Iowa State announced on Monday, Aug. 3, that its athletic department generated a record-breaking $52.7 million in gifts for fiscal year 2026, surpassing the previous mark of $41.7 million set back in 2020.
In total, there were 26,707 donations to Iowa State athletics across 7,814 fans last year, including 48 gifts of $100,000 or more, according to an announcement by athletic director Jamie Pollard.
“We are grateful for the generosity of Cyclone fans everywhere who stepped forward during the past year in support of our student-athletes, coaches and staff,” stated Pollard, who recently completed his final full year as athletic director before retiring in June 2027 or once a successor has been hired. “Iowa State fans are incredibly loyal to our athletics program and their contributions allow us to provide the best possible academic and athletic experience for our student-athletes who proudly wear the cardinal and gold.
“This record would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our development and ticket office staffs, who provide outstanding customer service to our loyal fans on a daily basis. Annual giving to the Cyclone Club and season ticket purchases are the backbone of our department’s annual budget. It is critical that we continue to grow these resources in the future to ensure that our programs enjoy sustained academic and athletic excellence in future years.”
Within the $52.7 million raised, there was a record $21.1 million in annual funds through the Cyclone Club. It broke the previous record of $19.7 million raised by the Cyclone Club set in fiscal year 2025.
“Iowa State’s donors are second to none, and they have shown time and again that they are always willing to step up and support Cyclone athletics, and they took it to another level this year,” said Iowa State senior associate athletics director Ryan McGuire in a statement. “This record is a credit to Jamie (Pollard) and our head coaches and their efforts to engage with our donors, along with our outstanding fundraising team with Athletics and the ISU Foundation. To produce a record year like this takes a total team effort.”
Eugene Rapay covers Iowa State athletics for the Des Moines Register. Contact Eugene at erapay@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @erapay5.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State athletics announces record-breaking $52.7M fundraising year
Reporting by Eugene Rapay, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Eugene Rapay, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
