University of Alabama Donors Exceed $1.8 Billion Giving Campaign Goal

The University of Alabama is celebrating the achievement of a still-ongoing capital campaign designed to raise $1.8 billion to better the future of the Capstone.

UA introduced the Rising Tide campaign in 2021 and sought to raise $1.5 billion in gifts meant to fund scholarships, capital projects and much more.

When philanthropic donors blew through the target last year, UA said it would set its sights higher and attempted to raise another $300 million via the Rising Tide 2.0 campaign, with a new total goal of $1.8 billion.

On Tuesday, UA announced it has exceeded even that larger target 15 months ahead of their schedule to raise this money before the end of the next fiscal year.

Get our free mobile app

"Hitting the $1.8 billion goal for the Rising Tide 2.0 campaign with over a year to spare speaks to the generosity and commitment of our alumni, friends and partners," said Dr. Stuart R. Bell, who will complete his tenure in mid-July after 10 years as the University’s 29th president. "This milestone shows the power of a community united by a common purpose: to invest in the future of our students, faculty and campus. I’m grateful to every donor who’s helping build on the legacy of The University of Alabama as a place where opportunities grow and students reach their highest potential."

UA said the funds raised so far came from 182,000 different donors, including more than 106,000 who were giving for the first time.

More than $261 million came last fiscal year alone, blowing away a record set the year before.

Using Rising Tide funds, Alabama has endowed more than 70 faculty positions and supported major construction projects including the Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center and the Smith Family Center for the Performing Arts.

“UA supporters continue to rise to the occasion,” UA’s Vice President for Advancement Bob Pierce said. “The passion and confidence our alumni and donors have in The University of Alabama and in the Rising Tide is truly impressive, as is evident by their generosity. Dr. Bell has obviously been a key driver of this fundraising success, and his leadership will be missed during the final 14 months of the campaign. We expect to continue this momentum, however, through September 2026 to further elevate the University and benefit our deserving students.”  

The growth comes as Alabama also celebrates record enrollment, surpassing 40,000 students this year, as well as a wide variety of academic achievements.

For more coverage of news from West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.