Golden State Today

The University of California, Davis, has concluded its most successful fundraising campaign to date. The multi-year effort, titled "Expect Greater: From UC Davis, for the World," raised over $2.25 billion to support various initiatives including student aid, health research and care, sustainability, and innovation.

Donations have enabled first-generation students to pursue their goals, funded significant research across multiple disciplines, and expanded resources that enhance the university's academic culture.

“Expect Greater has proven that when we come together, our community can achieve extraordinary things,” said Shaun B. Keister, vice chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations. “Its success demonstrates the profound trust our donors place in us to educate, innovate and lead. We are immensely grateful for their support and partnership.”

From July 2016 through June 2024, more than 133,000 donors worldwide contributed $2,255,625,098 through over 448,000 gifts and pledges. These contributions aim to address global challenges and build a better future for California and beyond.

UC Davis surpassed its $2 billion goal ten months ahead of schedule in August 2023. This achievement is notable given that the campaign launched publicly in 2020 during a global pandemic.

Of the total funds raised, $822 million was allocated towards research addressing critical issues such as food security, health equity, and climate change. Other significant allocations include:

- $469 million for department and faculty support.

- $323 million for student support.

- $267 million for construction and renovation projects at UC Davis and UC Davis Health in Sacramento.

More than 93% of donations were $1,000 or less with a median gift amount of $25. This highlights the collective power of community support in driving meaningful change.

“We are deeply grateful to all who have given so generously throughout this campaign,” said Chancellor Gary S. May. “On behalf of our students, faculty and the entire UC Davis community, thank you for believing in our mission and strengthening our impact at home and around the world.”

Among notable contributions were an eleven-year-old’s $20 gift to the Bodega Marine Laboratory and Ernest E. Tschannen’s $38.5 million commitment to vision science.

Lynda and Stewart Resnick were top individual donors with a contribution of $50 million to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

UC Davis Foundation Chair Deborah J. Neff expressed gratitude towards volunteers who played a crucial role in the campaign's success.

“We owe our deepest thanks to our incredible volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to support this campaign,” Neff said. “Their leadership and dedication have truly made a difference for UC Davis.”

In its final year (fiscal year 2023-24), UC Davis raised over $290 million — approximately $55 million more than its annual fundraising goal — making it one of the best fundraising years in university history.

Significant gifts included:

- Over $20 million from Maria Manetti Shrem

- An estate gift of $8 million from Victor and Phela Vesci

- A record-setting Give Day raising $4.1 million from more than 4,700 donors

For more information about the Expect Greater campaign visit giving.ucdavis.edu.

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