• The University of South Florida (USF) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) each set new fundraising records at the conclusion of the 2021-22 fiscal year 
• USF plans to use the funding for a variety of projects including new curriculum and education centers for its college of business 
• FAU received a $28 million pledge from John and Ann Wood, the school’s largest received donation ever. Gifted to FAU’s school of medicine, the donation is the largest known scholarship gift to a Florida public university’s medical school

The University of South Florida (USF) and Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in the 2021-22 fiscal year each set new annual fundraising records.

In the 2021–2022 fiscal year, USF received philanthropic gifts totaling over $151 million, the highest amount of funding in the institution’s almost 70-year history. This is the fourth year in a row that the institution has received more than $100 million in yearly charity contributions, breaking the previous record from 2015.

“Our university has a history of setting ambitious goals and surpassing expectations,” said USF President Rhea Law. “I want to convey my deep gratitude to the thousands of USF donors who made this remarkable, record-setting achievement possible. It demonstrates how our community is investing in USF like never before, which will only help fuel our upward trajectory and lead to even greater impact on our students, faculty, region, and beyond.”

Donated funds helped advance several USF initiatives including the reformation of financial technology education in the university’s school of business, an on-campus football stadium, and USF Health patient philanthropy.

Through donations, USF was able to raise $16 million for new and preexisting scholarships, a 40 percent increase from the year previous.

Meanwhile, at the end of the 2022 fiscal year, the Florida Atlantic University Foundation (FAUF) raised more than $81.24 million from more than 5,332 donors, its highest sum to date. This total surpasses the previous year’s record of $57 million and indicates a growing annual donation rate.

“FAU was founded on philanthropy, and that tradition has continued for more than 60 years,” said Chris Delisio, vice president of institutional advancement and CEO of FAUF. “This last fiscal year shows just how committed our friends, alumni and partners are to the mission and vision of the University.”

FAU’s record-setting year was partially subsidized by the largest scholarship gift in its history. Announced in May, the University received an estate pledge of $28 million from John and Ann Wood to support scholarships for students enrolled in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine. The donation to date is the largest known scholarship gift to a Florida public university’s medical school.

“FAU’s ever-increasing success is fueled by the generosity of our supporters,” said Steven Schmidt, FAUF board chair. “It is thanks to their philanthropy that the University is able to add and expand exciting experiences for learning, research, athletics and the arts and more.”