UCLA raises $746 million in philanthropy to support students, research and healthcare

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) received $746 million in philanthropic donations during the 2025–26 academic year, with funding supporting student scholarships, research, industry partnerships and healthcare initiatives across the university.

The university received 67,096 gifts during the fiscal year, with contributions coming from all 50 US states and 65 countries. While UCLA secured 19 individual gifts of $5 million or more, 93% of donations were below $10,000, highlighting the breadth of its donor base.

The fundraising figures were released during Chancellor Julio Frenk’s first full academic year at UCLA, as the university develops his “One UCLA” vision, which places emphasis on collaboration across education, research and public service.

“This reflects confidence in our mission, trust in our institution and a shared commitment to the future we are building,” Frenk said.

Student support and scholarships

Student financial support remained a major focus of philanthropic giving.

Donors established 122 new scholarships and fellowships during the year, including a $4.2 million bequest from the estate of Gertrude Pomish, a former public school teacher. The gift will expand the existing Gertrude T. Pomish Scholarship Fund, increasing both the number of recipients and the value of individual awards.

UCLA also reported that its annual Bruin Giving Day campaign in April attracted more than 3,400 donors and raised more than $2.6 million.

Research and industry partnerships

Research and faculty support accounted for 68% of UCLA’s fundraising during the fiscal year, with donations supporting programmes and research across the university.

One of the largest research-related initiatives was a $125 million Semiconductor Hub launched by the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering in partnership with major technology companies including Broadcom, Applied Materials, GlobalFoundries, Meta and Synopsys.

The initiative contributed to a 65% increase in corporate giving compared with the previous year, according to UCLA.

The university also received 13 gifts to establish new endowed faculty chairs. Among them was a $5 million gift from Kenneth C. Griffin to support research and initiatives in fusion science and engineering, while a $2 million gift established the Nancy and Leslie Abell Family Chair in Employment and Labor Law at UCLA School of Law.

The growing role of industry-supported research reflects a wider trend among research-intensive universities to develop partnerships with companies in strategically important fields, including semiconductors, advanced technologies and clean energy.

Major investments in healthcare

Healthcare and biomedical research were another major area of philanthropic support.

Laurie and Steven C. Gordon and their family foundation committed $20 million to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center to support renovations and expand critical and acute care capacity. The investment is expected to increase the number of beds for adults and children requiring such care by 23%.

A further $31 million commitment from Allen and Charlotte Ginsburg and their research foundation will support the David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA Research Park, with funding directed towards biomedical research, laboratory infrastructure and the development of future research leaders.

Mental health also emerged as a significant area of investment.

Stewart and Lynda Resnick donated $100 million to expand mental and behavioural health services at UCLA Health and support completion of the UCLA Resnick Mental Health Campus in Los Angeles. UCLA said the gift represents the largest single donation to mental healthcare in the history of UCLA Health.

The university also received a $33 million award from Ballmer Group to expand its work in youth mental health across Los Angeles. The funding will support academic and clinical training, increase the pipeline of mental health professionals and expand access to services.

The initiative brings together expertise from UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, David Geffen School of Medicine and UCLA College, where the funding has supported the establishment of a Youth Behavioral Health Chair.

“UCLA is grateful for the tremendous dedication and vision of our donors and volunteers,” said Rhea Turteltaub, UCLA’s vice chancellor for external affairs. “The mission-driven philanthropy in our community positions UCLA for an exciting and bold future.”

The scale and diversity of UCLA’s fundraising during 2025–26 underscore the growing role of philanthropy in supporting major university priorities, from student access and faculty development to research infrastructure, industry collaboration and healthcare delivery.