University of Tartu Foundation’s new strategy sets the aim to increase the impact of the foundation and to engage more alumni

On 23 July, the supervisory board of the University of Tartu Foundation approved the foundation’s strategy for 2025–2035. The strategy focuses on expanding the University of Tartu endowment fund, engaging alumni and the wider public, increasing the impact of scholarships and awards, strengthening partnerships, improving visibility, and enhancing organisational and risk management.

Established in 1997, the foundation has raised over €7 million in donations over more than a quarter of a century, supporting more than 3,000 students and staff members. To ensure clarity and communicate its message more effectively, the foundation will adopt the umbrella term University of Tartu endowment fund, which encompasses the foundation’s fixed capital and the scholarships, awards, and other support measures distributed through it.

The strategy was developed in parallel with the university’s new strategic plan and alumni relations strategy. Aune Valk, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of the University of Tartu, believes that the discussions and initiatives surrounding these three vision documents bring together people who care about the university and lay a strong basis for ensuring that ambitious goals have financial support. “The biggest change I expect is in alumni support – whether it is a small regular donation to help students in one’s field, a larger contribution to solve a societal or scientific challenge, or even a legacy donation that writes one’s name into the history books,” said Valk.

Vision and mission

With this strategy, the foundation sets its vision to make the University of Tartu endowment fund the most prestigious and financially capable university fund in the Baltics by 2035, enabling the advancement of world-class research and education in collaboration with alumni and other partners.

The foundation’s mission is to support the university’s development by directing donations to where they have the greatest impact – supporting students and academic staff, implementing research programmes, and developing infrastructure. Additionally, the foundation aims to continue growing the assets entrusted to the fund in a sustainable manner.

Focus topics of three phases

The strategy is planned to be implemented in three phases. In the first years, the focus will be on improving the quality of existing activities and preparing for growth. The second phase will concentrate on increasing the volume of donations. The final phase will focus on consolidating results, analysing the impact of activities, and preparing the next strategy.

All friends of the university – alumni, partners, community members and new potential donors – can contribute to the university’s success. More information about donation opportunities is available on the foundation’s website.

Read the strategy of the University of Tartu Foundation for 2025–2035 (in Estonian).