Key Takeaways
- • The ASU Foundation for a New American University raised $470.3 million in new gifts and commitments in fiscal year 2026, which ended June 30, according to ASU News.
- • The Arizona State University endowment surpassed $2 billion for the first time, after the portfolio generated a 15.7% return in fiscal 2026, led by global equities and supported by hedge fund managers, per chief investment officer Samantha Bradley.
- • Donor support funded more than 770 new scholarships and established 64 new endowments, with more than 549,000 gifts received from 126,000 donors during the year.
- • Major gifts included a $115 million Rob Walton Foundation investment for conservation, a $50 million Bob Zorich gift for energy research, and a $35 million NASPO gift for supply chain management.
- • The 2,675-fund endowment is invested as a pooled fund and marked the 10th consecutive year of positive returns.
Summary
Arizona State University's endowment surpassed $2 billion for the first time in fiscal year 2026, which ended June 30, according to ASU News. The ASU Foundation for a New American University raised $470.3 million in new gifts and commitments during the year. Donor support funded more than 770 new scholarships and established 64 new endowments. Gretchen Buhlig, chief executive officer of the ASU Foundation, said the gifts advance the priorities of the Changing Futures campaign, which focuses on education access, leadership development, sustainability, community strength, health and impactful technology.
Investment performance and donor generosity both contributed to the milestone. Samantha Bradley, chief investment officer, said the portfolio generated a 15.7% return in fiscal 2026, led by global equities and supported by hedge fund managers. She noted this was the 10th consecutive year of positive returns. The endowment comprises 2,675 donor-restricted funds that are invested as a pooled fund and distributed to ASU on a scheduled basis to support scholarships, fellowships, professorships, research, athletics and other activities.
Several significant philanthropic commitments were announced during the year. A $115 million investment from the Rob Walton Foundation established the Rob Walton School of Conservation Futures. A nine-figure gift from John Shufeldt supported the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. A $50 million gift from Bob Zorich established the Global Institute for the Future of Energy, and a $35 million gift from the National Association of State Procurement Officials established the NASPO Department of Supply Chain Management. Brian and Kelly Swette contributed $10 million to create the Swette Family Endowed Football Coach position. Align Technology made a naming-rights gift toward the Invisalign Performance Center. A $3 million Blackstone Charitable Foundation grant launched the Blackstone Skilled Futures initiative, and Intel provided a multimillion-dollar technology donation for AI research. Sun Devil Giving Day generated more than $1 million.
ASU President Michael M. Crow said philanthropic support turns bold ideas into real-world solutions. The university reported more than 549,000 gifts for the year.
Investment performance and donor generosity both contributed to the milestone. Samantha Bradley, chief investment officer, said the portfolio generated a 15.7% return in fiscal 2026, led by global equities and supported by hedge fund managers. She noted this was the 10th consecutive year of positive returns. The endowment comprises 2,675 donor-restricted funds that are invested as a pooled fund and distributed to ASU on a scheduled basis to support scholarships, fellowships, professorships, research, athletics and other activities.
Several significant philanthropic commitments were announced during the year. A $115 million investment from the Rob Walton Foundation established the Rob Walton School of Conservation Futures. A nine-figure gift from John Shufeldt supported the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. A $50 million gift from Bob Zorich established the Global Institute for the Future of Energy, and a $35 million gift from the National Association of State Procurement Officials established the NASPO Department of Supply Chain Management. Brian and Kelly Swette contributed $10 million to create the Swette Family Endowed Football Coach position. Align Technology made a naming-rights gift toward the Invisalign Performance Center. A $3 million Blackstone Charitable Foundation grant launched the Blackstone Skilled Futures initiative, and Intel provided a multimillion-dollar technology donation for AI research. Sun Devil Giving Day generated more than $1 million.
ASU President Michael M. Crow said philanthropic support turns bold ideas into real-world solutions. The university reported more than 549,000 gifts for the year.
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