EKU raised a record $12.7 million from 10,925 donors in FY26. This includes more than $5 million for scholarships that help make education more affordable and accessible for students.
Eastern Kentucky University raised $12.7 million from 10,925 donors for the 2026 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026. Surpassing last year’s record of $12 million, EKU set a new record for fundraising.
“With another record-breaking fundraising year, I want to send a big thank you to those who believe in EKU’s mission. Our alumni and friends who choose to give to EKU know that their investment is making a difference. We see that impact in student opportunity, student outcomes, faculty engagement, teaching excellence and in the lives transformed,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “To each person who gives—no matter the amount—thank you for believing in EKU and in our students.”
EKU has celebrated historic fundraising totals for the past three consecutive fiscal years. Out of the $12.7 million in FY26, $5,022,094 was raised for scholarships. Throughout the year, the EKU Foundation awarded 3,006 scholarships, totaling $3,019,217.
“EKU’s fundraising success is a reflection of the generosity of our EKU community of donors. Every dollar given to EKU serves as an investment in the lives of students and in our mission as the School of Opportunity. From making education more affordable through scholarships to providing study abroad opportunities, every gift helps to remove barriers and create opportunities, so students graduate from EKU prepared to make a difference in the world,” said Mary Beth Neiser, vice president for Development and Alumni Engagement. “We are so grateful for the support of our alumni and friends over the past year and look forward to continuing this important work together in the year ahead.”
Many initiatives contributed to EKU’s fundraising success in fiscal year 2026, including major corporate gifts announced from Gray Construction, Toyota, Humana and others.
EKU’s seventh annual Giving Day on April 22, 2026, also hit new records. In just 24 hours, more than $1,120,000 was raised from 2,485 donors across all 50 states. Over $425,000 was allocated to scholarships.
With more than 80% of EKU students receiving financial aid, many rely on scholarships to achieve their educational goals. As EKU continually strives to remove financial barriers to education, Foundation scholarships offer support to students for academics, tuition, expenses associated with internships or clinicals and enhanced learning experiences, such as study abroad. The Student Assistance Fund for Eastern (SAFE), funded through donor support, helps students with short-term financial needs when they are unable to meet essential expenses due to an emergency.
“EKU provided me with a strong foundation for my career as well as an exceptional collegiate experience,” said Allison Allgier, ’92, president of the EKU Alumni Board. “I give back, as do many other alumni, in the hopes of allowing current students to have the same outcome.”
Donor support touches all areas of EKU, from innovative programs and state-of-the-art facilities to student scholarships and support services. Every gift, regardless of amount, impacts students at EKU. Donors can choose the fund or initiative they wish to support, and gifts to the Eastern Fund go toward the university’s greatest needs.
To make a gift in support of EKU, visit go.eku.edu/give.
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