University of New Hampshire Athletics
UNH Athletics Sets Fundraising Record; Surpasses $8.75 Million in Fiscal Year 2025
9/3/2025 5:00:00 PM | Athletics Development
$5M Estate Gift Fuels Historic Momentum as Department Triples Donor Support Over the Last Three Years
DURHAM, N.H. — The University of New Hampshire Department of Athletics is proud to announce its most successful fundraising year in history, securing an unprecedented $8.75 million in gifts during fiscal year 2025 (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025). This milestone marks the third consecutive year UNH Athletics has surpassed $6 million in donor support, bringing the three-year total to $22.5 million—more than triple the amount generated in the previous three-year period. As the department celebrates this momentum, it also recognizes that continued philanthropic support is essential to sustaining progress and meeting the growing needs of student-athletes.
"This is a momentous achievement for UNH Athletics and a testament to the unwavering support of our alumni, donors, families and friends," said Allison Rich, UNH Director of Athletics. "We are deeply grateful for the generosity that continues to elevate our programs and empower our student-athletes to succeed on and off the field. To maintain this trajectory, we must continue to grow our community of supporters and invest in the future of Wildcat Athletics."
Leading this historic year was a transformational $5 million estate commitment, the largest gift in UNH Athletics history, from an anonymous longtime supporter. This visionary investment will have a significant impact on the UNH men's hockey program through scholarship and program funding. The legacy gift sets a new standard for private giving and exemplifies the impact of philanthropic leadership.
"The generosity behind this gift will have a lasting impact on Wildcat Hockey and serves as a powerful example of how individuals can elevate the future of our programs and help us develop Wildcats for Life," Rich added.
Over 5,000 donors contributed to record-setting results in FY25. UNH Athletics fundraising achievements include:
•$8.75 million raised — a single-year record for UNH Athletics.
•$2.3 million in current-use funding — a 51% increase over FY24, providing immediate impact for student-athletes and programs.
•$2 million directed to capital projects, enhancing facilities and infrastructure across campus.
•$4.3 million committed to athletic endowments — a new record that strengthens long-term sustainability
•$1 million raised during the 603 Challenge — another record-setting achievement for UNH Athletics in the university-wide giving initiative.
•$148,394 contributed to the Wildcat Athletics Fund — a 77% increase from FY24, supporting the department's greatest needs.
As UNH Athletics celebrates this historic momentum, the department also emphasizes that continued donor and alumni support is more critical than ever. With rising costs, intensifying competition, and the evolving needs of student-athletes, philanthropic investment remains essential to sustaining and advancing Wildcat Athletics.
"We are proud of what we've accomplished, but our work is not done," said Rich. "To compete at the highest level and provide transformative experiences for our student-athletes, we need every member of our community—alumni, fans, families and friends—to stand with us. Each gift helps fuel our mission and strengthen the future of Wildcat Athletics."
This fall, UNH Athletics will launch the third annual Wildcats For Life campaign, offering donors a powerful opportunity to join this momentum by contributing critical unrestricted funds that support all UNH student-athletes across every varsity program.
To learn more about supporting UNH Athletics, visit unhwildcats.com/development.
About UNH Athletics
UNH Athletics is committed to providing an outstanding student-athlete experience and fostering NCAA Division I teams that are a source of pride for the University community, the State of New Hampshire, and UNH alumni across the globe. UNH Athletics creates and sustains a culture of Competitive Excellence, Leadership and Service, Engagement, Academic Success, and Respect, Integrity, and Inclusion. UNH Athletics is dedicated to supporting an environment in which student-athletes can thrive competing for conference and national championships, pursuing their academic, athletic, and personal goals, and becoming Wildcats for Life.