Colgate University Sets New Giving Record

By Rebecca Taurisano July 19, 2024

Colgate University has set a new philanthropic record as alumni, parents, and friends of the University gave $10.2 million for the Colgate Fund, Colgate’s annual giving program, in Fiscal Year 2024. Further, in total, the University raised more than $81.5 million from 13,318 donors during the last 12 months, crossing the $600 million mark in total funds raised to date for the Campaign for the Third Century — on the way to its $1 billion goal.

The Colgate Fund record represents an increase of nearly 15% year over year in annual support and surpasses the former record level of giving of $9.21 million, set in 2022. This level of generosity places Colgate among a small group of higher education institutions that have realized more than $10 million in annual unrestricted giving.

“To all who supported the university this year, we extend profound gratitude,” says President Brian W. Casey. “The impact of this record level of Colgate Fund support will be felt by every student and faculty member across campus. The Colgate Fund is vital to the success of the Campaign for the Third Century, and it allows us to pursue further expansion of the Colgate Commitment, the University’s financial aid initiative for providing accessible, affordable education to all students. It will also support every aspect of our academic program.”

The Colgate Fund receives gifts of all sizes from across the generations. It is available for immediate use to support various Third-Century initiatives, from academic programs and research to student life.

“We are grateful for the collective generosity of the entire Colgate community,” says Karl Clauss ’90, vice president for advancement. “We celebrate all gifts and thank all of our donors, but this achievement in particular was made possible by thousands of supporters, galvanized by their pride in the University’s mission.”

Throughout the year, more than 600 alumni volunteers mobilized to share the importance of increased alumni giving to the Colgate Fund — particularly its effect on the Colgate Commitment. This alumni volunteer network garnered hundreds of new donors and contributed to a 3% increase in overall alumni donor participation.

“It is unusual to see both an increase in unrestricted support and overall alumni donor numbers in the same year,” says Jen Stone, associate vice president for alumni and parent giving. “Thanks must go to our incredible alumni volunteers. Their ability to convey the importance of giving back to Colgate now and in the future ensured the success of this initiative.”

Together, these gifts make it clear that the Colgate community is committed to the continued strengthening of the University. Paul Carberry ’94, executive chair of the Colgate Fund, agrees. “I am incredibly proud of my alma mater — and my fellow alumni. With President Casey leading us into the future, I am confident that we will achieve our Third-Century goals. This $10 million Colgate Fund milestone is just the beginning.”