

This time-limited initiative invites alumni, friends, and partners to strengthen the University’s endowment and ensure that today’s momentum continues for generations of students.

What Gifts Are Eligible for the Match?

  • Cash gifts and pledges of $50,000 or more (gifts of securities are also eligible)
  • Gifts made to new or existing endowed funds
  • Pledges payable over up to five years
  • A $1 million cap on matching funds per gift or pledge
  • Donor-designated gifts that support priorities across the University aligned with your interests
Your Gift → Endowment Match → Lasting Impact
Your Gift With 50% Match Endowment Total
$50,000 $25,000 $75,000
$100,000 $50,000 $150,000
$500,000 $250,000 $750,000

When Can I Take Advantage of the Match?

The program runs from March 2026 through December 31, 2027.

Gifts and multi-year pledges must be committed (signed) by December 31, 2027 to qualify for the match.

I’m Interested in Participating and Would Like to Learn More

Please contact Joanna Reilly to connect with the University Advancement team and discuss your philanthropic interests.

Joanna Reilly, Senior Director of Major Gifts
joanna.reilly@csueastbay.edu

Additional FAQ

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  • Endowment is the University’s long-term financial foundation. Unlike annual gifts, endowed funds are invested and generate annual income in perpetuity. Each year, a portion of that income supports strategic priorities, scholarships, and academic programs, while the principal remains intact to sustain impact for generations.


    For a university committed to access and upward mobility, permanent funding matters. Endowment creates predictable support, protects students during economic uncertainty, and strengthens our ability to grow programs and attract outstanding faculty. Expanding the endowment is essential to securing the future of AVÀÇ.

     

  • Your gift can support the area of AVÀÇ that matters most to you. Endowed funds may advance academic programs and departments, faculty excellence, career services and success, scholarships or other initiatives that strengthen student success and community impact.


    Our Advancement team will partner with you to explore options and design an endowment that reflects your interests and philanthropic goals.


    There are no restrictions on where the matching funds must be directed. Match dollars will be added to the endowment you choose and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the $7 million challenge fund is fully committed.

  • Yes. A cap of $1 million can be used as a match for any one gift or pledge. Thus, any eligible gift or pledge of $2 million or more will receive a $1 million match.

  • Yes, matches have been set up to support smaller gifts. There will also be opportunities to access the match through AVÀÇ Giving Day and other crowdfunding activities.