Georgia State University reported a record fundraising total of $136.2 million for the fiscal year ending June 30, surpassing its previous high of $107.7 million set in 2022. The increase was attributed to support from individual donors, corporate and foundation partners, and highlighted by an $80 million gift from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation.
The university also recorded new highs in direct student support, raising $22.8 million compared to last year’s $18 million. Scholarship awards increased by 14 percent to reach $10.7 million.
“Georgia State University made history this year, and I’m grateful for our generous corporate and foundation partners, alumni, supporters and friends who helped us accomplish this milestone. With their generosity, they demonstrated their commitment to the university’s BluePrint to 2033 strategic plan — and backed our belief that Panther potential is a great investment,” said M. Brian Blake, president of Georgia State University. “Their gifts champion the breakthroughs and discoveries we make as a world-class research institution, elevate our nationally recognized student success efforts, strengthen career readiness and opportunity for all Panthers and help create a campus experience like no other.”
The significant contribution from the Woodruff Foundation will fund nine major projects on Georgia State’s downtown Atlanta campus. These include expanding the Greenway, improving building facades, and renovating walkways around Woodruff Park as part of a larger effort to reshape the campus environment.
In January 2025, construction began on a new 155,000-square-foot Research Tower that is expected to be completed in 2026. The facility will provide updated laboratories, flexible research spaces, and modern teaching environments across nine stories.
Renovations were also completed at the historic Southern Bell Telephone Company Buildings at 25-27 Auburn Ave., now home to the Student Success Center funded mainly through philanthropy. This center serves as a hub for student services and houses the National Institute for Student Success.
On April 2-3 during Georgia State Day—the university’s annual giving event—over $1 million was raised for the first time with nearly 2,000 donors contributing more than 2,300 gifts.
“We’re inspired by and grateful for the commitment of our donors and their record-breaking efforts to uplift our students,” said Cheryl Harrelson, vice president for University Advancement and president of the Georgia State University Foundation. “Donor support directly impacts students by contributing to innovative programs, easing students’ financial burdens and ensuring that every Panther is positioned for success after graduation. Donors show GSU students that their dreams and ambitions are worth investing in.”
Further information about supporting Georgia State programs can be found at https://giving.gsu.edu/.
