Because of UConn Campaign Crosses $900 Million Mark In Biggest Fundraising Year Ever

STORRS, CT — The University of Connecticut Foundation crossed the $900 million mark on June 9 in the Because of UConn campaign, officials said Wednesday.

The number surpassed 60 percent of the campaign’s $1.5 billion fundraising goal, foundation officials said.

The $900 million milestone came as the foundation closed fiscal year 2026, its most successful fundraising year ever and the first full fiscal year of the public Because of UConn campaign.

In fiscal year 2026, the foundation raised $171 million, or 143 percent more than it raised in fiscal year 2019, the year before the campaign began, foundation officials said.

At the $900 million mark, donors had directed gifts across all four priority pillars of the largest fundraising effort in UConn’s history:

• Students First: Donors gave $221.27 million to make a UConn education more affordable for more students and to support students’ wellness and holistic development.
  • Funding for students’ emergency needs increased by 930% in fiscal year 2026 through the Students First Fund, helping students who face financial hardships like a family illness, car repair, or even the cost of a textbook.
• Academic & Innovation Excellence: Donors gave $352.37 million for faculty, graduate students, and research.
• Health and Wellness of People and Planet: Donors contributed $106.87 million for UConn Health and sustainability initiatives.
• Husky Pride: Donors gave $219.77 million for student-athletes and athletic programs.
  • Community members also participated more than 1 million times in campaign alumni engagement opportunities including giving, events, volunteering, social media, storytelling, and other forms of connection, helping the campaign reach 85% percent of its engagement goal.

At the $900 million mark, 69,655 donors had made 276,868 gifts, with 89 percent of gifts totaling less than $1,000, foundation officials said.