GREENVILLE, S.C. – Fueled by record-setting donor participation, Furman Athletics generated more than $13 million during the 2025-26 fiscal year, surpassing the $10 million mark for the fifth time in the last six years under the Furman Athletics Fund.

The historic year was driven by a record 3,909 total donors, including a milestone 1,006 first-time contributors. The $13.09 million total marks the highest single-year fundraising tally in Furman Athletics history without a large-scale capital project. 

"This milestone reflects far more than another record-breaking fundraising year," said Jason Donnelly, Furman's Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "It is a testament to an extraordinary community that believes in the mission of Furman Athletics and the transformational experience our student-athletes receive. We are deeply grateful to every donor whose generosity, trust, and partnership continue to create opportunities for our students while making sustained excellence possible. On behalf of our coaches, staff, and nearly 400 student-athletes, thank you for believing in Furman Athletics and helping build a championship culture that will benefit future generations of Paladins."

Since the Furman Athletics Fund launched in 2021, the donor-focused giving model has transformed philanthropic support for Paladin student-athletes by allowing donors to invest directly in the programs and initiatives they care about most. During the last six fiscal years, Furman Athletics has secured more than $75.8 million in commitments—an increase of more than 150 percent compared to the previous six-year fundraising period under the former Paladin Club model.

That growth has also been fueled by the expansion of the Furman Athletics donor base. During the past six years, more than 4,100 first-time donors have made gifts to Furman Athletics, representing a 43 percent increase over the previous six-year period. Increased engagement with alumni, parents, fans, and the Greenville community has helped create one of the strongest donor pipelines in department history.

A significant part of making this year such a historic one for the Furman Athletics Fund was the record success of Furman Athletics during this year's annual Dins Day. With the support of a record 2,141 unique donors Furman Athletics raised a record total of $616,381, during Dins Day 2026. Furman Athletics represented 67 percent of the donor participation and nearly 50 percent of the dollars raised for the university during this year's annual Dins Day campaign. Additionally, Furman Athletics' individual programs claimed all of the top six and eight of the top ten in donor participation, sweeping all of this year's university-sponsored challenges for Dins Day 2026. 

The Furman Athletics Fund directly supports the championship aspirations of the university's 19 varsity programs, equipping student-athletes for sustained success both in competition and in the classroom. Philanthropic support to the Furman Athletics Fund goes directly towards supporting the areas of greatest need across all of Furman Athletics, those being: sport-specific giving to support an individual program's operating budget, athletic scholarships & endowments, the strategic excellence fund, best-in-class facilities & capital projects, and the paladin scholarship fund.

As the new athletic year begins, supporters can get involved in three easy ways:

• Get out to a game: Fall sports kick off in just a few weeks—come cheer on our Paladins and be loud!
• Renew or join: Consider renewing your annual commitment or making your first gift to the FAF today.
• Pass it on: Encourage a colleague, friend, or family member to step up and join the Paladin family!

Furman Athletics remains deeply grateful to everyone whose generosity fuels championship competition while providing a world-class student-athlete experience.

To support Furman student-athletes or learn more about the Furman Athletics Fund, please visit FurmanPaladins.com.

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