Key Takeaways
- • Donors gave $185 million to Colorado State University in fiscal year 2026, according to year-end tallies published by CSU News, with support from 37,130 donors, 63% of whom continued giving from the prior year.
- • The CSU Foundation's endowment grew to more than $754 million and returned 15.7%, versus an average one-year return of about 11% for college and university endowments per the most recent national data.
- • Giving Tuesday raised $144,613 for the Rams Against Hunger meal swipe program, exceeding its goal by 133%, while the Rams Rise one-day campaign set a record of $2 million in 24 hours, roughly triple 2025 results.
- • The 3+2 Dual Degree Nursing Program received $4 million in private support, $1.5 million in directed federal spending, and a $12 million gift from a private family foundation for a teaching facility.
- • University Advancement completed its unification with the CSU Foundation on July 6, consolidating fundraising, development and alumni engagement under one umbrella; the Foundation has distributed more than $1.4 billion to CSU since 1970, including $22.3 million in fiscal 2026.
Summary
Colorado State University reported that donors contributed $185 million to support teaching, research and outreach in fiscal year 2026, according to year-end figures released by the university. The CSU Foundation, the independent 501(c)(3) that receives, manages and invests donor funds on the university's behalf, reported that its endowment rose to more than $754 million with a 15.7% return. CSU stated that the return compares with an average one-year return of about 11% for college and university endowments, based on the most recently compiled national data. CSU Foundation President and CEO Scott Roberts said the endowment milestone reflects the institution's outlook and the importance of donor support as funding pressures continue to affect higher education.
CSU received gifts from 37,130 donors, 63% of whom continued giving from the previous year. Support was concentrated in student success initiatives, research and teaching facilities. Two one-day campaigns set records. Giving Tuesday, which supports the Rams Against Hunger meal swipe program, generated $144,613, exceeding its goal by 133% and funding 13,328 plates at student dining halls. The spring Rams Rise campaign brought in a record $2 million in 24 hours from 1,979 donors, roughly tripling 2025 results, and supported more than 100 programs.
Other gifts highlighted by the university include $4 million in private support and $1.5 million in directed federal spending for the new 3+2 Dual Degree Nursing Program, which offers an accelerated five-year pathway to bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and related health fields. A private family foundation contributed $12 million to build a teaching facility at the CSU Health Network and Medical Center. A lead gift from Larry and Pat Kendall (’83) is supporting the Kendall Center for Sales Excellence in the College of Business. The Ram Transfer Academy, which links Front Range Community College students to CSU, grew from fewer than a dozen students to 104. CSU also reported $622 million in research activity for fiscal 2025, a record, and said 92 student organizations raised $166,012 from 1,238 donors through Ramfunder.
On July 6, University Advancement completed its unification with the CSU Foundation, bringing fundraising, development and donor and alumni engagement functions under one structure. President Amy Parsons credited the foundation board for its leadership. Board Chair Michelle Martinez-Thomas said the foundation has partnered with CSU for decades to steward and invest donor funds. Since its founding in 1970, the foundation has distributed more than $1.4 billion to CSU, including $22.3 million this fiscal year.
CSU received gifts from 37,130 donors, 63% of whom continued giving from the previous year. Support was concentrated in student success initiatives, research and teaching facilities. Two one-day campaigns set records. Giving Tuesday, which supports the Rams Against Hunger meal swipe program, generated $144,613, exceeding its goal by 133% and funding 13,328 plates at student dining halls. The spring Rams Rise campaign brought in a record $2 million in 24 hours from 1,979 donors, roughly tripling 2025 results, and supported more than 100 programs.
Other gifts highlighted by the university include $4 million in private support and $1.5 million in directed federal spending for the new 3+2 Dual Degree Nursing Program, which offers an accelerated five-year pathway to bachelor's and master's degrees in nursing and related health fields. A private family foundation contributed $12 million to build a teaching facility at the CSU Health Network and Medical Center. A lead gift from Larry and Pat Kendall (’83) is supporting the Kendall Center for Sales Excellence in the College of Business. The Ram Transfer Academy, which links Front Range Community College students to CSU, grew from fewer than a dozen students to 104. CSU also reported $622 million in research activity for fiscal 2025, a record, and said 92 student organizations raised $166,012 from 1,238 donors through Ramfunder.
On July 6, University Advancement completed its unification with the CSU Foundation, bringing fundraising, development and donor and alumni engagement functions under one structure. President Amy Parsons credited the foundation board for its leadership. Board Chair Michelle Martinez-Thomas said the foundation has partnered with CSU for decades to steward and invest donor funds. Since its founding in 1970, the foundation has distributed more than $1.4 billion to CSU, including $22.3 million this fiscal year.
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