(UPDATED, 1:23 p.m., with more details about university scholarships.)
After a big one-year surge in support, Boise State University’s fundraising has topped the $100 million plateau for the first time.
The Boise State University Foundation reported $102 million in fundraising in 2024-25 — setting a new record, and for the fourth successive year.
By contrast, Boise State collected $61.3 million in 2023-24, which means the university’s fundraising bottom line has increased by 66% in just one year.
“(This) is more than just record-breaking – it’s record-smashing,” said Bruce Mohr, executive chair of the foundation’s board of trustees. “The Boise State story resonates with so many individuals, families and communities. This generosity will be felt for generations to come.”
A single record-setting contribution accounted for much of last year’s increase. Allen and Billie Dee Noble of Boise contributed $25 million to the Bronco football program in October, the largest one-time gift in university history.
The fundraising increase also appeared to support an uptick in scholarships, which can cover some or all of a student’s expenses.
The number of students receiving a university scholarship from the foundation increased by 10%, Boise State said in its news release.
Final scholarship numbers for 2024-25 won’t be available until around September, foundation spokeswoman Kelci Lucier told EdNews Monday, partly because the university manages a variety of scholarships.
Nearly 4,500 students applied for scholarships in 2024-25, Lucier said.
Meanwhile, the record fundraising year puts Boise State on the threshold of an ambitious goal. The university hopes to wrap up its $500 million “Unbridled” philanthropic campaign by 2028. It now has raised more than $453 million toward that goal.
Here’s how the Unbridled donations break down, according to a Boise State news release:
- Athletics support: more than $186.4 million.
- Student support: more than $111.5 million.
- Faculty support: more than $70.3 million.
- Other support: more than $84.4 million.
The Unbridled campaign has three fundraising goals: student access and success, academic innovation and athletics.
