VCU and VCU Health surpass $250M in fundraising for second time

By Melanie Irvin
Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health raised $257.1 million in philanthropic support in fiscal year 2025, marking the institution’s second-best fundraising year ever. This achievement represents the fourth consecutive year VCU has raised more than $200 million and the second time in its history that giving has surpassed $250 million in a single year. In total, 22,388 donors contributed this year, including 5,268 making their first gift to the university. This year's total brings VCU and VCU Health’s four-year fundraising average to $245 million.

“This remarkable momentum is a testament to the belief our supporters have in VCU’s mission,” said Jay E. Davenport, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. “Every gift represents a partnership in advancing discovery, access, treatment and impact. This year’s results show that together, we can achieve extraordinary things.”

This year’s fundraising success contributes to a strong foundation for VCU’s next chapter. In September, the university and health system will publicly launch a new comprehensive campaign — the most ambitious in VCU history — aimed at accelerating discovery, expanding access and opportunity for students, providing preeminent medical research and treatment, and deepening VCU’s impact. By surpassing $250 million donated this year, VCU’s supporters have set the tone for a campaign that will shape the university’s future for generations to come.

“The support we receive from our donors, alumni, partners and friends gives me incredible confidence in what this historic campaign will make possible for everyone who relies on VCU and VCU Health,” Davenport said.

From life-changing scholarships to innovations in health care and research, the impact of philanthropy at VCU and VCU Health is seen every day across classrooms, clinics and communities. The generosity of donors not only fuels the university’s immediate priorities but also drives long-term change that touches lives far beyond campus.

“Philanthropy catalyzes and ignites the success of our people, and I am very grateful for the wisdom of our donors in contributing to the massive expansion of VCU’s impact on our state and well beyond,” said VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. “We have many opportunities to solve problems that matter to Virginians, to save more lives, and to address the needs of people in ways that strengthen our communities and our state. Philanthropic support enables us to pursue more of those opportunities, expanding our reach and impact to unlock even greater potential to improve the lives of the people of our communities.”