Support from the University of Georgia’s alumni, parents and friends reached new heights in fiscal year 2026, with 69,789 donors contributing $324.4 million in private support to elevate student success, faculty excellence and university initiatives. 

Gifts from across Bulldog Nation continue to advance UGA’s mission as the state’s flagship university, directing resources to scholarships, academic programs, research, faculty support and facilities that benefit communities throughout Georgia. 

“Private support is essential to the University of Georgia’s ability to serve our state and prepare the next generation of leaders, and we are deeply grateful to all of our loyal alumni and friends who continue to propel our institution forward,” said President Jere W. Morehead. “Because of their generosity, donors are expanding opportunities for students, elevating research excellence and strengthening our impact across Georgia and beyond.” 

During the academic year, privately funded scholarships supported 10,050 students, expanding access to higher education and ensuring that UGA can continue to recruit the brightest and most academically competitive students.  

“The support I received because of scholarships has made a lasting impact on my college experience and has helped me grow professionally, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and build meaningful connections with others,” said Alex Mejia Lopez, a scholarship recipient and engineering student from Preston, Georgia. 

The university’s For Georgia. For Generations. scholarship initiative has now raised $53 million to support both need- and merit-based scholarships for current and future Bulldogs. 

“The continued generosity of Bulldog Nation speaks to the deep connection our alumni and friends feel to this university,” said Jill S. Walton, vice president for development and alumni relations. “Together, we are creating pathways for students, advancing bold ideas and building a stronger future for Georgia.” 

The sustained strength of philanthropic support is reflected in UGA’s highest three-year rolling average of $300 million, as well as continued growth in faculty support, including 407 endowed positions. 

This momentum is guided by the UGA Foundation, which works to steward private support and align donor investments with the university’s highest priorities. 

“This level of philanthropic support reflects the strength of the University of Georgia Foundation’s stewardship and the trust our donors place in its mission,” said Howard Young, chair of the UGA Foundation Board of Trustees. “Through the foundation’s leadership, we are able to invest strategically in priorities across the university and ensure that every gift delivers lasting impact for students, faculty and programs.” 

Strategic investments advance key priorities 

Philanthropic investments this year are helping propel several of the university’s most important priorities forward. 

The UGA School of Nursing was named in honor of Victoria Kay Ivester, recognizing a transformational $20.5 million gift from Doug Ivester and the Ivester Foundation that will expand nursing education and strengthen Georgia’s healthcare workforce. At the same time, momentum continues to build for the UGA School of Medicine, where $9.3 million has been raised this year to support scholarships.  

The school extended 64 admission offers for its inaugural class starting this fall after receiving more than 2,000 applications in a two-week period, underscoring significant interest and statewide need. 

Nancy and Les Juneau made a historic $5 million investment in the future of the UGA College of Engineering to advance the college’s strategic priorities and provide need-based scholarship support for engineering students beginning in fall 2026. 

Over the last three years, the university has raised more than $64 million to support graduate and professional students, including $21.3 million in fiscal year 2026. This support enhances fellowships, stipends and research opportunities that help attract and retain top talent.  

Commitments to UGA Athletics continue to elevate the university’s total fundraising levels and support UGA’s standing as both an academic and athletic leader. Adam Wexler, a 2007 graduate, founder of PrizePicks and CEO of The Hidden Jams, made a $10 million commitment — the largest philanthropic commitment in UGA Athletic Association history — to support men’s basketball. 

A growing cohort of generous donors is investing at the highest levels to support success in the classroom and in competition. As of this year, 50 “powerhouse donors” have committed $1 million or more to both academic and athletic initiatives, demonstrating a shared vision for excellence across the university. 

Broad donor participation reflects Bulldog Nation’s strength 

Widespread participation continues to be a defining feature of UGA’s fundraising success, with contributions of all sizes making a meaningful difference. 

• More than 13,000 gifts were made during Dawg Day of Giving, highlighting the collective power of Bulldog Nation. 
• The Parents Leadership Council surpassed $10 million raised since its founding in 2012, supporting programs that enhance the UGA student experience. 
• The Class of 2026 continued the record-breaking tradition of giving with $127,000 raised this year through Senior Signature, demonstrating a lasting culture of student philanthropy. 

Building momentum for the future 

From expanding scholarship access to launching new academic programs, private support continues to shape the future of the University of Georgia. 

As UGA looks ahead, the collective investment of its alumni and friends will continue to drive innovation, strengthen communities and create opportunities for generations of Bulldogs to come.