KSU announced on October 29, 2024 the formation of an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) organization dedicated solely to supporting Kentucky State University, its students, and its programs.

The Kentucky State University Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. was established based on three guiding principles: service, stewardship, and transparency. These values drive the commitment to responsible and ethical philanthropy, ensuring every contribution directly supports the University's mission, students, and strategic goals.

In alignment with these principles, the founding Board of Trustees of the Kentucky State University Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. adopted the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Code of Ethics and Donor Bill of Rights.

With the AFP’s written permission, these principles are embedded in the Kentucky State University Thorobreds Foundation Inc.’s daily activities, reflecting its dedication to ethical standards and accountability.

The Kentucky State University Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. partners with individual donors, corporations, and other funders to provide private support for the students, mission, and programs of Kentucky State University. All contributions made to the Foundation are used exclusively to benefit the students, mission, and programs of Kentucky State University and do not support any other non-KSU related entities.

The Mission of the Kentucky State University Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. is to maximize private support for Kentucky State University by fostering lifelong relationships with key stakeholders and providing advancement leadership and fundraising services for the students and programs across the University.

As of September 30, 2025, the KSU Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. manages $1,180,309.03 in assets, distributed across 52 active accounts, including 24 restricted, 17 scholarship, 8 partnership, and 3 unrestricted accounts.

Every dollar is stewarded with integrity and purpose. No funds from restricted, scholarship, or partnership accounts are expended without the written authorization of the designated account administrator.

Separately, Kentucky State University directly manages its institutional endowment, which held $27,010,316.27 in assets as of September 30, 2025. These funds are allocated across 60 active accounts: 47 dedicated to scholarships, 10 supporting endowed professorships, and 3 designated for departmental program enhancement.

Account statements are generated each month and are sent electronically to the account administrator.

Donors may designate specific purposes for their gifts, including directing how funds are spent or selecting student recipients from accounts they establish, provided these directives comply with IRS regulations and align with the University's mission. The KSU Thorobreds Foundation, Inc. exists to maximize the power of donor generosity—ensuring that every gift, aligned with donor intent, delivers the strongest possible support to Kentucky State University students and the programs that shape their future.