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The Torch Initiative

The Torch Initiative for Women's Philanthropy
Ignite. Inspire. Uplift. Together.

The Torch Initiative is a new, catalytic force to uplift the school’s top priorities and demonstrate the power and impact of collective philanthropic action at USC Marshall.

The Torch Initiative represents a long-term, sustainable commitment by USC Marshall to focus on women’s giving and leadership, starting with a 3- year campaign to bring attention to our cause. In December 2026, we will showcase the collective impact of women’s giving to the school by announcing and branding projects and programs that have been “Powered by the Torch Initiative”.

Please consider giving to the Torch Fund or making a major gift to help us meet our goals to raise $30M double Marshall's number of women donors and inspire 100 women to make a leadership gift to the school. We hope you will join us in this collective vision to “Pass the Torch” and model philanthropic leadership to the next generation of Trojans.

Thank you to the Steering Committee for their outstanding efforts in launching and supporting the Torch Initiative for Women’s Philanthropy.

GET INVOLVED

IGNITE CHANGE

The Torch Initiative values women’s contributions in various forms—time, talent, treasure, ties, and testimony. Our goal is to foster meaningful connections among Torch Initiative donors and empower our most generous donors and the next generation of leaders to connect with areas of the school that align with their professional, academic and personal interests. THE CASE FOR SUPPORT

We have launched a bold $30M three-year fundraising campaign through several avenues including leadership giving and the Torch Fund. Learn more about our ambitious goals below:

  • 100 @ $100,000

    100 @ $100,000

    We are seeking 100 generous and visionary women to donate $100,000 or more to any Marshall designation of their philanthropic interest to create opportunities for aspiring scholars, support groundbreaking research, and drive innovation across disciplines. These ambitious initiatives, endowed chairs, and cutting-edge programs "powered by The Torch Initiative” will shape USC Marshall’s future of education. For instance, four of the first six teaching chairs in the school’s history were established by Torch Initiative supporters.

  • Image of Trojan Initiative Logo

    The Torch Fund

    Give to the innovative Torch Fund which allows women a greater voice in the giving process and enables donors to determine how the funds are applied toward pressing priorities. Last year, Torch Fund donors contributed over $281,000 then voted to allocate these funds to real-world learning programs, benefiting more than 400 students. Be part of this year’s vote and donate today.

  • Group of event participants showing Fight On sign

    Young Visionaries

    To ignite the next generation of philanthropists, we invite women under 40 to make leadership gifts of $25K or above (e.g., a pledge of $5K/year for 5 years) and become an integral part of this movement. These donors are invited to discussions on funding opportunities for the Torch Fund, curating a list of voteable funding opportunities.

Impact Powered by the Torch Initiative

The Torch Initiative is shaping USC Marshall and USC Leventhal’s future. Our vibrant community of women donors is creating collective impact at the school by powering the following programs and funds:

The Torch Fund

The Marshall Fund

22 New Endowed Student Scholarships

Faculty Support

  • 6 new endowed teaching chairs
  • 1 new endowed tenured faculty chair

Real World Learning Opportunities and Student Program Support

  • Guiding Exceptional Minds Toward Success (GEMS)
  • Sustainable Inclusive Growth Programs
  • International Programs Assistance for Undergraduate Students
  • The Moore Family London Scholars Program in Risk Management
  • The Athena Women's Pitch Competition
  • The Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab
  • The Catalyst Microgrants Fund at the Lloyd Grief Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
  • The Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies
  • The Marshall Venture Fund
  • The Center for Investment Studies
  • The Financial Services Career Hub (seed funding to launch the program)
  • The Marshall Executive MBA Fund

TORCH INITIATIVE NEWSLETTER

Explore the impact of women-led philanthropy in our Torch Initiative newsletter. Discover inspiring stories, initiative highlights, and updates on how Torch supporter’s contributions make a difference.

  • GET INVOLVED

    Be part of the movement driving women's philanthropy at USC Marshall and USC Leventhal. Whether you're looking to make a gift, share ideas, or explore opportunities, we’re here to connect. Reach out to Sarah Peyron Murphy at sarah.murphy@marshall.usc.edu to start making an impact today.