The University at Buffalo raised more than $166 million in philanthropic support during fiscal 2026, marking the most successful fundraising year in the university’s history.
Fundraising during the year reached 165% of UB’s 10-year average and was supported by alumni, parents, faculty, staff, corporate partners, and other donors.
The contributions will support areas including student scholarships, research, faculty excellence, experiential learning opportunities, academic programs, and long-term university initiatives.
Major gifts during the year included a $2 million contribution from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust to establish the Kenan Scholars Program in the School of Nursing, a $1.35 million gift from Bedford Falls Foundation-DAF to support the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarships, and a $1 million gift from Scott and Coleen Stevens to support Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering.
Gifts of $1 million or more accounted for $105 million of the fiscal year’s fundraising total.
Overall, more than 13,343 donors contributed during fiscal 2026. Their support also helped establish 120 new endowment funds, including five endowed faculty positions.
New York State’s SUNY University Center Endowment Match initiative also played a significant role in UB’s fundraising momentum. Through the program, which began in 2023 and concluded March 31, 2026, donors committed more than $200 million in new endowed gifts.
Those commitments unlocked more than $100 million in matching funds from New York State, generating more than $300 million in new endowed support for the university.
Nearly 57% of the state matching dollars awarded to UB through the program were secured during fiscal 2026.
UB also reported strong participation through its annual Giving Day. The campaign attracted 2,613 donors, making it the third-strongest Giving Day in the program’s 12-year history. Giving Day dollars increased 30% from the previous year, while donor participation increased 9%.
Faculty and staff participation increased 3.5% during the year and exceeded a collective goal of $4 million in philanthropic support.
The university’s 2026 Graduating Class Campaign also recorded a 34% increase in donors and a 112% increase in dollars raised.
KEY QUOTES:
“Record-breaking philanthropic support is a powerful vote of confidence in the University at Buffalo, our students, faculty and researchers, and our vision for the future.”
“Every gift, regardless of size, creates opportunity. Philanthropy expands access to education, fuels discovery and innovation, strengthens communities and ensures the long-term sustainability of the university. We are deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity is helping UB educate the next generation of leaders and address society’s most pressing challenges.”
Kathleen S. Heckman, Vice President For University Advancement At The University At Buffalo
“Our family has supported UB for many years because we believe deeply in the university’s mission and in the transformative power of education. Over time, we’ve watched the program grow, expanding opportunities for students, attracting exceptional faculty and strengthening its impact far beyond campus.”
Scott Stevens, University At Buffalo Alumnus And Donor
