ITHACA, N.Y. -- Cornell University's Department of Athletics and Physical Education celebrated another exceptional year of philanthropic support in fiscal year 2026, securing $26.3 million in new gifts and commitments from 9,732 donors. The total marks the department's fifth consecutive year exceeding $25 million in annual fundraising, underscoring the sustained generosity and commitment of Big Red alumni, families, and friends.

Record support for team funds

A hallmark of the year was unprecedented support for Cornell's team- and program-specific funds. Donors contributed a record-breaking $8.2 million in current-use support. These gifts provide immediate impact for student-athletes by funding critical program needs including recruiting, team travel, nutrition, equipment and apparel, and performance development initiatives.

The fundraising year was capped off by the Big Red Champions Challenge, an effort driven by the support of the Big Red Champions Council. The challenge that ran from May through June saw 198 donors make gifts totaling $217,512 to support the Cornell Fund for Athletics, the unrestricted fund that helps provide core resources for every student-athlete, including nutrition, strength & conditioning, sports medicine, and leadership programming. 

"I am so proud of what we accomplished this year, and none of it happens without our alumni, families, and friends stepping up the way they did," said Dr. Nicki Moore, the Meakem & Smith Director of Athletics and Physical Education. "Every gift, whether it's $50 or $50,000, tells a student-athlete, a coach, or staff member that someone believes in them and is truly cheering for their success. That kind of support shapes their experience while they're here, and also who they become long after they leave Cornell. Thank you doesn't feel like enough, but we'll start there and show our gratitude through our continued earnest effort, Big Red Spirit, and focus on getting even better every day."

University Campaign Comes to a Close

FY26 also marked the successful conclusion of Cornell University's historic To Do the Greatest Good campaign, which launched in 2021. During the campaign, Cornell Athletics and Physical Education surpassed its original fundraising goal of $150 million by an extraordinary margin, raising $226.2 million in support of student-athletes, facilities, programs, and priorities across the department.

Perhaps even more impressive was the breadth of support generated throughout the campaign. A total of 31,440 donors made gifts to Cornell Athletics, the highest number of donors of any college or unit across the university. The collective impact of those gifts has transformed the trajectory of Big Red Athletics and positioned Cornell for continued success in an increasingly dynamic and competitive collegiate landscape. In addition, during the campaign, 41,991 individuals engaged with the Big Red by attending an event, volunteering, or making a gift. 

Campaign philanthropy helped advance several transformative facility projects, including the Meinig Fieldhouse, Booth Field, Tower Road Field, and Cornell's new Field Hockey Facility. Together, these investments represent a leap forward in enhancing facilities that will serve thousands of varsity student-athletes, as well as students participating in club and intramural sports and recreational activities, for generations of Cornellians. It also builds momentum for what is next.

"The conclusion of To Do the Greatest Good provides an opportunity to reflect on what is possible when the Big Red community comes together around a shared vision," said Tom Gaube, Executive Director of Alumni Affairs and Development for Student & Campus Life. "The generosity of more than 31,000 donors throughout the campaign has fundamentally strengthened Cornell Athletics & Physical Education and created transformative opportunities that will benefit current and future students for decades. We are incredibly grateful for the trust our donors and 344 volunteers across 34 friends groups place in us, and we are inspired by their commitment to the success of our teams."

New era for college athletics

Over the past five years, philanthropic support has become increasingly essential to sustaining championship-caliber programs and enhancing the student-athlete experience. Investment, innovation, and evolution are critical for Cornell to maintain pace with the dramatic changes in Division I Athletics that have made recruiting, developing, and retaining the most promising scholar-athletes, coaches, and staff more challenging than ever. From annual fund contributions that help meet day-to-day program needs to transformational investments in facilities and strategic priorities, donor generosity remains a driving force behind Cornell Athletics' success.

As the department looks ahead, the impact of these kinds of investments is already evident across Big Red Athletics. Student-athletes are training, competing, and thriving in an environment strengthened by the collective generosity of thousands of supporters who believe in the value of athletics and physical education as a cornerstone of the Cornell experience for all students and alumni.

The achievements of FY26 and the conclusion of the To Do the Greatest Good campaign serve as powerful reminders that Cornell Athletics' greatest strength is its community. Through their philanthropy, donors are helping develop leaders, scholars, and champions while ensuring that Big Red student-athletes continue to pursue excellence in every arena.