Alumni, parents, foundations, and friends committed a record-setting $43.6 million in support of Franklin & Marshall College’s students, faculty, programs, and endowment during the 2026 fiscal year, which concluded on June 30.

The extraordinary display of generosity eclipses the previous record by nearly $12.5 million, a 40% increase, dating back to the College’s 2016 fiscal year. This year’s philanthropy includes nine commitments of $1 million or more and 52 commitments of $100,000 or more. In addition to many multi-year commitments, F&M received more than $24 million in direct contributions during the 12-month period. Those gifts include more than $11.5 million for the College’s endowment.

Donors gave $4.8 million for the Franklin & Marshall Fund, the College’s annual fund and a critical resource for immediate priorities. That effort includes more than $1 million for the Diplomat Athletic Club to support the College’s 28 varsity teams and intramural sports and represents that program’s most successful fundraising year to date.

“I am extraordinarily grateful to the thousands of individuals who helped the College achieve this record-breaking milestone,” said President Andrew Rich. “Franklin & Marshall is the best we’ve ever been, and this year we’ve seen our alumni, parents, and friends affirm their belief in our momentum and the exciting future in front of us. F&M is a community with ambition and unparalleled potential, and I am excited to partner with everyone in our community to achieve new heights.”

Donor generosity spanned every aspect of academic and campus life, including: 

• A transformational gift for athletics and student life
• New endowed professorships and director positions
• Gifts for new leadership and performance initiatives
• Student excellence, financial aid, and athletic scholarships
• Grants to support hands-on learning and resident artists
• Programs to support career development
• Funding for restoration of historic performance spaces
• Support for F&M’s vibrant and welcoming campus community
  

“Franklin & Marshall is a college that prepares our graduates for lives of leadership and impact,” said Vice President for Advancement Jim Dicker. “That is a promise that can only be kept with the generosity of donors who wish to see our students, our faculty, and an F&M education thrive today and for generations to come. I speak for our entire campus community when I express my sincere thanks to all who have chosen to make investments in our college and our students.”