A record 7,256 donors supported the University of Central Arkansas with nearly $11 million in gifts to the UCA Foundation in fiscal year 2025. This was the eighth consecutive year that the university has surpassed its fundraising goal and raised more than $10 million.
The number of donors was a 4% increase over fiscal year 2022 when a record 6,969 donors gave during the UCA NOW Campaign. This year was the first full fiscal year since the campaign concluded.
“It is exciting to see a record number of donors making gifts that help the UCA Foundation fund the university’s margin of excellence. These are the needs and opportunities that are not funded by the state of Arkansas or any other resource, but which make a difference in the quality and impact of UCA,” said Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Mary Bane Lackie.
Gifts to the UCA Foundation have enabled the university to launch and support transformational programs such as UCA Commitment, the university’s debt-free degree pathway; the UCA Aviation Academy, which is opening a hangar with classroom space this fall; and the renovation of Burdick Hall, which is being repurposed with innovative learning spaces for programs like interior design and geography.
“Private giving empowers the University of Central Arkansas to pursue bold ideas and respond to opportunities that set us apart,” said UCA President Houston Davis. “These investments help us elevate academic excellence, expand access for students, and ensure that UCA continues to lead in innovation and impact across Arkansas and beyond.”
The largest gift recorded this fiscal year was a $2.25 million estate gift that will support both athletic and academic initiatives. Legacy gifts to the university reached $3.3 million this year, reflecting a growing trend among donors to create lasting impact with a future-focused commitment that costs nothing today but will benefit Bears for years to come.
Another record in fiscal year 2025 came during UCA’s 11th Annual Day of Giving, where more than $1.5 million was raised during the 24-hour event from 2,518 donors.
Additionally, UCA received generous support from 765 members of the prestigious President’s Society, the leadership annual giving society.
Finally, the UCA Alumni Association boasted a record high of 1,603 annual members, combined with 1,091 life members for a total 2,694 members.
