Columbia, South Carolina, August 24, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina achieved a remarkable fundraising milestone, raising $259.7 million in private donations for the fiscal year. This total not only surpassed the initial goal of $140 million but also reflects widespread support from the community and alumni, including contributions from over 41,000 donors. Notable gifts included a $75 million donation from a prominent alumnus, highlighting the university’s strong philanthropic backing and the impact of private funding on its initiatives and programs.
Columbia, South Carolina: University of South Carolina Achieves Record-Breaking $259.7 Million in Private Fundraising for Fiscal Year 2025
The University of South Carolina (USC) has shattered its private fundraising record by raising an impressive $259.7 million during the 2025 fiscal year. This remarkable total, nearly double the university’s initial fundraising goal of $140 million, highlights the growing support from the community and alumni.
Approximately 41,000 donors contributed to this historic fundraising achievement, which marks the highest amount ever received in the institution’s history. Among the contributing donors were 18,647 alumni and over 10,000 first-time contributors. Additionally, at least 19 individuals made substantial donations of $1 million or more, showcasing the strong philanthropic commitment toward the university.
Significant Contributions and New Initiatives
The largest single donation came from USC alumnus Peter McCausland and his wife Bonnie, who gifted $75 million. In recognition of this generosity, the College of Arts and Sciences has been renamed in honor of the McCausland family. Their contribution will support various initiatives, including research, career development programs, internship stipends, faculty fellowships, and the college’s neuroscience major.
Furthermore, the School of Medicine received a significant $23.5 million donation from an anonymous donor aimed at developing a new health sciences campus. This funding will facilitate interdisciplinary research, simulation-based learning, and scholarships for students. The College of Nursing also benefited from a $6 million donation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to producing future nursing professionals.
Community Engagement and Support
The outpouring of support extended to initiatives like USC’s School of Music, which nearly doubled its $1 million Centennial Campaign goal. Additionally, the annual Give4Garnet day of giving recorded a remarkable participation of 8,160 donors, further demonstrating the community’s engagement in the university’s mission.
USC’s officials believe that this fundraising success reflects a growing confidence in the university’s mission and programs. The vice president for development emphasized that the vibrancy and momentum experienced during this fiscal year will carry over into the next, continuing to bolster the university’s growth and reach.
Corporate Contributions
Corporate and foundation giving reached a record total of $43.5 million in new commitments this year, highlighting a strong partnership between USC and the business community. This support is crucial as the university aims to enhance student experiences, elevate research standards, and expand access to education for a diverse student body.
Conclusion
Overall, the record-breaking $259.7 million in fundraising not only demonstrates the strength of USC’s alumni and community support but also indicates the increasingly vital role of private philanthropy in shaping the university’s future. With ongoing initiatives and contributions, USC is well-positioned to enhance educational opportunities and make a lasting impact on the state of South Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the University of South Carolina raise in the 2025 fiscal year?
The University of South Carolina raised a record-breaking $259.7 million in private funding for the 2025 fiscal year.
What was the original fundraising goal set by USC for the 2025 fiscal year?
USC’s initial fundraising goal for the 2025 fiscal year was $140 million.
Who was the largest donor during this record fundraising effort?
The largest donation of $75 million was made by USC alumnus Peter McCausland and his wife Bonnie.
What will the funds from the major donations support?
The donations will fund research, career development programs, faculty fellowships, scholarships, and the establishment of a new health sciences campus.
How did corporate contributions fare during this fiscal year?
Corporate and foundation giving reached a record total of $43.5 million in new commitments for the year.
Key Features of USC’s Record Fundraising
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Raised | $259.7 million |
| Initial Goal | $140 million |
| Number of Donors | 41,000 |
| Largest Donation | $75 million by Peter McCausland & Bonnie |
| Corporate Giving | $43.5 million in new commitments |
| First-Time Donors | Over 10,000 |
| Significant Contributions | $23.5 million for School of Medicine, $6 million for College of Nursing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Columbia Hosts Fly for Foundations Charity Event
Columbia Hosts First Fundraising Event for Sistercare
University of South Carolina’s International MBA Program Tops Rankings
Columbia Hosts Successful Dance Marathon for Kids
Longtime USC Board Member Eddie Floyd Retires; Daughter Appointed as Successor
Additional Resources
- Virginia Mercury: Trump Makes Surprise Phone Call to SC Republicans at Fundraising Dinner Headlined by Youngkin
- Post and Courier: USC Enrollment Fundraising Record
- The State: Politics and Government
- Cola Daily: SC State Museum Foundation to Host Fundraising Gala
- Gamecocks Online: Gamecock Athletics Sets New Fundraising Record
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: University of South Carolina fundraising
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fundraising
- Google Scholar: University of South Carolina fundraising success
- Google News: University of South Carolina donations
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
