The University of Georgia Innovators' Pledge

Innovator’s Pledge

You’re an entrepreneur, a doer, a difference maker. You’re a Georgia Bulldog.

You don’t just want to make a mark; you want to leave a lasting impression.

Join our growing community.

Learn More.

Innovator’s Pledge

You’re an entrepreneur, a doer, a difference maker. You’re a Georgia Bulldog.

You don’t just want to make a mark; you want to leave a lasting impression.

Join our growing community.

Learn More.

Areas of Impact FAQ Our Innovators Learn More

The Innovators’ Pledge is a community of innovators – creators, equity holders, and entrepreneurs – who have made a nonbinding promise to share their future success with UGA. It’s up to the innovator to decide when, how, and how much they’re thinking of giving. The innovator should have a business in place or being built that they would expect to monetize in the coming years by selling, going public, etc. Innovators enjoy networking and educational events that are exclusive to this group.

Areas of Impact

You choose where your pledge is directed. Support scholarships and the university’s most pressing needs by giving to the Georgia Fund. Or support the school, college, department, unit or initiative that means the most to you. Commit to your passion.

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Where can you make an impact at UGA?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why sign the pledge?

Signing the Innovators’ Pledge provides company owners, equity holders or investors to make a long-term commitment to give back to UGA. Signing the pledge is an easy, rewarding way to join others who have publicly shown their support of UGA from the earliest days of their business ventures. Signing gives you the satisfaction of making philanthropic goals an integral part of your business success and provides further connection to UGA and its broad spectrum of resources.

Who has signed the pledge?

Those who have signed the pledge are entrepreneurs and innovators who have either started a company, or other employees or executives who hold equity in one. The group is composed of current and/or future donors who appreciate the opportunity to be mindful and forward-thinking in their philanthropy toward UGA. View our growing list of innovators and companies that have made the pledge in the ‘Our Innovators’ section below.

How does it work?

Simply complete the interest form on this site or email InnovatorsPledge@uga.edu to find out more. When the timing is right for you—typically, after your company’s IPO, acquisition or steady revenue growth—our team can help arrange your gift to the university. If desired, we can connect you to a gift-planning expert who can help your financial and tax advisors determine which kind of gift is best for you.

What will my gift support?

Support can be directed to any unit or program on campus and does not need to be determined until the gift is realized. Our team can work with you to identify areas or topics that mean the most to you and help you explore your philanthropic goals over time. Innovators’ Pledge gifts can support existing initiatives and even help the university create entirely new programs

Is there a minimum gift amount?

No; individuals who sign the pledge have full control over the timing, amount, and designation of their gift. The Innovators’ Pledge is designed to connect Bulldog entrepreneurs to one another while laying the groundwork for significant financial support in the future. Your gift should be personally significant, guided by your unique situation and your vision for the impact you want to have at UGA.

What are the tax implications?

Because the Innovators’ Pledge is not binding and no gift is actually made by signing, there aren’t any tax implications associated with signing. In the future, when your gift is realized, it will be tax deductible just as any charitable contribution. We’re happy to help you and your advisors think through the timing and structure of your gift to maximize your impact.

I have additional questions. How do I get more information?

Don’t hesitate to email us at InnovatorsPledge@uga.edu. We are happy to answer any additional questions you might have about the Innovators’ Pledge and/or how it might work with your unique, personal situation.

Our Innovators

Alice and Jeff Jones
(BBA ’94) and (BBA ’93)
President & CEO
Ad Victoriam Solutions

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Mark Mahoney
(BBA ’83)
Co-founder & CEO
Jackrabbit Technologies

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Katherine Shayne
(BSENVE ’16, MS ’18)
Co-founder & CEO
Can I Recycle This?

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Catherine & T.J. Callaway IV
(BSFCS ’07 ) and (BBA ’07)
Founder & CEO
Onward Reserve

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Cynthia S. & David J. Mullen Jr.
(BSED ’76, MED ’79) and (ABJ ’77 and MBA ’79)
Founding Partner & Principal
Altius Learning

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Martin Moore
(BS ’95, PHD ’03)
Co-Founder & CEO
Meissa Vaccines, Inc.

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Jeff Bogan
BBA ’02
Co-Founder & CFO
Upgrade, Inc.

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Can I Recycle This?

Thanks to Katherine Shayne (BSENVE ’16, MS ’18) and her all-female research team at the University of Georgia, recycling really is as easy as asking your Amazon Alexa. Katherine and her UGA research team created a virtual platform that helps consumers navigate the confusing world of recycling.

Ad Victoriam Solutions

Jeff Jones (BBA ’93) is CEO of Ad Victoriam Solutions (AdVic), a technology consulting firm based in Alpharetta, Georgia. Alice Jones (BBA ’94), was the driving force behind the company’s initial B Corporation certification. AdVic is passionate about effecting positive change in the world, and balances purpose with profits.

Jeff Jones (BBA ’93), Alice Jones (BBA ’94)

Areas of Impact

You choose where your pledge is directed. Support scholarships and the university’s most pressing needs by giving to the Georgia Fund. Or support the school, college, department, unit or initiative that means the most to you. Commit to your passion.