GIFT MATCHING OPPORTUNITIES

ASPIRE: THE $100 MILLION CHALLENGE

Paving the Way for Excellence

In 2019, the University of Houston unveiled an ambitious plan to expand its research footprint by becoming laser-focused and strategic. This vision was quickly embraced by a visionary donor who anonymously gifted the University with $50 million to match UH’s $50 million fundraising initiative for endowed chairs and professorships. In subsequent years, other donors have responded to the call by establishing endowed faculty positions, enabling the University to capitalize on its intellectual resources. In the last five years, we have witnessed a 53% increase in federal research expenditures by our faculty.

How the Challenge Works

The anonymous donor will match all eligible gifts up to $50 million (for a total of $100 million) that create permanently endowed chairs and professorships in fields addressing societal challenges. For every $2 million given to endow a new chair, or for every $1 million given to endow a new professorship, that gift will be doubled by a match from the Aspire Fund. With state-based matching programs like the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP), every $2 million donation could result in up to $10+ million in total impact.

Learn more about ASPIRE: The $100 Million Challenge

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TEXAS RESEARCH INCENTIVE PROGRAM (TRIP)

In 2009, the Texas Legislature established the Texas Research Incentive Program (TRIP) match to amplify the impact of private gifts for enhancing research productivity and faculty recruitment. TRIP is administered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and provides matching funds for endowed chairs and professorships.

Endowed chairs and professorships may be eligible for a matching gift through TRIP. The gift must be made with a minimum of $100,000 and be designated exclusively for research purposes.

Learn More About TRIP

MATCHING LEVELS

50% Match Cash Gift of $100,000 to $999,999

75% Match Cash Gift of $1 million to $1,999,999

100% Match Cash Gift of $2 million to $10 million

ASPIRE COMBINED WITH TRIP

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DISTINGUISHED SCHOLARS CRITERIA – THE MATCH

Individuals can set up multiple scholarships at the $100,000 level, and each one can be named after the donor or donor designee. For example, if a donor chooses to give five merit scholarships for matching, each one can be named as the “Donor (or Donor Designee) Distinguished Scholar.”

As authorized by the University of Houston Board of Regents, the University will match the income distribution for recruitment scholarships at 100% for a period of 10 years, ending on Aug. 31, 2031, for endowments funded with a minimum of $100,000. For endowments exceeding $500,000, only income generated from the initial $500,000 will be matched.

More Information

To learn more about matching opportunities and the options available, please contact David Tucker, Developement Officer, at 713.743.7172.