The University of South Florida announced record-breaking fundraising achievements for the third consecutive year, receiving over $168 million from more than 54,000 donors.

The University of South Florida (USF) set new fundraising records for the third consecutive year, the institution announced on Tuesday, receiving upwards of $168 million in donations from more than 54,000 donors during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

Nearly 11,000 new donors contributed to USF this year, and it was the third consecutive year that donations exceeded $150 million, USF reported in a published release. The recorded donations mark an all-time high for both the total amount raised and the number of contributors, culminating in a 44 percent increase in donors from the previous year.

USF President Rhea Law credited the university’s growing reputation and impact for the fundraising success.

“The University of South Florida is an excellent investment in the future of the Tampa Bay region, our state and the many lives we impact through world-class education and research,” Law said. “Our alumni and friends are both bold and visionary, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity.”

USF’s membership in the Association of American Universities (AAU) has strengthened its fundraising efforts. Membership in the AAU, which is regarded as the highest academic distinction in higher education, includes institutions like Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Stanford. To become a member, universities must fulfill specific criteria, including a strong emphasis on research. This involves a proven record of obtaining external research grants, publication in reputable journals, and making contributions to the scientific community. Fiscal year 2024 was USF’s first as an AAU member.

The university also highlighted large-scale contributions, including a $25 million gift from Tampa General Hospital. USF Federal Credit Union donated $6 million for the new on-campus stadium, Alumna Honey Rand gave $3 million to the College of Arts and Sciences, and Tom Tiedemann donated $2.7 million to provide scholarships in the College of Engineering and USF Health College of Nursing.

“USF continues to experience an amazing upward trajectory, and it is fantastic to see our community celebrate that,” said USF Foundation CEO Jay Stroma. “We benefit from an exceptionally supportive and growing family of alumni and friends, and we are truly thankful for each one.”

USF also set records during its annual Giving Week, a weeklong community fundraising initiative. An all-time high of 9,259 donors contributed, with 1,408 giving for the first time, a 70 percent increase from 2023, raising $7 million — another record for the university.