Donors contribute $656 million in new business for Fiscal Year 2025, shattering the previous fundraising record by $157 million

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois Foundation today announced record‑breaking new business totals for Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025, with $656 million in new business, the largest single‑year total in Foundation history, and $427.1 million in cash received, the second highest total on record. 

“This incredible achievement reflects the passion our donors have for this extraordinary university and their belief that investments in the University of Illinois are transformative and globally impactful.” said UIF President/CEO James H. Moore, Jr. “Their generosity has set a new standard for philanthropy at Illinois, and we are deeply grateful for the impact their gifts will have today and for generations to come.”

Moore emphasized that the contributions advance current University of Illinois initiatives while creating opportunities that will shape the institution’s future.

“I am deeply grateful to our donors for their generosity, their loyalty and their commitment,” U of I System President Tim Killeen said. “Their record giving reflects a belief in the power and value of the education we offer at our three universities and the vital services we provide beyond our campuses, all for the benefit of the people of Illinois.”

All donor‑contributed gifts include an agreement executed between the donor and the Foundation, outlining the terms and specific use of the gift. The Foundation has a fiduciary and legal responsibility to honor donor intent and administer funds accordingly.

FY 2025 Giving Highlights 
Of the $656 million in new business recorded this fiscal year, $142.4 million was designated to student support, $98.3 million to research, and $90.8 million to academic programs and faculty support. An additional $33.9 million was directed to facilities, $17.6 million to public service, and $9.4 million was given to “other” which supports things such as lectureships. Another $263.6 million was classified as unrestricted, which provides the universities with the flexibility to use the funds for their most pressing and emerging needs.

Donors also contributed $295.7 million of the $427.1 cash total to the University of Illinois as current use funds, which make an impact in critical areas such as student and faculty support, research, facilities, and academic programs. The remaining $131.4 million came in the form of endowed funds, annuities, and life income funds that support the long‑term stability and excellence of the University of Illinois.  

Endowment Performance
The value of the University of Illinois Foundation’s active endowment grew to $3.06 billion in FY25. Through the endowment, the Foundation distributed $97.4 million to the University of Illinois System, including $76.6 million to the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, $17.3 million to the University of Illinois Chicago, $1.1 million to the University of Illinois Springfield, and $2.4 million to the University of Illinois System offices.

The annual return for the active endowment is 3.26% for FY25***. This reflects a one‑time impairment on legacy private market investments and the completion of a $245 million secondary sale, which generated $121.5 million in proceeds, reduced exposure to higher‑risk, illiquid positions, and positioned the portfolio for greater stability and long‑term growth.

The full FY25 University of Illinois Foundation Annual Report will be released in late November on the Foundation’s website at uif.uillinois.edu. The annual report will share expanded financial details, insights from the chief investment officer, and more news. Printed copies of the report will be available on request. 
 

* New business includes new gifts, grants, pledges, and deferred commitments.
** The cash figure includes outright cash gifts, pledge payments, annuity/life income gifts, and estate distributions.
*** Performance is preliminary and is presented net of external investment management and incentive fees.