In 20 years, University of Latvia Foundation invests close to 23 million euro in education and science

“Patronage is an essential testimony of a smart, educated and mature society. Each donation is a testament to faith in the future of Latvia – in wise people, new discoveries and modern education. UL Foundation is deeply grateful to each patron. It is the support of patrons that enables us to implement initiatives that would otherwise not be possible,” says Zaiga Pūce, Executive Director of UL Foundation, with gratitude. 

Over the past 20 years, donations of various sizes have been received from private individuals, as well as companies, including those from abroad. The total amount of donations is approaching 23 million euros and the number of patrons is well over four thousand.

Since 2015, Platinum Patron of UL Foundation – SIA Mikrotīkls has extensively contributed to development of research. The patron company’s donations exceed 6.5 million euro. The support has enabled funding of the scholarships to 47 doctoral students. UL Foundation disburses the scholarships for the entire year of doctoral studies. It motivates researchers to choose a career at the University of Latvia, implement new projects, attract additional funding, and invest in their professional growth. The support gives great advantages in competition with the private sector, and, moreover, inspires the achievements of the University of Latvia in science and research on an international scale.

At the same time, MikroTik project competition in the field of natural, technological and medical sciences awarded support to 109 research projects, including four million euro investment in improvement of UL research infrastructure. The purchased equipment serves as a basis for new research, including opportunities to apply for other funding competitions and programmes.

The Teterev Foundation, Platinum Patron of UL Foundation, has provided significant support to the UL Botanical Garden, which is a valuable practical education resource in biology studies. Since 2013, the patron has contributed more than a million euro, enabling renovations in central part of the garden, improvement of rhododendron, perennial and fern plantations, and installing a modern irrigation system. Furthermore, with support of the Teterev Foundation, several art objects now adorn the UL Botanical Garden – Meitene ar kurpi (“Girl with a Shoe”) and Klusā daba (“Still Life”).

“Particular gratitude must be extended to the former rector of the University of Latvia, Professor Ivars Lācis, for establishing and heading the University of Latvia Foundation for many years, – he has created the largest higher education and research support organization in Latvia. Many thanks to the current Board of UL Foundation and Professor Mārcis Auziņš, who continues the tradition of fostering the means of support to talented students and researchers after completing his term of office as a rector. The most profound appreciation – to the benefactors of UL Foundation, who, over the past 20 years, have generously given our people, ideas, and the University of Latvia the opportunity to grow!” emphasizes UL Rector, Professor Gundars Bērziņš.

Although UL Foundation now celebrates the 20^th anniversary, the successful cooperation with patrons extends much farther – de facto, it began with the founding of UL. When in 1928 Kristaps Morbergs chose the University of Latvia as the general beneficiary of his will and bequeathed to the University eight real estate properties in the centre of Riga and Jūrmala worth more than 10 million euro, the need arose for a foundation to administer donations.

The Soviet occupation disrupted the traditions of philanthropy, but when Latvia regained its independence, on 29 November 2004 the UL Senate passed a decision establishing University of Latvia Foundation.