About the Foundation

The Wright State University Foundation was incorporated on December 15, 1966. Our founders were leaders of business and industry from throughout the Dayton region. Robert S. Oelman from National Cash Register Company, James M. Cox, Jr. from the Dayton Daily News, Eugene W. Kettering from Winters National Bank, Richard O. Michael from Champion Papers, and C. William Verity from Armco Steel Corporation were among those serving on our first board of trustees.

Thanks to the support of individuals, corporations, and foundations from throughout our region, state, and nation, the Wright State University Foundation has distributed more than $51 million in scholarships and established 811 scholarship funds over the last five decades.

The Wright State University Foundation has also successfully spearheaded two comprehensive fundraising campaigns: Tomorrow Takes Flight and Rise. Shine. The Campaign for Wright State University.

The Tomorrow Takes Flight campaign concluded in late 2006 with a final total of $123.1 million, more than triple the original goal of $40 million. Two hundred new scholarships were created, along with five endowed chairs and professorships and two named colleges.

Rise. Shine. The Campaign for Wright State University concluded on June 30, 2017, with more than $167.7 million raised for scholarships, attracting more top-flight faculty, and supporting construction of state-of-the-art facilities. 31,310 donors supported the campaign, including 17,659 first-time donors to Wright State. Fifteen Wright State alumni each donated $1 million or more to Rise. Shine.

The Wright State University Foundation’s vision is to be a best-in-class foundation, matching the resources, passion, and commitment of our donors with the needs of students and the strategic direction of the university. 

The Wright State University Foundation's mission is to partner with Wright State University in providing funding that assists students from the Dayton region and beyond to obtain an affordable, quality education by:

1. promoting and facilitating a culture of engagement and philanthropy 
2. prudently protecting, managing, and investing funds entrusted to it 
3. disbursing funds aligned with the university's mission and priorities and ensuring funds disbursed are used as intended 

We are committed to:

• The needs of students and the passion of our donors
• Responsible stewardship of resources with accountability and transparency
• Long-term relationships with the community and alumni
• Diversity and inclusiveness
• Innovation and resourcefulness

Developed in 2021, the Wright State University Foundation’s strategic plan focuses on opportunities directly in control of the foundation, positions it for an even greater impact on the future of Wright State University, and complements the foundation’s role as the preeminent fundraising arm for Wright State University. 

Download the Strategic Plan (DOCX).