Mission. Momentum. $104 Million.

More than 8,100 donors committed $104M in fiscal year 2026, setting a new record for philanthropic support and demonstrating extraordinary confidence in Gonzaga's mission and future.

Fueled by exceptional planned gifts and broad-based donor support, the achievement comes during one of the most challenging periods higher education has ever faced, with institutions across the county navigating increasing financial pressures, demographic shifts and operational challenges. Philanthropic support plays a critical role in expanding access and ensuring every student receives the transformative Jesuit education that defines Gonzaga.

"This milestone reflects the remarkable generosity, trust, and belief of the Gonzaga community in the transformative power of a Jesuit education," said Joe Poss, vice president for university advancement. "Every gift helps expand opportunities for our students, strengthen our academic mission, and empower the next generation of leaders to serve, innovate, and make a meaningful difference in an increasingly complex world."

Several significant commitments helped drive this record-breaking year, including gifts from Dean Emeritus and Professor of Economics Clarence "Bud" Barnes, Heather Anderson ('80), Tom ('69, pictured below) and Nancy Woodley, hundreds of dedicated Zags who participated in Zags Give Day, and many other donors, including those who chose to remain anonymous.

Notable investments also included:

• $12 million commitment for innovation efforts and new programming
• More than $3 million for the Athletic Enhancement Fund as Gonzaga prepares for its transition to the Pac-12
• $1 million for the Men's Basketball Enhancement Fund
• $1 million for the Women's Basketball Enhancement Fund
• $416,597 from the Gates Foundation supporting an AI Instruction Fellowship
• $250,204 for a Center for Materials Research in the School of Engineering and Applied Science
• $250,204 for the Center for Civil and Human Rights at Gonzaga University School of Law
• $250,000 for an Entrepreneurial Leadership Program
• $250,000 for Zags360, a comprehensive student wellness initiative (see photo below featuring Fr. Tim Breen, S.J., who led Zags360 with Gonzaga student-athletes)
  
• $250,204 for the Institute of Informatics and Applied Technology (pictured below) Excellence Fund

A significant driver of the year's success was planned gifts. Donors committed more than $39 million in future commitments, including $19 million designated for Schools and the College and more than $3 million supporting annual funds and programs such as study abroad, ROTC, student organizations and community engagement initiatives.

These commitments highlight the strength of Gonzaga's long-term philanthropic pipeline and the enduring confidence donors place in the University's future.

The year's success extended beyond fundraising totals. Across the country and around the world, alumni and friends strengthened their connection to Gonzaga through volunteer leadership, mentoring, advocacy, regional engagement and service. Longtime supporters renewed their commitment to the University while new donors joined a community dedicated to ensuring that Gonzaga remains accessible, distinctive and mission-driven for generations to come. That momentum was evident at President Katia Passerini's Forging Forward events across the country, where alumni, families and friends gathered to engage with Gonzaga's vision for the future (pictured below).

The record-setting results reflect years of intentional relationship-building by Gonzaga's Advancement team and University partners across campus. Every commitment represents trust earned through meaningful engagement with donors and partners who share Gonzaga's vision for the future. Behind every gift was a conversation, a relationship and a belief in the University's ability to transform lives through education.

As Gonzaga looks ahead, the impact of this extraordinary year will be measured both in dollars raised, and in opportunities created. Scholarships will open doors for students. Academic programs will expand their reach. Faculty and student researchers will pursue new innovations across the disciplines. Students will continue to learn, grow and lead in ways that reflect Gonzaga's Jesuit, Catholic, and humanistic mission (students share their capstone projects in the image below).

The record-breaking success of fiscal year 2026 demonstrates what is possible when an entire community comes together around a shared purpose. At a time of significant change across higher education, Gonzaga's donors have sent a powerful message of confidence in the University's future and in the enduring value of a Gonzaga education.

For your partnership, generosity and belief in the mission, Gonzaga is deeply grateful.