About the Foundation

The Foundation is the fundraising arm of Fort Hays State University. We raise and manage all funds that are entrusted to us for the benefit of various needs in support of the university. While the Foundation works closely with FHSU to support its initiatives, it is legally separate from the university and is governed by a board of trustees and supervised by a chief executive officer.

All public educational institutions are experiencing budgetary strain due to the ongoing reduction of state funding, including Fort Hays State University. The university receives only 43 percent of its budget from the state. The rest of the budget must come from other sources such as private support, and the Foundation is responsible for seeking that support.

The Foundation raises and distributes approximately $1.4 million in scholarships, $1 million in departmental funds and $100,000 in loans each year.

There have been several recent changes to our organization. The Foundation’s name has changed from FHSU Endowment Association, and we have moved to a new location on campus, added employees, reorganized staff responsibilities and we are more actively touching the lives of our friends and alumni.

Our fundraising professionals are meeting with people across the country who have a charitable interest in supporting the university. We are also working closely with the deans and department chairs to identify how the Foundation can meet their funding needs. Our goal is to match our donors’ interests with a wide variety of initiatives across campus.