UW Achieves Historic Fundraising and Endowment Totals

Fiscal year 2026 is the single most successful fundraising year in the University of Wyoming's history, with more than $100 million raised during the fiscal year that ended June 30. Additionally, UW's endowment now surpasses $1 billion, which far outstrips those of peer institutions in the Mountain West.

"Since my appointment as president, I've talked about a relentless pursuit of excellence, with a particular focus on growth, and this kind of generous donor support helps us turn that vision into action," says UW President Shane Reeves, who became UW's 29th president July 1. "A dynamic and growing University of Wyoming is important not just for our students and faculty, but also for the future of the state. What we can accomplish together is tremendous, and I'm excited about where we can take this university."

This achievement of $101.9 million from 24,611 donors shatters the previous all-time record of $69.9 million raised in 2025 -- an increase of more than 40 percent in a single year. This marks the first time in UW's history that private giving has surpassed $100 million. Moreover, this is the fourth consecutive year of fundraising above $60 million, also unmatched in the university's history.

UW also reached another historic first. UW's endowment -- which includes 1,982 individual donor funds -- has surpassed $1 billion for the first time, up from more than $900 million a year ago. This endowment total also was made possible by the Wyoming state matching program, established in 2001 by the Legislature.

A university's endowment is a permanent fund created by donors that must be used for the purposes designated by the donors. Donor funds are invested to generate a steady, long-term source of funding. The original gift amount -- the principal -- is kept intact and invested, as required by the donor agreement, while a percentage of the returns is used to support the students, faculty and programs of UW.

This past year, payout from the endowment to the university totaled almost $33 million. Payout is funding that comes from the endowment but does not include gifts that are expendable -- funds that are not invested but, rather, go directly to the university. Total distributions to UW were $48.7 million.

These milestones are even more remarkable given the national trend of declining numbers of donors supporting higher education, and this year's total reflects broad support for the university's strategic priorities, particularly student success and faculty excellence.

"There is tremendous momentum building around the University of Wyoming and the opportunity ahead of us," says Scott Macdonald, chair of the UW Foundation Board. "Reaching more than $100 million in private support in a single year and surpassing $1 billion in the endowment gives us an incredible foundation as we move toward a comprehensive campaign. And with the leadership of our new president, the UW Foundation Board is excited about the possibilities ahead and about working with the university to translate this momentum into an even stronger future for UW."

Several factors contributed to this landmark year. Chief among them was a focus on the fundraising priorities of students and faculty, combined with an experienced development team driven by a donor-centric approach to building support for UW. Additionally, UW Giving Day galvanized donors with a renewed energy, while a continued focus on asset-based giving and planned gifts helped secure major commitments that will shape UW's future.

A significant portion of this year's giving total came from planned gifts. Planned gifts include bequests through a will or trust, life insurance policies, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds. Annual giving continues to reflect the enduring generosity of loyal donors and alumni, amplified by the enthusiasm of UW Giving Day. Other types of support include that from corporations, foundations, individuals and private grants for research.

The university received several noteworthy gifts in the past fiscal year:

-- An estate gift from the artist Neltje, a prolific abstract expressionist, enhances the university's and state's visual and literary arts programs.

-- A gift from Jay and Karen Kemmerer elevated the university's Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, Tourism and Hospitality program into the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute.

-- A gift from UW Foundation Board emeritus member Mary Shafer-Malicki and her husband, Pat Malicki, creates an excellence fund for UW Athletics.

-- A gift from rancher Teema McIntosh supports UW's mascot, Cowboy Joe, and an agriculture scholarship.

This historic year positions UW for even greater success as the university moves into a major comprehensive fundraising campaign, the first in 20 years. The UW Board of Trustees approved moving forward with the leadership phase of a campaign in July.

"I've always said that fundraising is the ultimate team sport, and this year is a great example of what can happen when everyone is pulling in the same direction," says John Stark, president and CEO of the UW Foundation. "Our deans and directors, faculty and staff, the UW Foundation team and, most importantly, our donors all play an essential role in making these results possible. We're grateful for every person who has helped make this historic year possible."

To learn more about how private giving is elevating Wyoming's university, visit www.giveuwyo.org.