$259.7M, 41K donors, 1 year. USC raises more money than ever before
The University of South Carolina had a “banner year” in fundraising.
USC received $259.7 million in private funding during fiscal year 2025, officials said. That is nearly double the university’s goal of $140 million and the most received in the school’s history. Some 41,000 donors, including 18,647 alumni and more than 10,000 first-time contributors, made it possible.
At least 19 individuals donated at least $1 million.
The university said it illustrates a “growing confidence” in its mission.
“This year has been like no other,” Michelle Dodenhoff, USC’s vice president for development, said in a news release. “There’s a palpable energy around all the good USC is doing and people want to be part of this winning team.” Dodenhoff expects this momentum to continue in the coming fiscal year: “Every gift — large or small — helps us shape the future of the university and of South Carolina.”
The largest single gift this year, and the largest in USC’s history, came from USC alumnus Peter McCausland and his wife Bonnie. The university named the College of Arts and Sciences in their honor. The $75 million donation will fund research, career development programs for students in the liberal arts and sciences, including up to 150 internship stipends, and will invest in faculty fellowships and the college’s neuroscience major.
“The broad reach of this investment in the arts, humanities and sciences will expand opportunities for USC students and impact the state of South Carolina for generations to come” USC President Michael Amiridis said in a news release. USC’s School of Medicine also received a $23.5 million gift from an anonymous donor for the expansion of the new health sciences campus in Columbia’s BullStreet district. This money will go towards interdisciplinary research, simulation-based learning and scholarships. The university broke ground on the new medical school in February.
The College of Nursing received $6 million to support future nurses, the School of Music nearly doubled its $1 million Centennial Campaign goal and USC’s annual day of giving — Give4Garnet — drew a record-breaking 8,160 donors. The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management launched two endowed funds focused on industry, immersion and innovation.
Corporate and foundation giving reached a record $43.5 million in new commitments, according to a news release.
Private philanthropy continues to provide a critical margin of excellence, the university has said, enabling USC to expand access, elevate research, and enrich student experiences across the state and beyond.
