Cortland Challenge 2026 sets new records

04/22/2026

The 2026 Cortland Challenge once again made history, raising $913,954 from 4,720 generous donors.

Both of those numbers set new records for the Cortland College Foundation's annual giving day fundraiser.

The impressive fundraising result was led by more than $300,000 in matching gifts, unlocked every time a new fundraising benchmark was hit. Last year, more than $230,000 in matching gifts inspired previous high totals of $663,713 dollars raised by 4,104 generous university supporters.

Generous SUNY Cortland supporters could specify what they wanted their gift used for. Athletic programs once again led the way with $371,062 in designated gifts. A total of $167,764 was raised for scholarships and awards. That was followed by The Cortland Fund with $154,888 raised; campus areas and initiatives with $131,892 received; and academic departments with $88,348 donated.

More details are available online at give.cortland.edu/2026-cortland-challenge.