Oglethorpe University Impact Report
2025-2026
Thank you for your generous support in Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026). Your investment in Oglethorpe affirms our shared commitment to academic excellence and to developing thoughtful leaders prepared to make an impact in their communities and beyond.
Overall giving
Giving breakdown by states
Oglethorpe Giving Day 2026
The Annual Funds at Oglethorpe
Building on a strong tradition of philanthropy and momentum across campus, support from alumni, families and friends continues to move Oglethorpe University forward. Annual giving plays a critical role in enriching the student experience, delivering impact today through current-use support while building a stronger foundation for generations to come.
In fiscal year 2026, donors contributed $1,014,316 to the Oglethorpe Annual Funds, demonstrating support for the university’s greatest needs. These resources provide immediate impact, enabling Oglethorpe to strengthen programs, support students and invest in priorities that advance the university’s mission.
The Oglethorpe Fund
Annual unrestricted gifts to Oglethorpe sustain the heart of our institution and enrich the student experience every day. By providing essential, flexible funding where it is needed most, these investments help students access transformative opportunities, develop leadership skills, and gain the confidence to thrive after graduation.
“College has been an impactful time for me, and it would not have been possible without your generous hearts. I hope in the future I can give back to students to help them through college as well!”
- OU Giving Day 2026 sets new standard for philanthropic impact
- First cohort of President's Leadership Fellows emerges prepared to make an impact
- Theatre management course gives students experience running arts non profit
- Liberal Arts and Sciences Symposium celebrates student research, curiosity and creativity
Housing Support Fund
The Housing Support Fund helps make on-campus living accessible to students regardless of financial circumstances. By supporting residential life, donors help students build community, engage more fully in campus opportunities and benefit from the resources that contribute to academic and personal success.
“The housing scholarship has allowed me to be fully present at Oglethorpe University and take advantage of opportunities to learn, lead, and serve my community.”
When students have the opportunity to live on campus, they can fully embrace all that the Oglethorpe experience has to offer, both inside and outside the classroom. Read more about how students are making the most of their time on campus.
Scholarship Support Fund
99% of Oglethorpe students receive need-based or merit-based financial aid to make their education dreams a reality. The Scholarship Support Fund helps ensure that talented students can pursue an Oglethorpe education regardless of financial need. Donor support reduces financial barriers, expands access, and empowers students to focus on learning, growth, and achievement.
“Thank you so much for the financial assistance. This made it possible for me to take part in many opportunities on this campus I otherwise couldn’t have taken advantage of.”
Thanks to the generosity of scholarship donors, students can focus on their academic and extracurricular pursuits while making the most of their Oglethorpe experience. Read more about the opportunities they are embracing on campus and beyond.
- Oglethorpe student immerses herself in studies, explores London abroad at Oxford University
- Studio Art student completes internship at the Carter Center
- Senior Business major mentors Atlanta high school students, grows leadership skills
- First-year students make an impact with food drive service project
Academic Support Fund
The Academic Support Fund creates opportunities for faculty-led research, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. These investments help students develop critical skills, deepen their knowledge and prepare for graduate study, meaningful careers, and leadership roles. Thanks to donor support, 11 students conducted faculty-mentored research in the lab this summer, gaining valuable experience that strengthens their academic and professional futures.
“I have a really good foundation because of Oglethorpe. I know when I go to graduate school that I’m going to be doing good because I’ve learned how to do so much here.”
Athletics' Greatest Needs
Gifts to Oglethorpe athletics support student-athletes by providing resources that enhance both athletic and academic success. Oglethorpe student-athletes earn higher GPAs on average than the overall student body, proving they work just as hard in the classroom as they do in competition. This commitment to excellence was reflected in the Southern Athletic Association’s record-breaking 2026 Winter and Spring Academic Honor Roll, where 100 Stormy Petrels were recognized for their academic achievements. Donor support helps foster teamwork, leadership, achievement and personal growth for more than 300 student-athletes each year.
“Being a student-athlete at Oglethorpe has enhanced my college experience in countless ways. While Oglethorpe fosters a strong sense of community across campus, athletics has provided me with an additional network of teammates, mentors, and friends who make me feel connected and engaged. Through athletics, I’ve also built relationships with former student-athletes in the dual-degree program at Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State, whose guidance and shared experiences have been valuable to my academic growth”
- [Watch] Keimarya Rivera '26 writes letter of gratitude to head coach Jasen Jonus
- Record breaking SAA academic honor roll for spring 2026
- Men's soccer earns 2025-26 national academic award
- 2026 Petey Awards recap
- Oglethorpe to take on leadership roles within the Southern Athletic Association conference
Campus Beautification Fund
Oglethorpe’s 100-acre campus provides students with a unique environment where historic architecture, welcoming green spaces and modern facilities come together to create an exceptional place to live and learn. The Campus Beautification Fund helps preserve and enhance Oglethorpe’s historic campus, grounds and facilities. Donor support ensures a welcoming, inspiring environment where students, faculty, staff and visitors can learn, connect and thrive.
“Oglethorpe’s beautiful outdoor spaces help me relax, connect with friends, and recharge. Whether I’m spending time with friends between classes or going for a run and enjoying the campus architecture, these spaces help me de-stress and feel at home on campus.”
Student Retention Fund
The Student Retention Fund provides critical assistance to students facing unexpected financial challenges. By helping remove barriers that could derail their education, donors empower students to persist and stay on track for graduation. This support reflects Oglethorpe’s commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Thanks to the generosity of the Oglethorpe community, more than 30 students received assistance this year, helping them remain enrolled and continue pursuing their academic goals.
“As a recipient of assistance from the Student Retention Fund, I can personally attest to its impact. That support helped me stay on track toward graduation. It wasn’t just financial—it was a lifeline. It gave me the chance to continue pursuing my dreams and reminded me that there are organizations and individuals who truly care about students and their future.”