Welcome to Fundraising Friday, AB Today's weekly digest of recent developments in development.
Anonymous donors have gifted Western Michigan University with $2.5 million designated to the WMU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. According to Thursday's university announcement, WMU vice president for intercollegiate athletics Dan Bartholomae, said the gift "will allow us to build upon our championship momentum and advance key initiatives specific to the Broncos REIGN strategic plan. We’re incredibly grateful for this remarkable investment in our Bronco student-athletes.”
Mississippi State University announced Thursday that the McPhersons family — including MSU graduates Bill, Will and Jones — has gifted $1 million to the State Excellence Fund as MSU remains committed to enhancing the athletic department and its programs while providing improved student-athlete resources and key athletic benefits.
Virginia Athletics and the Virginia Athletics Foundation announced Tuesday a $1 million gift from Richard and Donna Tadler. The contribution will be designated for Virginia men’s basketball, men’s golf and women’s golf enhancement funds.
Former University of Texas at Arlington quarterback Michael Baylor has pledged $250,000 to support the university's Department of Athletics, which made the announcement Tuesday. With his latest gift, Baylor has contributed nearly $1 million over the past 12 months, providing additional resources for UTA student-athletes and programs.
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte announced Tuesday a $250,000 gift from The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation to support the university's Let Me Play initiative by enhancing the daily experience of women student-athletes, strengthening women's programs and elevating the visibility of women's athletics at Charlotte. The investment will support student-athlete wellbeing, training environments, leadership development and the continued competitiveness of Charlotte's women's programs.
Total amount of these gifts:
$5,000,000
Running total for 2026:
$275,575,000
Total amount tracked by AB Today in 2025:
$1,671,578,500
