Impact in Action
Momentum
Your Generosity at Work | 2025–26
Your gifts to the University of Colorado Boulder tell a story of possibility, resilience and the power of giving. Together — shoulder to shoulder — we’ve expanded opportunities for students, advanced research, created a more sustainable future and strengthened our communities both near and far.
As we celebrate the university’s 150th anniversary, this report reflects the impact of your record-breaking generosity during the 2025–26 academic year. Thank you for being a part of this story and investing in the next 150 years of CU Boulder.
28,296
Donors in 2025–26
2,780
First-time donors
$100
Median gift size
$282.1 M
In total giving
What we accomplished this year is a testament to what is possible when our entire university community moves forward together. From record-setting philanthropy and transformative student success to groundbreaking research, meaningful community partnerships and a steadfast commitment to excellence, this has been a remarkable year. As we celebrate these achievements, we also look ahead with confidence. Together, we are building on this momentum to create even greater opportunities and an even brighter future for CU Boulder and the communities we serve.
– Justin Schwartz, Chancellor
The Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program bridges the gap between classroom learning and hands-on engineering.
Donor support through the Crawford Family WHOLE Student-Athlete program empowers student-athletes to thrive as competitors, scholars and leaders.
The Reisher Scholars Program provides transfer and continuing students with scholarships and wellness support.
Student success is shaped by the opportunities students have both inside and outside the classroom. Donor generosity makes those opportunities possible by expanding access to scholarships, mentoring, hands-on learning and programs that help students thrive from their first day on campus through graduation. Every investment in our students strengthens not only their individual journeys but also the future of our university and the communities they will go on to serve.
– Erika Randall, Dean and Vice Provost of Undergraduate Education
4,879
Students received donor-funded scholarships
$23 M
In donor-funded scholarships supported students
A donor-funded endowed chair conducts research to help students build meaningful connections.
Through philanthropic support for Venture Partners, donors help launch companies that bring CU discoveries from the lab to the marketplace.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation fuels innovation and discovery among postdoctoral researchers at CU.
Philanthropic support expands what’s possible in research. The generosity of our donors helps our faculty and students pursue bold ideas, forge new collaborations and accelerate advances that improve lives, strengthen communities and create lasting impact.
– Massimo Ruzzene, Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Dean of the Institutes
CU Boulder’s new donor-funded SPIKE Center empowers students and faculty as sustainability leaders.
A 476-acre land donation offers a living laboratory for CU Boulder students and researchers studying ecology, the humanities and more.
Donor funding bolsters impactful journalism through The Water Desk and water policy development through Colorado Law.
At CU Boulder, sustainability is fundamental to our mission of educating tomorrow’s leaders, advancing groundbreaking research and serving Colorado. Meaningful climate action isn’t accomplished through a single initiative but through sustained investments, collaboration and innovation across every part of our campus.
– Andrew Mayock, Vice Chancellor for Sustainability
A new civic impact initiative connects students with local partners to work on challenges and opportunities in the Boulder community.
From the performing arts to the CU Art Museum and Fiske Planetarium, philanthropy helps power cultural discovery.
The historic Hellems Arts and Sciences building reopened with a newly renovated and more sustainable, student-first space.
In FY26, support from donors enabled the university to deliver long-awaited community initiatives, projects and partnerships. These contributions have paved the way for students to have real, hands-on experiences working with community partners, from nonprofits to state agencies. Philanthropy sparks lasting change for the campus and community; it shapes the education that students strive for and the impact they leave behind.
– Lori Call, Associate Vice Chancellor for Local Government and Community Engagement
380,000+
CU Boulder alumni living around the world
23
Countries where donors gave from across the globe
8,474
Members of the Buff Club, CU Athletics’ fundraising arm
4,400
CU Boulder volunteers gave 53,000 hours of service
1,789
Faculty and staff donors
Thank You
These shared achievements from the 2025–26 academic year are powered by donors like you. As we celebrate the past year, we’re also looking ahead to the university’s next 150 years with hope and optimism. Thank you for believing in the mission of CU Boulder and investing in our future.
