The UF Medical Guild’s Philanthropic Impact
Since 1968, the UF Medical Guild has supported UF Health and the communities it serves through generous philanthropic giving. To date, the Guild has contributed nearly $3 million to UF Health and community projects.
In recent years, this support has grown significantly. Profits from the Gift Stop and donations from Guild members have allowed the Guild to establish permanent endowments that reflect the values and priorities of its members.
The endowments listed below were created using funds earned through the Gift Stops. The University of Florida Foundation manages the distribution of these funds and ensures long-term support for these projects. The University of Florida Investment Company manages the investment of the endowment assets.
Guild-Endowed Funds
Endowment #1
UF Medical Guild 60th Anniversary Endowment Fund
This endowment supports the operational expenses of the Equal Access Clinic Network, a group of student-operated free health care clinics.
- Established: January 2019
- Fully funded at: $250,000
- Estimated annual support: $10,000 in perpetuity
Endowment #2
UF Medical Guild Graduate Research Award for Biomedical Science Interdisciplinary Programs
This endowment provides permanent support for a research award first established by the Guild in 1975. The fund supports cash awards for UF Biomedical Sciences graduate students who participate in an annual juried competition.
- Established: October 2020
- Fully funded at: $200,000
- Estimated annual support: $8,000 in perpetuity
Endowment #3
UF Medical Guild Fund for Palliative Care Support at UF Health Hospitals
This endowment supports UF Health Palliative Care patients and families by funding palliative care resources, programs, and education.
- Established: April 2021
- Fully funded at: $200,000
- Estimated annual support: $8,000 in perpetuity
Endowment #4
UF Medical Guild Fund for the Department of Patient and Family Resources at UF Health Shands
This endowment supports patients whose needs are not fully covered by insurance or other community resources.
- Established: January 2024
- Fully funded at $200,000
- Estimated annual support: $8,000 in perpetuity
Endowment #5
Thomas H. Rowe Advancement to Candidacy Award
This endowment supports the UF College of Medicine’s Biomedical Sciences programs to recognize and reward three to four third-year BioMedical Sciences graduate students who have successfully completed their qualifying exams.
- Established: April 16, 2025
- Fully funded at $74,134
- Estimated annual support: $3,000 in perpetuity
How the Guild Generates Support
The Guild’s most significant contribution comes from the volunteer hours donated by Gift Stop volunteers. The UF Medical Guild is a founding partner of the Gift Stop and receives annual funding based on:
- Volunteer hours worked by Guild members
- Service by Guild members on the Gift Stop Board of Directors
These funds support permanent endowments, smaller grants, and the Special Projects Grant Program, which benefits UF Health and the University of Florida Academic Health Science Center.
Member donations also play an important role by supporting grants for community organizations.
Get Involved
You can help increase the Guild’s philanthropic impact by volunteering at a Gift Stop location.
For more information:
- Visit the Gift Stop website
- Or contact UF Health Volunteer Services at (352) 265‑0360