Michigan State University in East Lansing has announced it had the most successful fundraising year in school’s history.
Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, 63,616 donors contributed more than $736 million to Michigan State University, representing a 94 percent increase in giving from last year’s $380 million total funds raised.
The record-breaking year was driven by donors and alumni supporting causes across the university, from scholarships and student success to research, athletics, health, the arts, faculty excellence, community engagement, and a campus of the future.
It also marks another major step forward for Uncommon Will, Far Better World, MSU’s $4 billion comprehensive campaign. To date, more than 137,656 donors have contributed $1.94 billion toward the campaign’s goal.
“This historic year of giving is really a story about people — Spartans and friends who saw something at Michigan State they cared about and chose to make it stronger,” says Kim Tobin, vice president for university advancement at MSU. “From transformational commitments to everyday acts of generosity, this year’s momentum was built by donors who gave with purpose.”
President Kevin M. Guskiewicz says the year’s success reflects the strength of MSU’s mission and the enduring commitment of the Spartan community.
“Behind every gift is a person or family who believes in Michigan State — in our students, in our faculty, in our mission and in the good this university can do in the world,” Guskiewicz says. “We are incredibly grateful for our donors and for the profound expression of trust each gift represents.”
Among the year’s most significant commitments was a historic $301 million gift from Greg and Dawn Williams. Raised in nearby Laingsburg, Dawn dedicated more than two decades of her career to MSU, while Greg is co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Acrisure.
Their commitment will transform Spartan Athletics while supporting the Eli Broad College of Business, the Spartan Marching Band, and the Sparty Mascot Program. In addition to the philanthropic gifts to the university, the Williamses contributed $100 million to Spartan Ventures, making their $401 million commitment the largest single investment in MSU history and one of the largest in college athletics history.
“MSU is not only the face of our community, but the health and well-being of East Lansing depends on a thriving and successful MSU,” say Greg and Dawn Williams. “In this regard, we’re proud and blessed to be in a position to support MSU’s leadership and its ambitious vision for the future.”
The year also included principal gifts that will shape MSU’s future across disciplines.
- The Leinweber Foundation committed $50 million to establish the Leinweber Center for Engineering and Digital Innovation, a 265,000-square-foot hub for digital learning, advanced research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
- The center’s vision was further strengthened by leadership gifts from Mary and Mike Lamach, David F. Spalding, and Randy Cowen and Phyllis Green, each contributing $10 million to support spaces, programs, and discovery connected to the center.
- The School of Packaging received a transformational $47 million commitment from Chuck and Jackie Frasier, the largest gift in the history of the top-ranked school.
- Alumni Jay and Jill Craig made a $26.25 million commitmentto strengthen student success across the Eli Broad College of Business and the College of Social Science.
Donors also strengthened the places and programs that bring Spartans together.
- Support from the Forest Akers Trust is transforming the MSU Libraries’ North Plazainto a more welcoming front porch for campus.
- Alumni Robert and Renee Greening created a named endowment for MSU’s Canadian Studies Center.
- Craig Fedore’s support of the Beal Botanical Garden will help enhance one of MSU’s most beloved natural spaces for future generations.
In addition, MSU’s Give Green Day 2026, when Spartans came together for MSU’s most successful day of giving ever, raised more than 6,298 gifts and nearly $6.5 million in 24 hours to support scholarships, student programs, academic initiatives, and campus priorities.
Faculty, staff, and retirees also contributed. In the recent giving year, 8,290 current, former, and retired faculty/staff contributed $30.7 million. During the Uncommon Will, Far Better World campaign, more than $156.9 million has been contributed by the same group to support programs and opportunities across MSU.
Michigan State University is among the world’s top 100 universities and a leading U.S. public research institution. The university offers more than 400 programs of study.
