UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As Penn State prepares for the launch of a new campaign in 2026, it does so with the strong support of its community — even in a time when many are making thoughtful decisions about their financial commitments. In the fiscal year ending June 30, alumni and friends came together to contribute more than half a billion dollars, setting a new record for annual fundraising at the University. An unprecedented $369.5 million was received in the form of cash and other outright gifts, and more than 235,000 donors — another record — offered their support across colleges, campuses and programs.
“Thanks to our generous alumni and friends, we can continue to prioritize our students, expand access and empower every Penn Stater to succeed,” said President Neeli Bendapudi. “This historic level of support is a clear reflection of our community’s belief in the power of Penn State to transform lives and uplift the commonwealth and make a difference in the nation and world. I am deeply grateful for the partnership of alumni, friends and fans in fulfilling the University’s potential to lead and serve.”
This year’s fundraising success reflects primarily targeted support earmarked for areas that matter deeply to Penn State donors, and the results were driven by 19 commitments of $5 million or more, the highest total in any fiscal year. That number includes gifts to support the Beaver Stadium Revitalization project, which will fuel economic development in the Centre County region and generate increased revenue for all 31 NCAA Division I teams at the University, and philanthropic investments in Penn State’s academic enterprise, such as an $8.5 million anonymous estate commitment to the College of Engineering. The year-end totals also reflect support for student success initiatives, including a new gift from Steve and Nancy Sheetz to Penn State Altoona, and for other priorities expected to define the campaign, which will launch publicly next spring.
Board of Trustees Chair David M. Kleppinger noted the important role of private support in shaping the University’s future, saying, “The remarkable generosity shown by Penn Staters this year will touch every aspect of our mission, from offering a world-class education to students, to meeting the economic and health care needs of the commonwealth, to pursuing research with the potential to shape our shared future. As we work toward long-term financial strength for the institution, philanthropy is an opportunity for supporters to communicate their own values and their vision for Penn State.”
That opportunity extends to collective giving across every level, which also broke records this year. THON, the nation’s largest student-led philanthropy, secured $17.7 million in 2025, surpassing past totals, and more than 9,700 donors helped to achieve a new high of $1.7 million during the University’s 10th annual GivingTuesday. Industry and foundation partners stepped forward as well, with corporate support totaling $125.8 million.
The year-end results reflect broad-based support and engagement spanning the entire Penn State community, said Alyssa Wilcox, vice president for development and alumni relations.
“Giving back is a value that unites Penn Staters across the miles and across the generations, and the remarkable totals we have achieved this year will inspire even greater ambition as we move forward into the campaign,” Wilcox said. “Whether our donors are here in the commonwealth or carrying the 'We Are' spirit around the world, they are helping to advance the University and chart Penn State’s course for its next century. We’re immensely grateful to our benefactors for joining us in co-envisioning Penn State’s bright future.”
Beyond University-wide record-breaking achievements, several other units had standout years. Thanks to support for the Arboretum at Penn State, Outreach topped its record, and the Smeal College of Business and Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine also surpassed their historic highs with new scholarships, faculty endowments, research funds and other gifts that will further their academic missions.
Volunteer campaign chair Andy Sieg said the results underscore the deep pride alumni, families, partners and friends feel for their university.
“‘We are Penn State’ is not just a chant,” he said. “I hear it wherever I travel in the world. It’s a tribute to the mission, the values and the education that have given so many a running start in the great game of life. As we prepare to launch in 2026, I'm thrilled that our entire community will have a range of great opportunities to secure that same future for generations to come.”
Gifts to Penn State advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.