University of Southern Mississippi Foundation (USM Foundation) manages an endowment fund based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The earnings from endowment investments support scholarships, chairs, professorships, fellowships, basic research, as well as academic and public service progra The purpose of the organization is to serve the University community by overseeing fundraising efforts to raise private support for scholarship and other academic needs at Southern Mississippi. The assets of the endowment fund are managed by the board of directors.The University of Southern Mississippi Foundations' investment portfolio is valued at $104.87 million, with investments in domestic and international equity, fixed income, hedge funds, real assets & natural resources, real estate, private equity, and cash.