Much of the income needed to develop and maintain programs of excellence in education, research, extension, and public service must come from the private sector.  Decreases in federal and state financial support have given rise to a need for greater sophistication in the area of fund-raising.  The Alabama A&M University Foundation was established to receive, hold, invest, manage, use and administer property of all kinds, whether given absolutely or in trust for the benefit of AAMU and its educational, research, cultural, public services and support activities.  The Foundation also creates a financial support partnership with any University unit.

The Foundation is the repository and manager of private gifts for Alabama A&M University.  The Foundation performs gift reception, accounting, investment, and overall management while the University’s development operation raises the funds. 

Through an agreement from the Board of Directors of the Alabama A&M University Foundation, the President of AAMU has placed the University Foundation under the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.  As the Foundation’s head, the Executive Director is responsible to the Chairman and the Board of Directors of the Foundation for planning and coordinating programs and activities, which support the goals of the Foundation.