In FY26, philanthropic support totaled more than $53 million through nearly 8,000 gifts from 4,200 donors. These investments create both immediate and long-term impact across four strategic priorities: scholarships, program support, faculty excellence and facilities.

“When our university community rallies around a common vision, the impact is remarkable,” said Noah Shepard, president of the USD Foundation & Alumni Association. “We are grateful for our donors and partners who are helping us create opportunities for students and build an even stronger future for USD.”

Athletics fundraising emerged as one of the year's biggest success stories, with donors investing heavily in student-athlete scholarships, individual athletic programs and a landmark investment in the Gassen Family Fieldhouse.

“Our donors are investing in the development of successful student-athletes and building championship-caliber programs,” said USD Athletic Director Jon Schemmel. “Their generosity strengthens our academic success and competitive excellence while also building the facilities that will support the next generation of Coyote Athletics.”

Schemmel said future fundraising efforts will support the implementation of the Athletics Master Facility Plan.

Facilities improvements and building projects are expected to remain a philanthropic focus moving forward, reflecting their role in shaping the student experience, supporting recruitment efforts and strengthening the university's competitiveness across the region.

The university also saw significant momentum around its highest fundraising priority, the Coyote Beginnings Scholarship Fund. Fueled in part by the Ellis Match, donors contributed more than $3.5 million in cash and pledges for scholarships and committed more than $1 million in planned gifts to support future students.

Program support remained another area of strong donor interest, with gifts spanning the arts and sciences, business, education, fine arts, health sciences, law and medicine.

A priority for donors included experiential learning opportunities that connect classroom learning with professional experience. For example, donors provided support to establish the Sales Center in the Beacom School of Business.

Donors also made significant investments in faculty excellence, supporting the university's ability to recruit and retain exceptional educators and researchers.

Among the year's largest gifts were a $1 million commitment establishing an endowed fund for the business law chair and more than $1 million to establish an endowed chair within the Sanford School of Medicine.

“We continue to see tremendous momentum around the university's strategic priorities because our donors believe in the impact this institution creates,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “Their generosity is expanding access, enhancing programs and creating lasting benefits for students and our community.”

During FY26, the foundation transferred substantial resources directly to the university in support of its strategic priorities, including:

  • $11.8 million for scholarships
  • $2.2 million for faculty support
  • $6.1 million for facilities and capital projects
  • $3.4 million to program support

The foundation's long-term financial strength also continued to grow during the fiscal year. As of May 31, the foundation managed 1,503 endowments with a combined market value of $367.5 million after adding 44 new endowed funds during FY26.

University and foundation leadership said they remain focused on sustaining the momentum of the past two fiscal years while advancing the university's strategic priorities.

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Alissa Matt
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