Because of You: University of Illinois Foundation Announces Record‑Setting $748.3 Million in FY26 New Business
October 23, 2026 09:30 AM
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois Foundation (UIF) reported a record $748.3 million in new business for Fiscal Year 2026 at its 91st Annual Meeting on October 23, 2026. The total, from more than 50,000 donors and nearly 194,000 gifts, is $92.3 million (or about 14 percent) higher than last year's record of $656.0 million.
“Every number in this report is really a story about the donors who believe in the University of Illinois and what students, faculty, and researchers can accomplish with their support,” said UIF President/CEO James H. Moore, Jr. “This is a ‘Because of You’ moment for the entire University of Illinois community.”
This year’s results reflect a committed donor community with the category of friends of the university leading the way with $311.2 million in support. Alums contributed $244.3 million, and corporations, family foundations, and other foundations contributed $192.8 million.
The impact of all these gifts will be felt in nearly every corner of the University of Illinois System. In FY26, academic programs received the most at $292.7 million, followed by student support at $156.4 million and research at $109.8 million. Facilities received $26.7 million, faculty support $22.2 million, and public service $15.2 million, with an additional $125.3 million supporting unrestricted funds and other priorities.
UIF reported $444 million in FY26 cash flow, which includes receipts and payments from outright gifts, grants, pledge payments, annuities, and realized bequests and estate distributions.
“The Foundation’s balance sheet remains strong, reflecting disciplined stewardship of the assets entrusted to us by our donor community,” said UIF Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Christy Devocelle. “Every dollar distributed happens because of the nearly 50,000 donors this fiscal year and all of those who came before them.” 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.
The value of the University of Illinois Foundation’s active endowment grew to $3.32 billion in FY26. Through the endowment, the Foundation distributed $103.3 million to the University of Illinois System, including $80.9 million to the University of Illinois Urbana‑Champaign, $18.8 million to the University of Illinois Chicago, $1.2 million to the University of Illinois Springfield, and $2.4 million to the University of Illinois System offices. The annual return for the University of Illinois Foundation’s active endowment is reported at 9.6 percent for FY26.
The full FY26 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.
