UT Foundation surpasses $654 million through the collective effort of all UT campuses and institutes, bringing decade total past $2.7 billion toward $4 billion goal
More people than ever before chose to invest in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga during fiscal year 2026, making it the largest donor year in University history.
A record 7,645 donors contributed $29,347,792 to support UTC students, faculty and programs between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The University also engaged 57,883 alumni through events, communications, volunteer opportunities and philanthropic support, reflecting continued momentum in strengthening lifelong connections with Mocs around the world.
“Every gift represents someone who believes in our students and in UTC’s future,” Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce said. “To welcome more donors than at any point in our University’s history is an extraordinary milestone. The generosity of our alumni, friends, faculty, staff and community partners is expanding opportunity, strengthening academic excellence and creating experiences that will shape the lives of our students for generations.”
This is also the third year in a row that UTC has raised more than $28 million annually.
The record year at UTC contributed to a historic milestone across the University of Tennessee System.
The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. raised $654,881,067 in fiscal year 2026, marking the organization’s 25th anniversary with the single greatest fundraising year in the University of Tennessee’s history. This year’s total reflects the collective impact across every campus and institute in the UT System: UT Knoxville ($581 million, which includes $34 million from the UT Institute of Agriculture), UT Chattanooga ($29 million), UT Health Science Center ($34 million), UT Martin ($7.9 million) and UT Southern ($830,000).
Private philanthropy continues to play a vital role in advancing UTC’s mission. Gifts from donors provide scholarships that expand access to higher education, strengthen academic programs, support faculty excellence, create hands-on learning opportunities and enhance the student experience across campus.
“Our donors are changing lives every day,” said Dr. Lee Williams Weldon, UTC vice chancellor for Advancement and executive director of the UC Foundation. “Whether they establish scholarships, invest in innovative academic programs or support areas they care deeply about, every gift helps prepare students for success and strengthens UTC’s impact across Chattanooga and beyond. We are grateful for every individual who chose to invest in our students and our future.”
The University’s growing alumni engagement reflects a continued commitment to building meaningful connections with graduates long after commencement. Throughout the year, UTC alumni participated in networking events, mentoring opportunities, regional gatherings, Homecoming celebrations and other programs designed to strengthen lifelong ties to their alma mater.
“This historic level of donor participation demonstrates the pride our alumni and friends have in UTC and the confidence they have in where we’re headed,” Bruce said. “Together, they are helping ensure today’s students have access to the opportunities, resources and experiences they need to succeed.”
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About Division of Advancement: The mission of the Division of Advancement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Chattanooga Foundation is to build meaningful connections for all Mocs and inspire generosity for Chattanooga’s university. By fostering relationships and investment, we strategically bring together alumni, donors and friends of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for the collective betterment of our campus and city.
About the University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc.: The University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the preferred channel for private contributions benefiting students and faculty within the UT System. With a vision of being one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, UTFI is committed to enhancing the educational landscape across the University of Tennessee campuses. For more information about the University of Tennessee Foundation and its programs, please visit www.utfi.org.
