Donor generosity propelled the University of Colorado Boulder to a second consecutive record-breaking fundraising year, providing significant support for students, research, athletics, community outreach and other key priorities across the university. 

During CU Boulder’s 2026 fiscal year, which ran from July 2025 through June 2026, 28,296 donors contributed more than $282.1 million, surpassing the campus’s previous fiscal year record of $228.9 million by 23%. This milestone reflects CU Boulder’s sustained philanthropic momentum, including support not only from longtime donors but from 2,780 first-time donors who contributed to the campus this year.  

The impact of this philanthropy stretches across the university, creating scholarships and opportunities for students, advancing groundbreaking research and creative work, strengthening athletic excellence and sustaining programs and resources. The record underscores the power of donations from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and community partners to help the CU Boulder community thrive. 

“This milestone reflects the extraordinary impact we can achieve when our community comes together around a shared vision for CU Boulder,” said Katy Herbert Kotlarczyk, vice chancellor for Advancement. “Every gift represents a belief in our students, faculty and mission. Together, our donors are creating opportunities that empower future leaders, drive discovery and extend the university’s impact far beyond our campus.” 

Visionary gifts create lasting impact 

As CU Boulder celebrates its 150th anniversary, this year's philanthropic investments demonstrate the many ways donor generosity continues to shape the campus. From expanding student success to advancing sustainability and civic engagement, donor support creates lasting impact and helps address society’s most pressing challenges. 

• Advancing civic impact and community partnerships: The Wagner Family Civic Impact Initiative is a new program designed to bridge campus and community through student-led engagement and problem-solving alongside local partners in the city of Boulder, supported by a $5 million endowment gift from alum Heidi Wagner. 

• Moving CU Athletics forward: The Crawford Family Foundation committed $6 million to support CU Athletics through the George Family Athletic Director's Fund and the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete Program, continuing the Crawford family’s long tradition of giving. 

• Equipping engineering students for success: The Campos Foundation, founded by alum and longtime donor Marco Campos, contributed $5 million to support the College of Engineering and Applied Science’s Campos Student Center, expanding access to learning opportunities, community and leadership. 

• Protecting Western water resources: The Walton Family Foundation generously committed $1.15 million to support water sustainability through The Water Desk within the Center for Environmental Journalism and the Western Water Policy Program in the Getches-Wilkinson Center for Natural Resources in Colorado Law. 

Collective giving in action 

Leadership gifts create lasting change, but the university’s momentum is also powered by thousands of donors whose collective generosity strengthens every area of campus. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference.  

That collective spirit was on full display during Buffs All In, CU Boulder’s annual giving day, when 2,725 donors joined together to support the university. This year’s event was also record-breaking, raising an impressive $1,538,280 to surpass last year’s total of $1,082,362 by 42%. 

Moments of connection for Buffs 

Giving financially is just one way the CU Boulder community makes an impact. During the fiscal year, alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends contributed more than 300,000 moments of impact with the university through volunteer service, events, mentorship and other meaningful opportunities.