The University of Texas-Pan American Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization incorporated in the State of Texas under the Revenue Code Section 501(c)3.

The Foundation was chartered in 1982 to raise, manage and invest funds for charitable, educational, and scientific purposes to benefit Pan American University, and its mission remained the same after Pan American’s merger with The University of Texas System. 

By maintaining an independent Board of Trustees organized with operating committees, the Foundation can effectively involve interested volunteers in its fund raising efforts and create within them a sense of pride, accomplishment, and ownership – all of which are critical fund raising success.

An advantage of being a private independent organization is that it can maintain a long-term perspective on the needs and priorities of UT-Pan American beyond the outlook and tenure of any of its employees.

As a private nonprofit organization, the Foundation exists solely for the benefit of The University of Texas-Pan American raising funds to create endowments and to augment university programs.  As such, it operates in a politically neutral, less restrictive environment and can carry out its mission efficiently and effectively.  It provides a vehicle for raising and managing funds to supplement those that are appropriated by the state.  Its fundraising efforts have resulted in numerous chairs and professorships and various endowed scholarships.  Recently, the Foundation has received a number of endowments for the nursing and engineering programs, but is seeking to provide resources to all disciplines within the University.

All funds raised and managed by the Foundation are used in accordance with donor wished to build the academic, research, and public service programs of The University of Texas-Pan American.  The recipients of these efforts are the students, faculty, local communities on both sides of the border, the State of Texas, and in some cases the nation.

The Internal Revenue Service recognizes The University of Texas-Pan American Foundation as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization.  Contributions to the University through the Foundation by individuals, corporations and other foundations are qualified for tax deduction.  The Foundation’s IRS identification number is 74-22496970.