USF sets new records for donor support

July 27, 2026

The University of South Florida set new fundraising records in the fiscal year that ended June 30, receiving over $172 million in private support. The gifts came from 70,177 donors - an all-time high.

Fiscal year 2026 marked USF's fifth consecutive year of record-breaking philanthropy.

"At USF, we believe bold ambitions are achieved through strong partnerships," said USF President Moez Limayem. "The remarkable generosity of our alumni, donors and partners is fueling opportunities for our students, accelerating discoveries that improve lives and expanding our impact as a leading AAU university. Together, we are preparing the talent, advancing the research and strengthening the partnerships that will shape the future of Tampa Bay, Florida and beyond."

As the second-highest fundraising year in university history, paired with a 20% increase in total donors, this year's philanthropic support reflects the commitment of USF's supporters to investing in this leading university. The gifts advance groundbreaking research, state-of-the-art facilities, scholarships and initiatives that prepare students to lead while improving quality of life in Florida and beyond.

The year saw contributions from 15,798 first-time donors and more than 30 gifts of $1 million or more.

Over the past three years, philanthropy to the university has averaged more than $175 million annually, contributing to over $944 million in gifts to USF since 2020. The university now manages more than $1 billion in assets, including an $850 million endowment - a permanent investment fund that generates support for scholarships, academic and athletic programs, research and other priorities.

"This year's philanthropic momentum reflects an increasing confidence in USF's ability to change lives," said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroman. "Every gift helps expand opportunity for our students, strengthen our communities and advance the university's impact across the state, nation and globe."

Of the 70,177 donors, 50% were alumni. Civil engineering alumnus Joseph Samus, Jr., '11 and MSCE '13, says supporting his alma mater is his way of giving back to the community that gave him so much.

"USF is where I met my wife, built lifelong friendships and found opportunities that changed my future," said Samus, who has been a donor since earning his bachelor's degree. "By investing in USF, I hope to help ensure future generations have the same chance to be part of a place that inspires connection, community, growth and opportunity."

The university also set records this year for its annual Giving Week celebration, a weeklong community fundraising initiative held in April. That week, the USF Foundation received more than $7.2 million benefiting 661 causes - the most ever supported in USF Giving Week history - from a record-breaking 12,499 donors, with 3,374 giving to USF for the first time.

During her time at USF, Joanna Agrinsoni received scholarship support that enriched her education as a speech-language pathologist. She graduated this spring and shared that "the financial support I received opened doors that greatly contributed to my academic, professional and personal development."