Clemson University’s community of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends contributed $202,365,678 million during the 2026 fiscal year, which ended June 30. The achievement marks the sixth consecutive year Clemson has surpassed $200 million in fundraising and reflects the extraordinary generosity fueling the University’s bold vision for the future.
During fiscal year 2026, more than 38,120 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends made 100,907 gifts in support of scholarships, faculty support, student programs, student-athletes and graduate studies.
The year’s fundraising total includes $119,507,134 in cash, pledges and gifts-in-kind, with $86.4 million to IPTAY to support student-athletes and athletic excellence. Planned gifts totaled $35,745,958 while unrestricted contributions — critical for addressing emerging needs and opportunities — reached $3,114,121.
Highlights of fiscal year 2026 include:
- $88,747,644 cash to endowment
- 9,775 first-time donors
- 178 new scholarships and graduate fellowships
- The establishment of 9 endowed professorships
Donors also made significant investments in Clemson’s future through major commitments. The University received 6 new Academic Cornerstone gifts and 1 new Athletic Cornerstone gift, each representing a commitment of $2.5 million or more. These transformational gifts will support student success, academic excellence and strategic facility projects.
Among the year’s most notable philanthropic investments, Don Quattlebaum became a Cornerstone Champion with his $16.5M gift to support the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine; Deb Conklin made a pivotal One Clemson gift to support both academics and athletics; Jim and Julee Kaplan supported scholarships by establishing the Pickens County Promise: Kaplan Scholarship Challenge; Bob and Kaye Stanzione became Cornerstone Trailblazers, with their gift supporting ClemsonLIFE, performing arts, women’s basketball and veterinary medicine scholarship; the Darla Moore Foundation established the Darla Moore Scholars of Veterinary Medicine; Michelin expanded its longstanding partnership with Clemson supporting the Center for Career and Professional Development presented by Michelin and the Bezos Earth Foundation Fund donated $11M for sustainable cotton research.
Other Advancement milestones in fiscal year 2026 included the naming of the Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture, the 5th anniversary of the naming of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, the 15th anniversary of the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars program, the successful completion of the Boone & Crockett Challenge and the program’s renaming in recognition of its growth, the announcement of a new CEO for the Clemson University Foundation and new CEO of IPTAY.
“I am grateful for the incredible generosity of our Clemson Family as they continue to invest in our people, campus and future,” said Interim President Bob Jones. “Through their support, we are elevating our student experience, igniting cutting-edge research and transforming lives across the state of South Carolina and beyond. Because of our Tigers’ unwavering commitment, Clemson is building a legacy of excellence for future generations, and together, we are leading Clemson Fiercely Forward.”
This remarkable support during fiscal year 2026 moves Clemson closer to its bold $1.889 billion Fiercely Forward campaign goal, the largest fundraising effort in South Carolina history.
Launched in February 2025, Fiercely Forward is Clemson’s fourth and most ambitious capital campaign. The campaign goal honors the University’s founding in 1889 and recognizes the transformative philanthropic gift established through the will of Thomas Green Clemson. Through Fiercely Forward, Clemson seeks to expand opportunities for students, elevate academic excellence, strengthen research and innovation, and enhance the student experience.
Senior Vice President for Advancement Brian O’Rourke expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support.
“It is humbling to witness the generosity of the Clemson Family. Every gift, regardless of size, helps fuel our vision of launching lives of significance, unlocking human potential and igniting change through ingenuity. We are deeply grateful to the Clemson supporters whose investments are helping move Clemson Fiercely Forward in such meaningful ways.”
Travis Furbee, Chief Executive Officer of IPTAY, also offered his appreciation.
“As another year comes to a close, I am incredibly grateful to each person who made an impact on IPTAY, our student-athletes, and Clemson University. What we accomplish together would not be possible without the unwavering support of the Clemson Family and their belief in Clemson. This University is special because of its people and their willingness to invest in the future of our student-athletes. On behalf of everyone at IPTAY and Clemson Athletics, thank you for your continued generosity, support, and belief in our mission. Together, we are creating opportunities that will have a lasting impact for generations of Tigers to come.”
The collective support of the Clemson Family continues to create opportunities for students, strengthen the University’s impact and ensure a bright future for generations to come.
