West Virginia University reported that donors contributed $260.7 million during the 2025 fiscal year, marking the third highest annual fundraising total in the institution’s history. According to data from the WVU Foundation, a total of 22,384 individuals made 47,473 gifts between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Of those donors, 8,871 were alumni.
Cindi Roth, president and CEO of the WVU Foundation, expressed appreciation for this continued support: “Our supporters are truly amazing. Year in and year out, our alumni and friends remain steadfast and true to their generosity. These investments help our students, faculty, staff and researchers achieve in ways that would not otherwise be possible. They also assist our health care professionals to provide outstanding patient care. I want to thank our donors for once again stepping up.”
The fundraising figure is surpassed only by the $282.6 million raised in fiscal year 2024 and $270.1 million collected in fiscal year 2021.
President Michael T. Benson commented on the importance of donor contributions as he began his tenure as West Virginia University’s 27th president on July 15: “Such support is critical as we move into a new era for West Virginia University,” Benson said. “I am looking forward to working closely with the WVU Foundation in the coming months and years to provide our supporters more reasons to give to ensure our students have the best opportunities available to learn and grow.”
Notable gifts received during fiscal year 2025 include an endowed professorship at the College of Law established by the Deem family; a $2 million planned gift from Paula and Keith Lilly benefiting four colleges; significant software donations supporting both Eberly College of Arts and Sciences and Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources; multiple seven-figure donations directed toward WVU Medicine; as well as record-setting results from Day of Giving held on March 26.
Donations managed by the WVU Foundation are allocated according to donor intent across areas such as scholarships, research initiatives, facilities improvements, service programs, and other priorities aligned with the university’s land-grant mission.
WVU Foundation Scholar Lilah Coe graduated in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in criminology before joining WVU Medicine Children’s Neurodevelopmental Center as a registered behavior technician assisting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Coe stated: “The WVU Foundation Scholarship allowed me to make the most out of my college experience by taking the financial worry out of the equation,” she said it enabled her participation in outdoor recreation activities, undergraduate research projects, work experience opportunities—and community engagement efforts she might not have otherwise pursued.
Dannell Boatman leads Communicating for Health in Appalachia by Translating Science (CHATS Lab) at WVU Cancer Institute. Boatman highlighted donor impact: “Donor support is critical to advancing the work of the CHATS Lab and the Cancer Institute,” Boatman said. “This funding allows us to be responsive to the emerging needs of our state.”
Foundation officials noted that thirty-three donors gave $1 million or more during FY25. The scope of contributions covers academics, research endeavors, health sciences projects—including outpatient clinics for children’s medicine—and athletics.
A rebranding effort at Mountaineer Athletic Club (MAC), which raises funds for athletics programs at West Virginia University (https://wvusports.com/sports/2017/8/3/mac-index.aspx), resulted in increased philanthropic activity—123 new members joined its Summit Society recognizing major commitments starting at $25,000 each—and set an annual giving record close to $18.5 million.
Supporters also funded healthcare expansion through gifts benefiting outpatient services for children’s medicine (https://wvumedicine.org/childrens/) and development projects like a new facility for eye care services (https://wvumedicine.org/services/wvu-eye-institute/). Anonymous donations totaling $1 million supported cancer treatment initiatives (https://cancer.wvumedicine.org/) along with additional funds aiding labor/delivery restoration at Uniontown Hospital.
The Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute received a $1 million gift from an anonymous patient family while another donor contributed $100,000 after viewing national coverage about focused ultrasound therapy conducted there (https://rni.wvumedicine.org/).
Founded in 1954 as an independent nonprofit organization supporting West Virginia University through private giving management (https://www.wvuf.org/), those interested can donate online or contact foundation representatives directly.
