Campbell tops $21 million in annual fundraising

BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Campbell University received $21.06 million in gifts during Fiscal Year 2026, marking its highest annual fundraising total since 2023 and its third consecutive year of philanthropic growth.

Contributions from 4,814 donors, including 1,656 alumni and 1,622 first-time supporters, helped fund scholarships, academic programs, campus improvements and initiatives that expand access to a Campbell education. In all, 8,294 total gifts were made, including 11 bequest expectancies, with the median gift totaling $41.67.

The fiscal year also marked the arrival of President William M. Downs, who became Campbell's sixth president on July 1, 2025. During his first year, he introduced a new five-year strategic plan establishing four institutional priorities: enrollment growth, financial strength, community impact and identity.

"One of the many wonderful things about Campbell University is the philanthropic passion of our alumni and friends," praised President Downs. "Our friends stepped up in a big way during 2025-26, and with their support we're already making significant progress toward our most important goals. Every gift moves Campbell forward."

Many of the fiscal year's accomplishments reflected those priorities, with philanthropic support helping strengthen academic programs, expand educational access and enhance the student experience.

"This year's fundraising success reflects the incredible generosity and commitment of the Campbell community," said John Latteri, vice president for institutional advancement. "Every gift represents an investment in our students and in the future of Campbell University. We are grateful to our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, friends and community partners whose support continues to advance our mission and strengthen the University for generations to come."

In November, Campbell Giving Day set an all-time donor participation record as 2,381 alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends contributed more than $1.3 million in support of scholarships, academic programs and other university priorities. Donors represented all 50 states for the first time in Campbell Giving Day history, while dozens of matching gift challenges amplified support across schools, units and campus initiatives.

"We are grateful for the extraordinary generosity of the Campbell community," said Chris Williams, director of annual giving. "Achieving our highest fiscal year fundraising totals since 2023 in the same year as our most successful giving day reflects the shared commitment of Campbell University's family to innovation, access and student success."

The University also secured several transformational philanthropic commitments during the year.

Business school alumnus Phil Bray ('84) made one of the largest individual gifts in the history of the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business through a significant planned gift supporting the school's long-term mission.

Campbell Law alumni Marshall J. Frank ('84 Law) and Peggy Harris Frank ('85 Law) committed $100,000 to establish a new LSAT preparation program for Campbell undergraduates interested in pursuing legal education, creating a stronger pathway from undergraduate study to Campbell Law.

A $100,000 gift from alumnus and longtime benefactor Bob Barker ('65) established the Bob Barker Engineering Camp for Future Innovators. The three-week summer program provides 24 high-achieving high school students with a free, hands-on engineering experience while introducing them to STEM careers, professional development and college preparation.

In May, Campbell announced a transformative charitable grant from the Anonymous Trust supporting the expansion of the University's nationally recognized Second Chance Initiative. The funding will strengthen educational opportunities for incarcerated students, support the Women's Reentry Higher Education Initiative in partnership with Arise Collective and expand services for justice-impacted individuals pursuing higher education. The Anonymous Trust also approved a $300,000 challenge grant that will be unlocked through additional donor support by March 2027.

Beyond philanthropy, Campbell made significant investments in the student experience and campus infrastructure throughout the fiscal year. Approximately $4.5 million was invested in capital improvements across four residential areas, including residence hall renovations, HVAC and heating system upgrades and the restoration of additional student housing. New roofing projects were completed on Butler Chapel, the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business and the Dinah E. Gore Bell Tower, while improvements across campus addressed deferred maintenance and enhanced the long-term functionality of several facilities.

The University also announced the Tuition-Free Guarantee for Harnett County Residents, which will provide eligible first-time undergraduate students from Harnett County with 100 percent undergraduate tuition beginning in Fall 2026.

As Campbell begins a new fiscal year, continued philanthropic support will help advance the University's strategic priorities of enrollment growth, financial strength, community impact and institutional identity. To make a gift in support of Campbell University, click here.