Unrestricted Giving

Join us to support Unrestricted Giving during Give Day 2026

Unrestricted makes us unstoppable.

Unrestricted support provides UC Davis with the staying power we need to create exceptional student experiences while advancing our world-class research for the long term.

Our faculty drive progress in medicine, food production, engineering, and many other areas that improve our daily lives. Their research projects also teach our students to think critically, approach complex problems methodically, and analyze results with a focus on long-term, positive impacts both here and around the world.

That is why unrestricted funds are so important. Their flexibility empowers university leaders to direct resources where they’re needed most, removing the financial constraints that can impact our world-class research and academic programs.

“Having funds sets aside for undergraduate research is critical, whether that’s funding their stipends, helping with tuition or giving them some funding to think about the research, it’s very important.”

Anne Todgham, Chancellor’s Fellow, Associate Dean of Agricultural Sciences, Professor of Animal Science

The impact of unrestricted support is visible across UC Davis, every day. Here are some examples:

• College of Engineering Dean Richard Corsi launched E-SEARCH, a new program that introduces students to a range of career paths, highlights the real-world impacts and applications of engineering research, and offers graduate students mentoring opportunities by pairing them with undergraduates in the program.
• School of Education Dean Tom Smith can act quickly on high-impact opportunities—such as advancing faculty research that supports educational communities and students across California.
• The Chancellor’s Fellows program invests in promising faculty researchers serving at UC Davis and UC Davis Health, to ensure we pursue scientific advancements that benefit everyone.