The Colorado Mesa University Foundation announced another record-breaking fundraising year, growing the endowment value to $83,703,985. Through events, fundraising challenges, planned giving and new endowments, $25,833,824 was raised during the institution’s Century Celebration. This level of generosity directly reflects the commitment of CMU’s donors, alumni and community.
After earning a Candid Gold Seal of Transparency earlier this year, the CMU Foundation continues to honor intent by ensuring 100% of every gift goes directly to the students, programs, scholarships or projects that the donor designates. Fiscal year 2025-2026 built momentum — 5,602 donors gave and 18 new endowments established. These funds will directly support CMU students and CMU’s mission to make higher education radically affordable.
Notably, the community, donors and alumni rallied behind the Century Scholarship. The Century Scholarship, originally known as the Mesa Scholarship Initiative, was founded in 2017 with the goal of funding local student education for generations to come. At the start of fiscal year 2025-2026, the scholarship had reached $7 million; throughout the year, donors helped reach the fundraising goal of $10 million.
“Across Colorado, about 70% of high school graduates go on to attend some form of higher education. Mesa County still lags far behind this figure, with about 48% of students continuing their education,” said CMU Foundation CEO and CMU SVP of Development Robin Brown. “It is especially remarkable to see the impact our donors have on local students. By reaching $10 million raised for the Century Scholarship, Mesa County students have a chance to pursue an education that they never thought possible.”
The momentum seen in fiscal year 2025-2026 fuels the CMU Foundation’s current fundraising goal: $27 million in fiscal year 2027. Turn generosity into opportunity by discovering ways to give at SupportingCMU.org.
Learn more about the CMU Foundation’s fiscal year 2025-2026 results and donor spotlight stories: Read the Annual Donor Impact Report