Accelerating momentum

In its second-greatest year of fundraising yet, the University of California, Davis, raised nearly $318 million in the year ended June 30, 2025. Donors supported a wide range of university programs and initiatives, helping drive student success, fuel groundbreaking research, enhance health care and much more.

“We are deeply grateful to our community for making this one of the most successful fundraising years in UC Davis history,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “The outpouring of generous support is a reflection of the trust our community places in us and the shared belief in our mission.”

With 55,028 gifts from 29,047 donors supporting disciplines and programs across UC Davis and UC Davis Health, the university’s total of $317,898,809 surpassed its annual fundraising goal by more than $82 million. 

The achievement comes one year after the June 2024 conclusion of the university’s largest fundraising campaign to date, Expect Greater: From UC Davis, For the World, that raised more than $2.2 billion. 

“Strong, ongoing support from our entire campus community — including alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, retirees and volunteers — has only grown in momentum since the Expect Greater campaign ended. Thanks to their commitment, we are continuing to expand our impact,” said Shaun B. Keister, vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations and president of the UC Davis Foundation.

The generosity of the UC Davis community has been especially impactful this year, during a time of increased budget challenges.

Setting records university-wide

Surpassing milestones was a defining theme across UC Davis this year. The School of Veterinary Medicine raised a landmark $118 million — an increase of 56% over its previous giving record.

Image

Donors supported the school’s efforts in boosting the veterinary workforce; funding research and treatments that have the potential to translate to human health; and expanding facilities, including a new Veterinary Medical Complex and the new Janice K. Hobbs UC Davis Veterinary Medical Center, Southern California, set to open in 2026. 

“Philanthropy is the fuel that allows our school to dream big and have huge positive impact on our world,” said Mark Stetter, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “Our wonderful donors are also our partners — together, we are creating a future where every life, whether on four legs or two, is met with compassion, dignity and the best that science can offer.”

Several other areas of the university had noteworthy years:

• UC Davis Health was the second-highest fundraising unit of the university, raising $58 million for the School of Medicine, the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing and the UC Davis Medical Center. 
• The Office of Research more than doubled its previous record, raising $34.8 million this year. Donors supported hands-on interdisciplinary research experiences for students at the Bodega Marine Laboratory, Tahoe Environmental Research Center, Natural Reserve System and Institute for Transportation Studies. 
• The Arboretum and Public Garden achieved its best fundraising year yet of $4.4 million, led by an anonymous $3 million estate gift to support Learning by Leading™, a student program that has grown into a nationally recognized model for leadership development through experiential learning and mentorship. In 2024, Learning by Leading™ received the Program Excellence Award from the American Public Gardens Association.  

All gifts, small or large, played an important role for the university this year. UC Davis’ ninth annual Give Day, which took place April 11-12, 2025, set a new record of more than $4.5 million from over 4,100 donations online and in person. Gifts supported everything from Athletics, student scholarships and emergency funds to cutting-edge research and immersive learning opportunities.