Fiscal years 2025 and 2026 mark the most successful fundraising years in App State’s history, with the university securing more than $50 million in private donations each year — funds that directly support App State students. During the milestone period, every major area of the university has benefited, with contributions supporting academics and athletics. Pictured, an App State graduate celebrates at App State’s Spring 2026 Commencement, held May 7–9 on the Boone campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds
BOONE, N.C. — With the close of fiscal year 2026 on June 30, Appalachian State University exceeded $50 million in private donations for the second consecutive year — making fiscal years 2025 and 2026 the most successful fundraising years in university history.
In 2026, the university logged more than $51 million in private contributions, building on momentum from fiscal year 2025, during which the university secured more than $64 million in private contributions.
The university’s endowment has also seen substantial growth and is currently at $271.4 million — an increase of more than $98.8 million over the two-year period. The Appalachian State University Foundation contributed $26.1 million in direct support to the university, including $5.5 million in scholarship grants in the past year.
“Every dollar donated represents one Mountaineer investing in another,” said App State Chancellor Heather Norris. “Each gift has its own story, but all are rooted in a shared belief in the power of the App State Experience. These historic fundraising achievements reflect the strength of our community, the confidence of our supporters and a collective commitment to Appalachian State University's future."
App State has achieved the most successful fundraising years in university history, boasting two consecutive years with more than $50 million in private donations. Pictured are a trio of App State students on the university’s Boone campus, near Holmes Convocation Center. Photo by Chase Reynolds
Comprehensive support for Mountaineers
“Thanks to the generosity of those who give, Appalachian State can expand access to education, fuel research and discovery and support the holistic development of Mountaineers — preparing generations to make a difference across our region and around the world,” said Will Sears, App State’s vice chancellor of university advancement.
Every major area of the university has benefited during the milestone period, with significant contributions going to both academics and athletics. Areas of notable growth include:
- The Beaver College of Health Sciences, which achieved two consecutive years of more than $5 million in commitments, making it one of the strongest periods of philanthropic support in the college’s history and fueling the growth of scholarships, research opportunities and resources for students.
- App State Athletics, which secured more than $16 million in commitments in fiscal year 2025 and again in fiscal year 2026. This includes support across scholarships, program support, capital projects and the Yosef Club.
- The Walker College of Business, which saw unprecedented growth — nearly doubling previous fundraising records for the college with more than $11 million in commitments in fiscal years 2025 and 2026. This increased support reflects growing investment in business education and innovation at the university.
The university’s annual day of giving has also played an important role in App State’s fundraising success as a catalyst for community engagement. In 2026, more than 3,600 donors joined forces on Appalachian State Giving Day to contribute more than $2.8 million, breaking previous giving day records by a significant margin and supporting hundreds of programs and initiatives across the university.
Additionally, the university has achieved two consecutive years of record planned giving, securing more than $17 million in estate commitments each year.
According to Sears, the university’s robust fundraising numbers speak to the value of the connections built across the App State Community.
“At App State, we embrace a simple truth: Fundraising is about people, relationships and trust — not commas and zeros. When we lead with authenticity and purpose, remarkable things happen,” said Sears. “Together, we are moving mountains, and these record‑setting results show what is possible when a community rallies around a shared mission.”
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The annual event broke fundraising and participation records, with 3,500+ supporters
About University Advancement
Appalachian State University’s Division of University Advancement supports and encourages the university’s mission by engaging alumni, friends and the greater community. University Advancement staff help connect these constituents with App State through one-on-one contact and special programming, thereby securing the resources necessary to create the best possible learning environment for App State students and to positively impact the community, region and state. The division incorporates the offices of Alumni Engagement, Development and the Appalachian State University Foundation Inc. Learn more about App State University Advancement at http://give.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
The annual event broke fundraising and participation records, with 3,500+ supporters
