UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Athletics and the Nittany Lion Club secured a record-breaking $164.9 million in gifts from 19,863 donors in the 2024-25 academic year, securing the most successful fundraising year in department history.
“The support from nearly 20,000 donors this year marks a significant milestone for Penn State Athletics,” said Pat Kraft, Penn State vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics. “Raising nearly $165 million, the most in our history, demonstrates the strong belief in our mission and the direction of our programs. This level of investment will have a lasting impact, enhancing the student-athlete experience, advancing key facility projects, and positioning us to compete for championships across the board. It’s a transformational moment for our department and our future.”
The $164.9 million supports the world class experience for the more than 800 Penn State student-athletes, as well as facility projects and an increased number of scholarships with the new NCAA regulations in place. The Beaver Stadium Revitalization project inspired four of the top five gifts in Penn State Athletics history. Additionally, the Nittany Lion Club secured 100 gifts of $100,000 or more, highlighted by 13 commitments of seven or eight figures this past year.
In addition to record-breaking major giving, the leadership annual giving levels enjoyed significant growth. The Lions Pride donor level grew by 47%, while the All-American donor list grew by 67%.
Former Penn State student-athletes continued to give back significantly, with 22.8% of alumni student-athletes supporting their alma mater.
For more information on the Nittany Lion Club and giving to Penn State Athletics, visit NittanyLionClub.com.
Donors to Penn State Athletics 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.