University of Illinois Foundation Celebrates New Headquarters: The Philanthropy Center

‍Champaign, IL (June 27, 2024): The University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) commemorated a major milestone with the official opening of its new headquarters, the University of Illinois Philanthropy Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony held on June 26th marked the culmination of a collaborative effort between UIF, Berglund Construction (the building contractor), Perkins Eastman (architectural design), and Project Management Advisors (consulting services).

Located on the corner of St. Mary's Road and Fourth Street in Champaign, the impressive 60,000-square-foot facility boasts three floors of modern and adaptable workspaces. Designed with collaboration and community in mind, the Philanthropy Center fosters a welcoming environment for donors, visitors, and staff alike. It also serves as a designated space to celebrate the rich history of philanthropic support for the University of Illinois.

Construction, which began in July 2022, was completed in February 2024, allowing UIF to officially move into the new building. The dedication ceremony, held within the Jane Phillips Donaldson Family Atrium, featured remarks from UIF leaders and board members.

"This new space is specifically designed for the modern workforce," expressed Jim Moore, UIF President and CEO. "It not only celebrates the university's long history of generous gifts, but also supports our vision for forward-thinking philanthropic endeavors. The Philanthropy Center marks a new chapter in enhanced service and support, enabling us to maximize our impact on all three University of Illinois campuses."

The innovative building itself offers a variety of features that promote collaboration and well-being. These include a three-story central atrium, a convenient grab-and-go café, a dedicated library, a wellness studio for employee health, an innovation studio fostering creative problem-solving, and a stunning third-floor indoor/outdoor space with a terrace overlooking the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus.

"We're proud to have collaborated with such esteemed partners to create a space that fosters collaboration, engagement, and inclusivity," stated Scott Giba, Berglund Construction's Vice President of Education and Commercial. "This facility will serve not only as the UIF headquarters, but also as a learning hub for the entire university advancement community, providing dedicated areas for peer-to- peer collaboration, training, and professional development. Seeing this vision come to life is incredibly rewarding."

The University of Illinois Philanthropy Center prioritizes sustainability, achieving LEED Gold certification and pursuing WELL Platinum certification.  LEED, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the world's leading green building rating system. WELL certification focuses on employee health and well-being within the built environment. Notably, the Philanthropy Center is the first new construction on the University of Illinois campus to be WELL certified.