The University Financing Foundation, Inc. (TUFF)

Higher EducationGeorgia, United States11-50 Employees

Creating vibrant communities of innovation where great ideas are born and groundbreaking research takes place has been TUFF’s focus for over 44 years. Whether developing new facilities or breathing life into existing structures through strategic renovations and activations, we work hand-in-hand with universities and research institutions to create places and spaces where innovation and economic growth thrive. Our non-profit mission drives us to ensure that our clients have every advantage as they bring their vision to life. 
Since we were founded in 1982, we have completed 87 projects and invested  $3.2 billion. Yet, our impact extends far beyond the buildings and communities we develop. The collaborative and innovative communities we create facilitate research funding, expand the local economy, evolve the campus, strengthen communities, and foster new opportunities for industry growth.

TUFF's Origin:
In 1982, Georgia Tech needed facilities to accommodate an expanding research enterprise. But with no available funding from the state, the university would have to rely on private developers – a scenario that entailed high costs and risk.

Georgia Tech approached three alumni with this request: Help us lower development costs and reduce institutional risk. In response, they created this formula:

• Create a mission-driven 501(c)(3) organization focused on the expansion of education and research
• Assist institutions with similar missions by providing tax-exempt financing for facilities development
• Lease facilities to institutions at below-market rates and employ strategies to make occupancy affordable
• Offer to convey facilities to occupying institutions in the form of a direct gift at the retirement of a lease

Using this formula, TUFF developed Georgia Tech’s six-story, 200k sq. ft. Centennial Research Building. Since that first project, we’ve played an active role in the development and financing of over 100 education and research facilities nationwide.

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