Did you know that 21,777 donors contributed to the For Alaska philanthropic campaign

For Alaska Campaign graphic with title Together, Shaping Tomorrow For Alaska

Did you know that 21,777 donors—individuals, businesses, and foundations—contributed to the For Alaska philanthropic campaign, strengthening student experiences and the Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s mission of teaching, research, and public service? There is a powerful collective story in the eight-year campaign - the largest philanthropic campaign in the history of the state of Alaska. 

By the Numbers:
  • 465 new funds: Established to support scholarships, internships, fellowships, research awards, and academic programs.
  • 191 new endowed funds: Created to provide lasting support for students and programs.
Transformational Impact:
  • Expanding Access: The campaign increased access to education through scholarships and resources, empowering students across the Â鶹´«Ã½ Anchorage, Â鶹´«Ã½ Fairbanks and Â鶹´«Ã½ Southeast.
  • Boosting Workforce Readiness: Philanthropy highlighted Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s career pathways, bolstering Alaska’s workforce in high-demand fields like nursing, construction management, fisheries and mining.
  • Advancing Research: Generous donations funded world-class research addressing challenges in Alaska and beyond, driving innovation in science and technology.
  • Diversifying the Economy: Donor support strengthened Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s role as an incubator for leaders and innovators, paving the way for Alaska’s future businesses and industries.
Designated Giving, Targeted Impact

Each gift made through the For Alaska Campaign was guided by the donor’s specific intent. Gifts were directed to scholarships, programs and initiatives chosen by the donors, addressing unique priorities and reflecting each donor’s personal connection to the university and amplifying their intended impact.

Â鶹´«Ã½ President Pat Pitney described the campaign as "a powerful collective story of generosity," emphasizing the unique ties between each donor and the university.

The powerful collective resulted in $277 million raised over eight years, supporting education, workforce, research and the economy across Alaska.

Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation Board of Directors Chair Meg Nordale echoed this sentiment: "Philanthropy uplifts and supports students, increasing the quality of education and experiences provided at Â鶹´«Ã½."

Together, these contributions are shaping Alaska’s future. The Â鶹´«Ã½ Foundation Board of Directors recently held a reception and dinner in Anchorage to celebrate the campaign with donors, alumni, friends and university leadership. The success of the For Alaska campaign is an achievement made only possible through community, collaboration and commitment. 

Speaker at the For Alaska Campaign Closeout Celebration
Two people stand in front of a display featuring stories from the For Alaska campaign
A crowd of people seated at tables celebrate the closing of the For Alaska campaign

Learn more about the campaign’s stories of generosity and impact at.