In 1872, UC Regent Edward Tompkins donated 47 acres of land in Oakland to establish the University’s first endowed fund — a faculty chair in East Asian Studies.

Today that original gift of $50,000 has grown to about $8 million in endowment, funding four endowed chairs in Asian languages, cultures, and literature. Such is the potential and enduring legacy of investments in endowment.

Thirty years ago the State of California provided more than half of Berkeley’s funding. Today, it provides less than one-third. Given this reality, our top priority is to grow Berkeley’s endowment to focus on long-term financial stability. - Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau

Through 14 recessions and other economic crises, including the Great Depression, Berkeley’s endowment has continued to grow, providing a critical margin of excellence. Generous gifts of endowment from alumni, parents, faculty, and friends and careful stewardship of their investments have provided the financial resources necessary to preserve and protect Berkeley’s preeminence for over a century.

Today, endowment continues to be a vital component of Berkeley’s enduring financial stability. By maximizing the use of all its revenue sources — state funding, research grants, private gifts, income from endowment, student fees, and other income — Berkeley has created a dynamic financial strategy that will extend its legacy of access and excellence for future generations.