Clemson University raises $202 million in 2026, advances toward $1.889 billion Fiercely Forward campaign goal
July 20, 2026
Clemson University’s community of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends contributed $202,365,678 million during the 2026 fiscal year, which ended June 30. The achievement marks the sixth consecutive year Clemson has surpassed $200 million in fundraising and reflects the extraordinary generosity fueling the University’s bold vision for the future.
During fiscal year 2026, more than 38,120 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students and friends made 100,907 gifts in support of scholarships, faculty support, student programs, student-athletes and graduate studies.
The year’s fundraising total includes $119,507,134 in cash, pledges and gifts-in-kind, with $86.4 million to IPTAY to support student-athletes and athletic excellence. Planned gifts totaled $35,745,958 while unrestricted contributions — critical for addressing emerging needs and opportunities — reached $3,114,121.
Highlights of fiscal year 2026 include:
- $88,747,644 cash to endowment
- 9,775 first-time donors
- 178 new scholarships and graduate fellowshipsThe establishment of 9 endowed professorships
Donors also made significant investments in Clemson’s future through major commitments. The University received 6 new Academic Cornerstone gifts and 1 new Athletic Cornerstone gift, each representing a commitment of $2.5 million or more. These transformational gifts will support student success, academic excellence and strategic facility projects.
Among the year’s most notable philanthropic investments, Don Quattlebaum became a Cornerstone Champion with his $16.5M gift to support the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine; Deb Conklin made a pivotal One Clemson gift to support both academics and athletics; Jim and Julee Kaplan supported scholarships by establishing the Pickens County Promise: Kaplan Scholarship Challenge; Bob and Kaye Stanzione became Cornerstone Trailblazers, with their gift supporting ClemsonLIFE, performing arts, women’s basketball and veterinary medicine scholarship; the Darla Moore Foundation established the Darla Moore Scholars of Veterinary Medicine; Michelin expanded its longstanding partnership with Clemson supporting the Center for Career and Professional Development presented by Michelin and the Bezos Earth Foundation Fund donated $11M for sustainable cotton research.
Other Advancement milestones in fiscal year 2026 included the naming of the Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture, the 5th anniversary of the naming of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, the 15th anniversary of the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars program, the successful completion of the Boone & Crockett Challenge and the program’s renaming in recognition of its growth, the announcement of a new CEO for the Clemson University Foundation and new CEO of IPTAY.
This remarkable support during fiscal year 2026 moves Clemson closer to its bold $1.889 billion Fiercely Forward campaign goal, the largest fundraising effort in South Carolina history.
Launched in February 2025, Fiercely Forward is Clemson’s fourth and most ambitious capital campaign. The campaign goal honors the University’s founding in 1889 and recognizes the transformative philanthropic gift established through the will of Thomas Green Clemson. Through Fiercely Forward, Clemson seeks to expand opportunities for students, elevate academic excellence, strengthen research and innovation, and enhance the student experience.
