NSF launches $250,000 matching gift to benefit Michigan Public Health students
ANN ARBOR—In a powerful affirmation of an enduring partnership, a $250,000 gift from global public health and safety organization NSF to the University of Michigan School of Public Health will bolster student scholarships and support.
This gift, matched dollar for dollar up to $250,000 through December 31, invites the Michigan Public Health community and alumni to join a legacy of life-changing generosity, unlocking opportunity for the next generation of public health leaders with the NSF Year-End Matching Challenge.
Since its founding in the basement of Michigan Public Health in 1944, NSF has become a global authority, setting the standards for health and safety in more than 110 countries. Through science, innovation and collaboration, NSF’s commitment now returns to its roots, investing in the students who will shape the future of health, safety and equity in communities everywhere.
“We are deeply grateful to NSF for its generosity and ongoing investment in Michigan Public Health,” said Lynda Lisabeth, interim dean for Michigan Public Health. “NSF’s gift is a confirmation of the power of partnership and the promise we share, ensuring that the brightest students can overcome financial obstacles to lead transformative change in public health. The future of public health depends on the passion and vision of our students, and this financial support and match empowers them to learn, innovate and serve the public good.”
Michigan Public Health and NSF have partnered for over eighty years, redefining what’s possible through science, education and shared mission. From pioneering standards for safe water and food to cutting-edge research in environmental toxicology, our collaboration is a pipeline for talent, innovation, and global reach.
NSF Global Scholar and Alumna
“NSF was definitely a major driver toward me choosing the University of Michigan,”
she said. “They planted the seed for me to even help me start my career with public
health. Every achievement that I’ve had so far, I sort of owe back to NSF because
they planted the seed.
Swati Sriram, MPH ’23, a recent NSF Global Scholar and alumna from Chennai, India.
“At NSF, our mission has always been to protect and improve human health worldwide—and that starts with investing in the next generation of public health leaders,” said Pedro Sancha, President and CEO of NSF and a member of the Michigan Public Health Dean’s Advisory Board. “Michigan Public Health is where our story began, and we are proud to return to our roots with this matching gift. By doubling the impact of every contribution, we’re helping ensure that talented students have the resources they need to innovate, lead, and create healthier communities across the globe.”
NSF has a long legacy of investing in Michigan Public Health students. Through the NSF Global Scholars Program, past philanthropy has opened doors for talented students from Kuwait, Nigeria, India, Puerto Rico and beyond. These scholars are today’s creative thinkers and tomorrow’s leaders determined to lift communities and address urgent challenges using evidence, empathy and relentless curiosity.
The NSF Year-End Matching Challenge builds on that legacy, expanding access even further by matching all contributions made toward student support and doubling the impact of every gift.
Building the future
Gifts to support Michigan Public Health students are an investment in fairness, access and the bold ideas that set us apart. With matched contributions, donors magnify the impact of their generosity, breaking down barriers and fueling discovery—just as the University of Michigan has always done, leading in the interest of our state, nation and the world.
Michigan Public Health remains united in purpose: to serve our fellow citizens through education, research and unwavering commitment to the public good. NSF’s match comes at a time when the Look to Michigan campaign is also offering funding matches for gifts above $50,000 and all new recurring gifts. We invite everyone to help write the next chapter: a chapter of hope, opportunity and lasting change. In addition, the University of Michigan is currently offering a student support matching program for gifts above $50,000 as well as an opportunity to match new recurring gifts.
Join us. Double your impact. Help the University of Michigan School of Public Health lead—now and for generations to come. For a healthier future in a changing world, Look to Michigan Public Health.
Support our students
This moment demands that we look to the University of Michigan for leadership, vision, and action in service of the public good. Guided by our legacy as the university for the common good, we invite alumni, friends and partners to join us in maximizing their impact through support for student scholarships. All student support gifts received through the end of 2025 will be matched by NSF, doubling your difference and empowering tomorrow’s public health trailblazers to create lasting change.
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Media Contact
Michael Kasiborski
Director of Creative and Brand ExperienceUniversity of Michigan School of Public Health313-460-4478