Gifts

UC Merced Receives Transformational $38 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

December 8, 2025

The University of California, Merced today announced the largest philanthropic gift in its history, an extraordinary new commitment from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This transformational investment, Ms. Scott’s second major gift to UC Merced, underscores growing national recognition of UC...

Gift to Support Outreach Program Provides Parents a Sense of Relief

Francisco Abendano Jr., a sophomore at Madera High School, is like many 15-year-olds. He is active in sports, enjoys spending time with his friends and is already taking the necessary steps to get...

Cognitive Scientist Awarded McClatchy Chair in Communications

Cognitive science Professor Teenie Matlock has been named the McClatchy Chair in Communications at the University of California, Merced. Matlock’s appointment marks the first time the UC’s newest...

Campus Names Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations

Chancellor Dorothy Leland of the University of California, Merced, announced today the hiring of Kyle D. Hoffman as vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations. The appointment is effective...

Citi Gift a Boost for Parent Support

The University of California, Merced, has announced a $33,000 donation from Citi to support its Center for Educational Partnership’s Parent Empowerment Program — $10,000 will fund the continued...

Local Entrepreneur Gives $2 Million to Support UC Merced Students

The Bright Family Foundation has donated $2 million to the University of California, Merced, to provide advising and learning support services to students during their first year and beyond....

Southern California Edison Gives $250K for Energy, Water Research

Dozens of students at the University of California, Merced, will be able to research new ways of increasing energy efficiency and protecting our environmental resources thanks to a $250,000 gift to...

Annual Donors Connecting, Shaping the Future

A group of university supporters from various professions and backgrounds have something in common — they've joined UC Merced's Chancellor's Associatesand found a way to connect with the campus and...

Foster Poultry Farms Donates $1 Million forScholarships

Gift will help ease financial burden for UC Merced students Quick Facts Foster Poultry Farms has made a $1 million pledge toward student scholarships at UC Merced. The company has donated nearly $2...

Wells Fargo Gift to Aid UC Merced Students

$250,000 donation to the university will help make higher education a reality Quick Facts The Wells Fargo Foundation has donated $250,000 to UC Merced for scholarships, bringing the foundation's...