Fiscal Year 2026 Progress and Updates
What’s in a number?
At the end of a fiscal year, it’s customary to rattle off metrics representing success. Case in point: As of June 30, 2026, GO Beyond: The Campaign for Future Makers has raised $1.098 billion toward our $1.25 billion goal. 70,389 donors have contributed so far, and 55% of contactable alumni have engaged with the university. During the past fiscal year (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026), alumni, family, and friends made commitments of more than $92 million, making FY26 the most successful fundraising year since the campaign launched.
Those numbers are remarkable. But they tell only part of the story.
Look beyond these statistics, and you will find something far more meaningful: Acts of generosity and involvement are making the future for Lehigh students while driving innovation and positive change in the world.
“Our fundraising metrics are impressive, but this campaign is so much more than numbers. Each dollar raised creates new opportunities for students, strengthens our research, student learning, and reputation, and represents how much our community believes in the value of a Lehigh degree,” said President Joseph J. Helble ’82. “Thank you to everyone for their support and commitment to the university and its students.”
Carol Packard, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations, also expressed her gratitude. “We are grateful for those who offer gifts, spend time, or engage with us online,” she said. “Lehigh would not be able to conduct the research that matters most, inspire as many students to realize their talents, or continue evolving our distinctive education to meet today's needs without the many people who support this institution. You are our champions.”
The statistic: $329 million raised during the campaign to date for scholarships and financial aid, including 423 new endowed scholarships.
The impact: Open doors for students who take advantage of seemingly every opportunity Lehigh has to offer, like Dontae Hoose ’26, Nancy Henry-Naiho ’27, and Sophie Mallek ’28.
The statistic: $334 million raised during the campaign to date in support of research, capital projects, and faculty.
The impact: Advances in infectious disease prediction, new energy solutions, product sustainability, quantum computing, and other research that enhances lives while enhancing Lehigh’s reputation. Plus new spaces, like the renovated Clayton University Center and a home for FYRE in the Rossin College.
The statistic: $435 million raised during the campaign to date for the student experience.
The impact: Class of 2026 graduates prepared for careers in marine systems research, AI adoption, aeronautical engineering, Big Four accounting, public health, and more.
The statistic: $5.2 million in cash raised for the Lehigh Fund during FY26.
The impact: Gifts of all sizes supported Lehigh's top priority this year, scholarships and financial aid. Together, these contributions provide annual support equivalent to the earnings from a $100 million endowment, demonstrating the extraordinary power of collective philanthropy.
The statistic: $11.8 million in commitments for athletics in the 2026 fiscal year.
The impact: A football kicker who’s an entrepreneurial whiz. Coaches charting a new course for women’s athletics. Not to mention team titles, March Madness, and a national champion.
The statistics: During FY26, 16,000 individuals registered for 237 in-person and 25 virtual events through Alumni Relations. Plus, 10,151 alumni and 4,154 students networked on LehighConnects.
The impact: Career advice and mentorships led to opportunities for students. Service projects enriched our communities. Special connections renewed lifelong friendships.
So, what is in a number? People. People who dare to make lives in their communities better. People who look toward the horizon with excitement and the capacity to dream. People who embrace exactly what it means to be a Lehigh Future Maker.
Thank you to everyone who has made their impact so far. If you haven’t yet, we invite you to consider how you will help write the next chapter. Read about the annual progress of the Lehigh Strategy and visit the campaign webpage to learn more about Lehigh’s priorities — and the difference you can make.
