University of California Press Foundation

The University of California Press Foundation is a nonprofit organization established to support the University of California Press (UC Press). It operates as a 501(c)(3) entity, facilitating fundraising efforts to enable UC Press to maintain its role as a progressive publisher of scholarly works. The foundation was formally incorporated in 1991, evolving from the Associates of the University of California Press, which was established in 1983.

Mission and Activities

The UC Press Foundation's primary mission is to raise funds to support the broader publishing initiatives of UC Press, including open access programs and the promotion of first-generation scholars. Through these efforts, the foundation helps ensure that UC Press can publish significant scholarly content while advancing social mobility and change. This includes funding for innovative publishing models such as the Luminos open-access monograph program and several open-access journals like Collabra: Psychology and Elementa: Science of the Anthropocene.

Support Mechanisms

The foundation relies on donations from individuals and institutions to underwrite the costs associated with UC Press's publications and programs. These contributions are crucial because UC Press cannot cover its operating expenses solely through sales revenue and modest university subsidies. Donors support the publication of nearly 200 new books and over three dozen journals annually, as well as the maintenance of thousands of backlist titles in digital formats.

Leadership and Governance

The UC Press Foundation is overseen by a Board of Trustees, which includes dedicated individuals who contribute to the foundation's fundraising efforts. The board's leadership plays a key role in guiding strategic development and ensuring ongoing support for UC Press's progressive and independent publishing mission.

Impact and Growth

By supporting UC Press, the foundation enables the publication of high-quality scholarship across various disciplines, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and social impact. As part of its strategic growth, the foundation aims to increase annual giving and potentially launch endowment campaigns to secure long-term financial stability for UC Press's innovative programs.

[1] https://regents.universityofcalifornia.edu/regmeet/july24/a3.pdf [2] https://osc.universityofcalifornia.edu/for-authors/open-access-publishing-at-uc/open-access-at-university-of-california-press/ [3] https://craft-assets-ucpress-production.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/pdf/UCP_Annual-Report-2024.pdf [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_California_Press [5] https://www.ucpress.edu/support-us