KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – July 14, 2025 – The University of Tennessee Foundation (UTFI) is celebrating a historic year, further accelerating its ambitious trajectory toward making this the greatest fundraising decade in University of Tennessee System history. Moving into the latter half of the decade, UTFI has already secured 70% of its $3 billion goal.
In fiscal year 2025, supporters across the world gave generously, propelling the Foundation to a record-breaking $492,845,544 in new gifts and commitments. This marks another leap after last year’s success when fundraising reached $400 million for the first time in UT history. This achievement is a compilation of results at all campuses within the UT System: UT Chattanooga ($32 million), UT Health Science Center ($20 million), UT Knoxville ($428 million, which includes $25.8 million from the UT Institute of Agriculture), UT Martin ($8.3 million) and UT Southern ($2.6 million).
These transformational dollars are already making an impact across the UT System’s campuses and institutes by powering operations, fueling capital projects and turning students’ aspirations into achievements. This year’s success was made possible by the generosity of 85,820 donors and reflects confidence in the University’s direction and leadership.
“This is a defining moment in the life of the University of Tennessee,” said Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the UT Foundation. “To be part of a decade where our alumni, donors and friends are showing such extraordinary belief in our campuses is both humbling and inspiring. These milestones would not be possible without our incredible statewide team and passionate supporters who believe in the bold work taking place every day across the UT System. We are grateful and energized for what comes next.”
Support from alumni remains a cornerstone of the Foundation’s success, with alumni contributing 34% of this year’s giving total. Of the more than 459,000 UT System alumni, a record-setting 323,864 are now engaged with the university in meaningful ways such as giving and volunteering to mentoring students and attending events.
“Raising nearly $500 million in a single year is an extraordinary accomplishment and a powerful endorsement of the work happening across our campuses and institutes, as well as a testament to the dedication of the UT Foundation team,” said UT System President Randy Boyd. “I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters and their unwavering belief in our mission to educate, discover and serve the state of Tennessee.”
With momentum on its side and purpose at its core, the UT Foundation is poised to continue building on its legacy of impact and make this the greatest fundraising decade in UT history.
