2023 Parent Giving Impact Report

Sustaining Student Success

At the University of Colorado Boulder, students’ holistic wellness is an important factor in their success.

Your generosity as a parent donor has helped CU Boulder students earn their diplomas — and so much more. During the 2022–23 academic year, your gifts helped students prepare for a lifetime of success through programs that instill critical thinking skills, lifelong relationships and healthy habits.

Gifts to the Parent Fund supported student belonging, engagement and essential needs through the Division of Student Affairs. Parent gifts also fueled impactful programming within schools and colleges.

With $10,826,360 in parent giving across the entire campus — including 82 gifts donated to the Parent Fund during Buffs All In, CU Boulder’s inaugural giving day — parent support bolstered students’ academic, social, mental and emotional wellness. 

Every Buff deserves a campus where they feel welcome, safe, seen and heard — and where they can succeed. Your investment in the CU Boulder student experience makes this goal a reality. Thank you!

$10,826,360

in total parent giving to CU Boulder

82

parent gifts during Buffs All In, CU Boulder’s inaugural giving day

$41,680

provided through the Student Emergency Fund to assist students experiencing unanticipated life events

$820,485

in gifts to the Parent Fund

7,767

students participated in 136 Center for Student Involvement events

142

students supported through the First-Generation Scholars Program, with a retention rate of 93%

4,827

total parent donors, including 1,123 donors to the Parent Fund

194,430

meals distributed through the Buff Pantry and Mobile Food Pantry

95%

of students reported feeling more connected to fellow Buffs after an Alternative Breaks volunteer experience

In Their Words

The McHugh Family

“It’s more meaningful to give when you have a deeper understanding of an organization. … Along the way we learned so much about the university and we were able to affiliate with other families, which made our engagement with CU Boulder and the Chancellor’s Parent Leadership Society (CPLS) a rich and rewarding time. CPLS was also a great bridge for sharing in our daughter’s time as a college student — invaluable shared time with her.” — Stacy (Psych’85; MA’89) and Jerry McHugh, parents of Maire (Comm’23)

“The emergency funding I received from Student Support and Case Management was a lifesaver as a first-generation student. Circumstances and life are constantly changing, and unfortunately, I fell into a scary space. The support gave me a lifeline to focus on being a student and a person.” — Student funding recipient

“Student Support and Case Management has helped me secure funding to keep attending therapy. After my mom passed away, therapy was the only thing keeping me going, and I developed a relationship with my therapist. When my free sessions ran out, I wanted to keep attending — however, they are really expensive. The funding I received helped me keep attending therapy and finish school.” — Student funding recipient

“Not only do you get the opportunity to join a community of like-minded parents and engage directly with CU Boulder, but you get to decide how your money impacts others. From mental health services to supporting increased diversity on campus, the Parent Fund has far surpassed our expectations of a well-managed and impactful place to make a difference in the lives of our herd.”  — Dale (AeroEngr’93) and Kristen (Psych’93) Farrand, parents of Corynn (Anth, EnvSt’23) and Audrey (Edu’24)

The Farrand Family

Thank You

We’re grateful that you’re part of the CU Boulder parent community. Your impactful gifts collectively transform the CU student experience and offer support where it’s needed most. Thank you for supporting a holistic student experience, empowering trailblazing Buffs to learn, grow and succeed in a positive, enriching environment.