Bucknell Celebrates Historic Fundraising Year

Each year, Bucknell benefits from the collective generosity of alumni, families, friends and supporters who believe in the mission of the institution. As campus leaders advance the programs and experiences that drive student success and impressive outcomes, donors come alongside them to fund the initiatives that make Bucknell remarkable.

Thanks to the support of its community, Bucknell University recorded is best fundraising year, raising $144.6 million in direct donations, pledged commitments and planned gifts during fiscal year 2026. This achievement comes as the University prepares to publicly launch the most ambitious campaign in its history.

The milestone reflects strong alignment around Bucknell’s strategic direction and a shared belief in the University’s long-term commitment to student success, academic excellence and institutional strength. It also enables the rapid expansion and development of high-impact programs as new resources add financial strength to the University’s operating budget and endowment. 

“These results are a profound testament to the collective dedication, ingenuity and passion of our community,” says Scott Rosevear, senior vice president for university strategy & advancement. “Every scholarship awarded, every hands-on research opportunity, every innovative academic program and every transformative campus experience begins with people who believe in Bucknell’s future.”

Raising the Bar

At the donor-supported Morrow Farm, students benefit from interdisciplinary, hands-on learning and participate in programs that promote leadership development, sustainability, health, well-being and belonging. Photo by James T. Giffen, Marketing & Communications

The record-setting total is nearly twice the amount raised during fiscal year 2025. The amount also shatters Bucknell’s previous fundraising record of $113.6 million, established during the final year of its last comprehensive campaign, WE DO, which closed in 2017 with a total of $513 million raised. The achievement was fueled by broad-based philanthropic support, with 131 donors making gifts of $100,000 or more, as well as 9,298 donors making gifts of less than $1,000 — a powerful testament to the impact of giving at every level.

These gifts provided Bucknell’s endowment with its largest single-year cash infusion in history, growing by $40.27 million and surpassing the University’s goal by more than $10 million. Endowment gifts provide sustaining support for scholarships, faculty excellence, innovative programs and strategic priorities that benefit generations of Bucknell students.

The University’s Annual Fund — which consists of restricted and unrestricted funds — also exceeded expectations. Originally targeted to raise $14.2 million, the goal was increased to $15.15 million in May as momentum continued to build. Donors responded generously, helping the fund finish the year at $17.8 million. These immediately available resources allow Bucknell to respond to emerging opportunities and meet students’ most immediate needs.

One Year of Impact

Gifts received powered notable growth across the University. Outright gifts enabled the launch of the Bucknell Initiative for Dialogue & Democracy and sparked projects that will expand the reach and impact of the Morrow Farm at Bucknell University. They also supported faculty positions and provided funding for research and academic programs that allow students to combine their interests across disciplines as they develop critical thinking and technical skills that will help them excel after graduation. 

Lauren Baillie will lead the Bucknell Initiative for Dialogue & Democracy, a donor-supported effort that will help students build the skills for thoughtful conversation, collaboration and engaged citizenship in a changing world. Photo by Emily Lamparter, Marketing & Communications

In addition, several programs designed to support career success were piloted within the Freeman College of Management thanks to donor partnership and generosity: Guaranteed micro-internships help students explore industries through paid, project-based work, while Bucknell hired career search accelerators to support job searches of graduating seniors — with a goal of 100% placement by the end of summer. Both programs center on the personalized career journey of each individual student and highlight Bucknell’s commitment to exceptional outcomes for all.

The Pathmaker Project formally launched on May 6 to advance select priorities that have a direct impact on students. In just a few months, this women-in-philanthropy initiative has raised more than $430,000 in unrestricted funding for high-priority, student-facing programs, including a new leadership program, a residence-based academic program, career preparedness and scholarships. Bucknell women are sharing their expertise as student mentors and webinar speakers, while others have been inspired to make seven-figure commitments to additional campaign priorities as members of the Chella Scott Circle.

Finally, aligning with the University’s commitment to provide more robust scholarship packages to Bucknellians, outright donor giving resulted in the creation of 28 new endowed scholarships, including a landmark initiative that supports the dependents of employees of The Home Depot. 

The Value of the Bucknell Community

In addition to the financial benefits these gifts will bring, Bucknell also experienced significant growth in alumni and family engagement, strengthening the relationships that inspire lifelong connection to the University. Active volunteer participation increased 14%, including a 13% rise in alumni serving in volunteer roles. Overall attendance at University events also grew by 5%, highlighted by a 4% increase in alumni participation.

Bucknell's Career Search Accelerators provide personalized guidance that goes beyond traditional career services. The program's pilot year was funded through alumni support. Photo by Emily Lamparter, Marketing & Communications

Those connections are essential to Bucknell’s future. Volunteers mentor students, welcome prospective families, strengthen alumni networks and help cultivate the culture of engagement that ultimately fuels philanthropy. For Bucknell students, the impact is tangible. More financial aid opportunities, stronger academic programs, expanded internship experiences and continued investments in the people and places that define a Bucknell education are all made possible through philanthropy.

This record-breaking year reflects the power of a community united in its commitment to students and the future they will help shape.