About the Gatton Gift
History
In 2023, The Bill Gatton Foundation approved a $100 million gift to the University of Kentucky to support the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, now named the Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in recognition of the Gatton family’s extraordinary philanthropic legacy. This gift builds upon decades of support from Mr. Bill Gatton and reflects a shared commitment to education, innovation and service to Kentucky communities.
The gift is structured to provide sustained, long‑term support across four core areas—referred to as pillars—that remain constant over time while allowing flexibility within each pillar to respond to evolving needs and opportunities.
Donor Intent
The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift is guided by several foundational principles:
- Support enduring programs rather than short‑term initiatives
- Invest in people, infrastructure and ideas that generate lasting impact
- Leverage resources through partnerships and external funding ("skin in the game")
- Maintain flexibility within defined pillars through ongoing collaboration and trust
All administration of The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift is designed to honor and preserve these intentions.
Guiding Principles
Administration of The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift is guided by:
- Stewardship of donor intent
- Fiscal responsibility and transparency
- Consistent, fair decision‑making
- Alignment with the University’s land‑grant mission
- Sustainability and long‑term impact
- Collaboration across disciplines and partners
Relationship to the University of Kentucky
The Bill Gatton Foundation Gift operates within the governance framework of the University of Kentucky and is administered by the Martin‑Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment under the authority of the Dean and Vice President for Land‑Grant Engagement. The College works closely with UK Philanthropy, central administration and campus partners to ensure appropriate stewardship, compliance and reporting.