Donor Generosity Drives Record Year of Philanthropic Support Across USM

The University System of Maryland (USM) raised a record $634.4 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, marking the most successful fundraising year in the System’s history.

The total exceeded the USM’s fundraising goal of $385.1 million by nearly 65 percent and surpassed the previous year’s fundraising total by almost $250 million, driven by support from alumni, foundations, corporations, and friends of USM institutions. Nearly every USM institution met or exceeded its fundraising goal, and five institutions achieved their highest fundraising totals in history.

Among the most significant contributions to this historic year were two unrestricted gifts from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to Bowie State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Each represented the largest gift in the institution’s history and highlighted the impact of philanthropy at Maryland’s public universities. While Scott’s gifts contributed to the System’s record-setting year, they were only part of a larger story. Even excluding those gifts, philanthropic support across the USM would have exceeded $546 million, an increase of more than $147 million over the $399 million raised in FY 2025.

Philanthropic support is distinct from the recurring resources that support the day-to-day operations of System institutions. Gifts are often designated by donors for specific purposes and must be used consistent with donor intent. This support supplements public investment in USM institutions, allowing donors to help advance priorities identified by the institutions and their communities.

“With funding challenges at both the state and federal levels, it’s so gratifying to know that we can rely on the incredible generosity of our alumni, friends, and partners,” said USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman. “This record-breaking year proves the confidence of our donors—their confidence in our mission, our work, our value. And it’s a privilege every day to be able to prove that their confidence is well placed.”

We applaud the collective efforts of donors, partners, and advancement professionals across the System who helped make these fundraising totals possible. These investments provide scholarships, strengthen academic programs, support faculty and research, improve facilities, and create new opportunities for students and the communities USM institutions serve. As philanthropy continues to grow, it will help USM institutions build on this momentum and continue advancing their missions for years to come.

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