PULLMAN, Wash.—The Washington State University community again demonstrated its enduring commitment during Fiscal Year 2026, contributing a combined $163.2 million in philanthropic support across the WSU system. The total marks the university’s fifth straight year surpassing $140 million in fundraising and stands as the second-highest fundraising year in WSU history.
Gifts from more than 26,750 alumni, students, faculty, staff, industry partners, friends, and community supporters strengthened programs and opportunities throughout WSU, benefiting students, faculty, and research initiatives across all six campuses, as well as extension centers statewide.
“This milestone reflects the remarkable investment from Cougs around the globe as well as the confidence our donors have in WSU’s future,” said Mike Connell, vice president of Advancement and CEO of the WSU Foundation. “Every gift, regardless of size, makes a statement and helps create opportunities for students, advances groundbreaking research, and strengthens programs that serve communities across Washington and beyond. We are profoundly grateful for the generosity and partnerships that continue to propel our university forward.”
Additionally, the WSU Foundation distributed $29.5 million from the consolidated endowment during FY26, providing funding for scholarships, research, faculty support, and programs that advance the university’s mission across the state. The endowment is composed of 3,071 endowed funds established by donors for specific purposes, including scholarships and professorships. The endowment marked its largest total annual buy-in at $44.1 million and closed FY26 valued at a record $922.4 million.
The strong fundraising performance comes at a pivotal time for higher education, underscoring the important role private philanthropy plays in expanding opportunities for students and supporting innovation and discovery.
“The philanthropic support WSU receives is a powerful testament to the belief that our alumni, friends, and partners have in the university’s aspirations and mission,” said Betsy Cantwell, WSU president. “Their investments help us expand educational opportunities, accelerate discovery, and deepen our engagement with communities throughout the state. As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape in higher education, this support will remain essential to advancing excellence and impact across WSU’s six campuses.”
A few highlights from across WSU during FY26:
- WSU College of Veterinary Medicine receives $10M: An estate gift of $10 million from Lou Woodworth, the late husband of Heidi Charleson, powered scholarships, community care, and facility enhancements at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
- Fan experience at Gesa Field getting turbocharged: WSU Athletics raised more than $10 million to pay for the first phase of planned improvements at the home of Cougar Football.
- #CougsGive: WSU’s annual day of giving April 16 crossed the $1 million fundraising threshold for the second consecutive year during the 24-hour event, which launched in 2015 to mark WSU’s 125th anniversary.
- $80 million for future of engineering at WSU: With the grand opening of Schweitzer Engineering Hall, the state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to what is possible when people come together around a shared purpose. This project was made possible through Coug philanthropy and an investment by the Washington state legislature.
- $2M scholarship match supports future doctors at WSU College of Medicine: A pair of major gifts is helping WSU’s College of Medicine expand scholarship support for students, with the goal of training more physicians to serve communities across Washington.
- WSU, Fluke partnership expands hands‑on training for engineering students: WSU and Everett-based Fluke Corporation have a strategic partnership that equips more than 4,000 engineering students with industry-standard diagnostic and measurement tools.
- WSU Foundation honors topflight volunteers at annual awards celebration: The event in Seattle spotlighted individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and generosity have advanced WSU and strengthened its statewide impact.
To learn more about supporting WSU, visit give.wsu.edu.