The mission and purpose of the Arch Foundation for the University of Georgia, Inc. is to provide support to the teaching, research and public service and outreach programs of the University of Georgia by means of volunteer leadership and assistance in development and fundraising activities; fiduciary care for assets of the Foundation for the long-term benefit and enhancement of the University; and the provision of broad advice, consultation and support to the president of the University. The Foundation shall operate as a cooperative organization in accordance with the policies of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

Incorporated in 2005, the Arch Foundation is organized as a private, non-profit corporation with a board of directors. It receives gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations and administers such gifts in accordance with the instructions of the donors. In this way, the foundation facilitates the use of private resources to help the university attain levels of excellence that are not possible with state funding alone. Among many objectives, gifts to the Arch Foundation are used to provide scholarships for superior students, to support distinguished faculty scholars, to strengthen research and teaching programs, and to build vitally needed facilities.