ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell University's Department of Athletics and Physical Education announced a strong fundraising year, securing $29.72 million in new gifts and commitments from 10,269 donors during the 2025 fiscal year—marking the second-highest dollar total in department history.
"We are deeply grateful to our loyal alumni, families, and friends for their unwavering support," said Dr. Nicki Moore, the Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education. "Philanthropy fuels our pursuit of championships and enhances the world-class experience we provide to our student-athletes. Moreover, it builds our broader community of competitive excellence. I hope they, too, find satisfaction and meaning through their giving to this amazing university and these incredible young people."
A key highlight of the year was a record-breaking $7.51 million raised for team and program specific annual funds. These current-use gifts directly support program needs such as recruiting, team travel, meals, equipment and apparel, and performance development—contributing to Cornell's program-best No. 44 finish in the 2024-25 NCAA Division I Learfield Directors' Cup standings. This top-tier performance placed the Big Red ahead of numerous Autonomy Four programs, including Virginia Tech, Syracuse, Clemson, and Iowa.
This year's fundraising success for the Big Red was achieved with large challenge gifts and two-digit first-time gifts alike. In fact, 8,945 donors made gifts of less than $1,000, contributing $1.59M for teams and programs. Every gift matters when supporting Cornell's student-athletes.
Another driver of philanthropy in FY25 was transformative facilities projects. In the fall, Cornell broke ground on the Meinig Fieldhouse, a 91,000-square-foot indoor facility that will provide year-round training and recreation opportunities for student-athletes and the broader Cornell community. Multiple other enhancements and renovations last year, fueled by donor support, impacted students, fans, and community members.
"The support from our Big Red community is truly inspiring," said Tom Gaube, Executive Director for Alumni Affairs and Development for Student and Campus Life. "Every gift makes a tangible difference in the lives of our student-athletes and the excellence they achieve."
Importantly, this success came during a time when traditional funding sources were increasingly uncertain. Our donors came through when we needed them most—ensuring that our programs didn't just persevere, but excelled. That kind of steadfast generosity is what will continue to propel Cornell Athletics in the years to come.
Athletics at Cornell is an integral part of the Division of Student & Campus Life (SCL), which is dedicated to supporting the holistic development of students—academically, socially, and physically. Combined giving to Athletics and other SCL departments totaled $59.1 million in new gifts and commitments from more than 15,000 donors in FY25.
While this level of support is extraordinary, the work is far from done. As Cornell's teams continue to compete at the highest levels amid a changing Division I and higher education landscape, with increasingly complex challenges, continued partnership with and investment from donors and friends is essential to sustaining a Big Red student-athlete experience that we can all be proud of.
Cornell Athletics donors are equipping champions who compete with grit, learn with curiosity and ambition, and lead with impact. To learn more about supporting Big Red Athletics, visit CornellBigRed.com or email bigredathletics-aad@cornell.edu.
