Alumni and Friends Commit More Than $169.6 Million, Marking Back-to-Back Top-Five Fundraising Years

University of Arkansas alumni and friends committed more than $169.6 million in fiscal year 2026, marking the fifth-highest fundraising year in university history and the second consecutive year among the institution’s top five.

The $169.6 million total underscores a period of notable progress underway across the U of A. The university moved into the nation’s top 100 public universities while setting records for enrollment, six-year graduation rates, undergraduate scholarship and grant support, research activity and economic impact for Arkansas. Through 150 Forward Reaching Higher, the university has established even more ambitious goals, including an 80% six-year graduation rate and $500 million in annual research activity.

"This support comes at a pivotal time for the University of Arkansas," said Chancellor Charles Robinson. "Our record-breaking momentum in key areas such as student success, scholarship support and research activity provides a strong foundation for the next stage of the university's growth and impact. We are deeply grateful to the alumni and friends whose generosity is helping us reach higher to create new opportunities for students and lasting benefits for our state and nation."

The fiscal year total includes gifts of cash, gifts-in-kind, planned gifts and new pledges received from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Gifts established 120 new endowed funds, creating sustainable resources for students, faculty, research, programs, facilities and other campus priorities. Together, these commitments make an immediate impact and build the university’s capacity to serve students and Arkansas for generations to come.

Support Across Campus

The university recorded nearly 24% more gifts and pledges than in the previous fiscal year. Fundraising production across the university's colleges, schools and units increased 40.1% from the previous year—the largest annual increase in the past four years.
Support ranged from major and planned commitments to annual and recurring gifts, advancing scholarships and student experiences; faculty and academic programs; research and innovation; and facilities.

A $10 million commitment from the McMillon Family Foundation created operating support for the McMillon Innovation Studio and a construction fund for its future home. The studio is planned for Mandy and Bill Dillard II Hall, where students from across campus will have space for learning and collaboration.

Collective giving also continued to grow. In only its second year, One Day, One U of A increased giving by 51.7% and raised more than $275,000 for projects spanning scholarships and student emergency support, study abroad and experiential learning, entrepreneurship, arts and cultural programs, and community-focused initiatives across Arkansas.

“This year’s total is the sum of thousands of individual decisions to move the University of Arkansas forward in numerous and meaningful ways that ultimately impact the lives of our students and our state,” said Scott Varady, vice chancellor for advancement. “Some of that support will be felt immediately through a scholarship award, funding for research, programs or an opportunity a student otherwise might not have had. We are truly grateful to everyone whose generosity made that possible.”

Land of Opportunity Reaches Major Milestone

Fiscal year 2026 marked a defining year for the Land of Opportunity Scholarship campaign. This fall, the university will welcome its inaugural class of 100 scholars. Donors established 44 Land of Opportunity Scholarship endowed funds, strengthening the campaign's ability to support Arkansas students for years to come.

Total commitments to the initiative now exceed $141.3 million toward its $200 million goal. The Land of Opportunity Scholarship combines financial assistance with mentoring, academic coaching, financial planning and career-building experiences such as undergraduate research, study abroad and internships for high-achieving Arkansas students with the greatest financial need.

Through philanthropy, supporters are helping students prepare for lifelong success and advancing research and economic development. Their generosity also expands the U of A’s capacity to fulfill its responsibility as Arkansas’ flagship and land-grant university, serving the state through education, research and service.

About University Advancement: University Advancement advances the mission of the University of Arkansas by raising private gift support from alumni, friends, parents, foundations, corporations, and other institutional supporters. Working in philanthropic partnership with academic leaders and volunteers, Advancement team members are determined to advance the people, work, and impact of the greater whole at the University of Arkansas.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $3 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.