Behind every scholarship awarded, research breakthrough advanced and patient served is a network of people working together to connect donors’ passions with Carolina’s highest priorities.

That collaborative effort produced one of the strongest years in Carolina’s history, as development teams across campus partnered with alumni, friends, foundations and corporate supporters to expand the University’s impact in North Carolina and around the world.

The results reflect more than a successful fundraising year. They demonstrate the strength of a coordinated, mission-driven development organization working across schools, units and programs to help donors invest in ideas and initiatives that improve lives.

“Achieving one of the strongest fundraising years in Carolina’s history is a testament to the talent, commitment and collaboration of our development teams across the University,” said Michael Andreasen, vice chancellor for development. “Every day, our teams build trusted relationships with donors and connect their generosity with opportunities that transform education, advance discovery and strengthen communities. That collective effort is creating lasting impact for Carolina and the people we serve.”

The University’s work is increasingly aligned around shared priorities and common fundraising strategies, enabling development professionals across Carolina to better connect donors with meaningful opportunities. That coordinated approach, combined with the continued confidence of Carolina’s philanthropic community, has contributed to significant fundraising growth over the past two years.

• Transformational commitments from Schmidt Sciences and Alex Gerko, founder of XTX Markets, are helping make the Argus Array possible, creating the first continuous, high-resolution video of the entire northern sky and opening new frontiers in astronomical discovery.
• Philanthropic support is strengthening Carolina’s national runner-up baseball program by enhancing student-athlete development through investments in training, nutrition, technology and championship-level resources.
• A major investment from Coca-Cola Consolidated charitable giving funds is advancing North Carolina Children’s vision for expanding access to comprehensive pediatric mental healthcare, helping create a welcoming, family-centered facility while growing programs that support children and families across the state.

The breadth of this year’s philanthropic support underscores the many ways donors are helping Carolina fulfill its public mission, from advancing groundbreaking research and expanding healthcare to strengthening academics, athletics and student opportunity.

For the fiscal year ending June 30, Carolina received $606 million in new cash gifts and fundraising commitments, representing the University’s second-highest fundraising year on record and its strongest performance outside of a comprehensive campaign. More than 50,000 donors partnered with Carolina during the year, demonstrating the extraordinary breadth of philanthropic support for the University’s mission. Individual donors accounted for $480 million in commitments, with an additional $126 million coming from private philanthropic grants.

Like most colleges and universities, Carolina follows Council for the Advancement and Support of Education reporting standards, which include new cash gifts, pledges, eligible private grants and deferred gifts when reporting philanthropic commitments.