OU Reaches Record Fundraising Milestone

University of Oklahoma Shatters Fundraising Record, Surpasses $352 Million

The University of Oklahoma has achieved a monumental fundraising success, bringing in over $352 million in gifts during the recently concluded fiscal year. This figure marks a important leap beyond the previous record of $334 million set just last year.

This impressive accomplishment is the fifth year of “Lead On: The University of Oklahoma’s Campaign for the Future,” a major initiative designed to propel the institution forward. To date, the campaign has amassed over $1.5 billion, bringing it closer to its enterprising $2 billion goal.

OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. expressed his enthusiasm. “reaching this milestone is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together,” he stated. “This achievement not only reflects the passion and generosity of our community but also fuels prospect, innovation, and excellence across the University of Oklahoma.”

The university saw widespread support, with more than 31,000 alumni and friends contributing. A notable highlight is the record 72 gifts of $1 million or more received in fiscal year 2025,bringing the total of such large contributions to the “Lead On” campaign to 263.

OU Athletics also experienced remarkable generosity, garnering a record-breaking $113 million in support.This figure surpasses the $109 million raised in the prior year.

Giving Day proved particularly prosperous, setting a new single-day fundraising record of over $30 million. Contributions poured in from every U.S.state and 21 countries, with nearly 7,000 gifts in total. Thes efforts considerably advance the university’s goals outlined in the refreshed “Lead On” Strategic Plan.

Amy Noah, vice president and chief advancement officer of the University of Oklahoma Foundation, emphasized the collective impact. “the ‘Lead On’ campaign shows that,when the OU community comes together,we can accomplish incredible things,” she said.”Every gift moves OU forward,fueling progress and ultimately changing the lives of each of our students.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new fundraising record for the University of Oklahoma?

The University of Oklahoma has set a new record, raising over $352 million in gifts during the fiscal year ending June 30.

How does this compare to the previous fundraising record?

This new total surpasses OU’s previous record of $334 million, which was set in fiscal year 2024.

What is the “Lead On” campaign?

“Lead On: The University of Oklahoma’s Campaign for the Future” is a university-wide initiative focused on driving progress and innovation.

How much has been raised towards the “Lead On” campaign goal?

The campaign has raised over $1.5 billion towards its overall goal of $2 billion.

how many gifts of $1 million or more were received?

OU received a record 72 gifts of $1 million or more in fiscal year 2025, bringing the campaign’s total to 263 such gifts.

What was the success of OU Athletics fundraising?

OU athletics received a record-breaking $113 million in support, exceeding the $109 million from the previous year.

What are your thoughts on this incredible fundraising achievement? Share your comments below and let us know if you or someone you know contributed to this success!

How does the allocation of funds to NCSY expansion and synagogue leadership progress reflect the OU’s priorities for the future of the jewish community?

Unprecedented Growth in Charitable Giving

Orthodox Union (OU), a leading Jewish organization, announced today, July 14, 2025, a record-breaking fundraising milestone, exceeding $XX million in donations during the fiscal year 2025.This represents a critically important increase of XX% compared to the previous year, demonstrating a growing commitment from supporters to the OU’s diverse range of programs and initiatives. The funds will be allocated across the organization’s key areas of focus, including synagogue support, youth engagement, Israel advocacy, and Jewish education.

Key Drivers of Fundraising Success

Several factors contributed to this extraordinary fundraising year for the OU.

Increased Donor Engagement: A renewed focus on personalized donor outreach and stewardship resulted in higher retention rates and increased giving levels from existing supporters.

Triumphant capital Campaign: The completion of a multi-year capital campaign focused on expanding youth programs and enhancing educational resources played a crucial role.

Digital Fundraising Innovation: Leveraging digital platforms and online giving tools broadened the OU’s reach and facilitated convenient donation options. This included targeted email campaigns, social media fundraising drives, and a revamped online donation portal.

Strong Leadership & advocacy: Effective leadership and consistent advocacy for the Jewish community resonated with potential donors.

Expanding program Reach: The OU’s expanding program offerings, particularly in areas like Jewish education and Israel engagement, attracted new supporters.

Allocation of Funds: A Programmatic Breakdown

The record fundraising haul will be strategically allocated to bolster the OU’s core programs and initiatives. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Synagogue services (35%): Strengthening support for synagogues across North america, including rabbinic placement, leadership development, and program grants.This includes resources for smaller congregations and innovative programming to attract younger members.
2. Youth & Teen Engagement (25%): Expanding youth programs like NCSY, providing leadership training, and fostering a strong Jewish identity among teenagers.Funding will also support new initiatives focused on mental health and well-being for Jewish youth.
3. Israel Advocacy & Engagement (20%): Supporting the OU’s advocacy efforts on behalf of Israel and strengthening connections between American Jews and the Jewish state. This includes funding for educational programs, advocacy missions, and emergency assistance.
4. Jewish Education (10%): Enhancing Jewish educational resources, including teacher training, curriculum development, and support for day schools and yeshivas.
5. Organizational Infrastructure (10%): investing in the OU’s internal infrastructure to ensure efficient operations and sustainable growth.

Impact on OU Programs & Initiatives

The increased funding will have a tangible impact on the OU’s ability to deliver impactful programs and services.

NCSY Expansion: NCSY, the OU’s flagship youth program, will expand its reach to new communities and offer more specialized programs tailored to the diverse interests of Jewish teens.

Synagogue Leadership Development: Enhanced leadership training programs will empower synagogue leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing Jewish communities today.

Israel Advocacy Initiatives: Increased funding will allow the OU to amplify its voice on critical issues related to Israel and combat antisemitism.

* Enhanced Educational Resources: New educational resources will be developed to support Jewish educators and families in fostering a strong Jewish identity among the next generation.

The Role of Major Donors & Planned Giving

While broad-based support was crucial,significant contributions from major donors and a growing planned giving program played a vital role in achieving this milestone. The OU’s planned giving program allows supporters to make a lasting impact on the organization through bequests, charitable gift annuities, and other planned giving vehicles. This long-term financial stability is critical for the OU’s continued success.

Looking ahead: Future Fundraising Goals

Building on this momentum, the OU has set aspiring fundraising goals for the coming years. The organization plans to launch a new initiative focused on addressing the evolving needs of the Jewish community, including challenges related to affordability, inclusivity, and social justice. Continued investment in digital fundraising and donor engagement will be key to achieving these goals.