Clemson University Fundraising hits a record high $259M for fiscal 2024
Clemson University donors contributed a record $259 million during the 2024 fiscal year that ended on June 30, eclipsing last year’s total by more than 19 percent.
The $259,072,365 raised in academic and athletic philanthropic support was given by 40,484 individual alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, friends, partners and donors who contributed a combined 107,295 gifts.
The total includes $171,297,652 million in cash, pledges and gifts-in-kind, with pledges and donations to IPTAY totaling $80,560,992. Fifty planned gifts amounted to $38,535,985, and unrestricted donations totaled $3,339,525.
Donors established two new Academic Cornerstone gifts and three new Athletic Cornerstone gifts. Cornerstone gifts are significant contributions of $2.5 million or more made at one time by an individual, couple or family.
This unprecedented support reflects the strong commitment of the Clemson Family to advancing research, student success and service to South Carolina and beyond.
“We are incredibly thankful and humbled by the continued generosity of our Clemson Family,” said University President Jim Clements. “At Clemson, we know that ‘Best is the Standard,’ and it is no secret that our Clemson Family is the very best and we always support each other. Through the generosity of our donors, we will continue to deliver the No. 1 student experience in the country and transform lives through the power of education.”
Highlights of fiscal year 2024 include:
- The establishment of four endowed professorships
- 106 new scholarships
- One new fellowship
- Two Academic Cornerstones
- Three Athletic Cornerstones
- A gift to be announced soon
- Mike Watt Family
- Steve Watt Family
- 11,735 new donors
Philanthropic support forged new partnerships, sparked outreach initiatives and fueled service projects, creating a profound impact beyond the borders of Clemson University campuses.
Vice President of Advancement Brian O’Rourke expressed heartfelt gratitude to all donors.
“The generosity of each and every donor, large and small, helps provide University resources for the betterment of every life the University touches, not only by the academic research it creates or for the support of current and future students, but also from the work and passions of alumni around the world,” said O’Rourke. “These contributions strengthen our strategic plan, Clemson Elevate. This generosity is shaping today, inspiring tomorrow and creating a legacy that will endure forever, and we are so incredibly thankful.”
Davis Babb, IPTAY CEO, noted the number of IPTAY supporters who contribute to the student experience at Clemson University.
“Our 22,000-plus IPTAY supporters have enriched the lives of our student-athletes in so many ways, providing them with invaluable academic experiences and athletic opportunities,” said Babb. “Whether it’s by funding athletic scholarships, building new facilities or upgrading existing ones, the steadfast generosity of our supporters has been instrumental in these successes. We are deeply thankful for their commitment to the growth and development of our 550 student-athletes and contributing to the student experience at Clemson.”
The active involvement of alumni, faculty, staff, students and all within the Clemson Family in fundraising initiatives significantly contributes to the advancement of the University. Building on this momentum, the Clemson Family continues to inspire one another, fostering a culture of philanthropy that drives progress and transforms lives.
Academic Cornerstone Partner Cathy Turner M ’76 says, “If you have great people and a mission of value, you can move mountains.”